An autoethnographic review of disability in Iran

Abstract

This thesis is an autoethnographic examination of my understanding of disability and the disability community as a non-disabled person growing up in Iran. This understanding is in two phases: before enrolling in the Disability Studies program at the University of Manitoba and after completing my studies. It demonstrates how my perceptions of disability have evolved and critically examines all my disability-related experiences as a child, as a university student, and later as an art therapist and Disability Studies student. With this thesis, I hope to raise public awareness about the disability situation in Iran and initiate a socio-cultural shift in my country. Disability Studies enabled me to better understand disability issues and urged me to question everything I had previously believed. It assisted me in observing the barriers, challenges, and stigmatization that people with disabilities face daily that non-disabled people are unaware of. My overarching goal is to raise awareness of the challenges that the disability community faces so that we can move closer to removing all barriers and creating a barrier-free and inclusive society for all, especially in my home country, Iran.