Building Bridges, Challenging Stigmas: Social Imaginaries of Disability in a Rural Setting Construyendo Puentes, Desafiando Estigmas: Imaginarios Sociales frente a la discapacidad en un ambiente rural

Abstract

This article presents an analysis of the social imaginaries of disability in a rural community in Cundinamarca, Colombia. The research explores the attitudes and beliefs that perpetuate stigma, exclusion and infantilization of people with disabilities. It aims to determine the influence of these imaginaries on the inclusion of people with disabilities in rural contexts. For the methodology, a mixed approach was used through 58 surveys to adults without disabilities in the community, complemented with a qualitative analysis in Atlas.ti. Among the results, the findings reflect the persistence of enabling and overprotection models that limit the autonomy and participation of people with disabilities. It stands out that 60% of the respondents with direct contact with people with disabilities exhibit paternalistic attitudes. In conclusion, it highlights the urgent need for policies that overcome traditional imaginaries and promote inclusive, respectful and equitable environments, especially in rural areas, where attitudinal and social barriers continue to be a significant limiting factor for full inclusion.