Ubuntu and African Disability Education: An Ethical Perspective From the Global South

Abstract

In this chapter, the researcher seeks to challenge the view that Western cultures are the ‘givers' and the ‘teachers' of disability education while African cultures are the ‘takers' and the ‘taught'. Firstly, the researcher argues that the displacement of African knowledge systems by colonialist hegemony has to be refuted to prepare the foundation of African disability education. Secondly, the study draws lessons from an African culture, particularly the Shona culture, by using selected proverbs to show how disabled persons are respected in communities, how they are given freedom for innovation, and how they are encouraged to participate in daily activities. Thirdly, the research provides responses to standard objections that are raised against the use of proverbs in drawing out philosophical arguments. Lastly, the researcher argues that disability ethical teachings that are enshrined in Shona cultural thought have the potential for global application.