Experiences of Exclusion and Demands for Inclusion of People with Disabilities in Chile

This study emerges in Chile within the framework of an academic and political debate on inclusion, focused mainly on quantitative studies. Little is known about how the population and social groups give meaning to the experience of inclusion and exclusion from their subjectivity and sociocultural contexts. Adopting a phenomenological and social representation approach, the research explores the perspectives of thirty individuals with disabilities across eleven cities in the Valparaíso Region. Unveiling their narratives, the study identifies employment, participation, and recognition of identity as pivotal to inclusion. Yet, predominant themes center around exclusion, stemming from perceived limited healthcare access, discrimination, job instability, state neglect, and universal accessibility deficits. Findings underscore a persistent charitable view of disability, perpetuating inequality across various dimensions. This study illuminates the nuanced meanings and experiences shaping social inclusion and exclusion in the region, contributing valuable insights to its broader discourse.