Rethinking Disability in Asia: Cultural Stigma and Policy Reform Efforts

By Jesus Rey

In many Asian countries, perceptions of intellectual and physical disabilities remain deeply rooted in cultural and societal norms. In Japan, Taiwan, China, and South Korea, disability is often viewed as an individual problem, placing the burden on disabled individuals and their families rather than recognizing a broader societal responsibility. This cultural frame limits the role of social services in fostering autonomy and dignity for people with disabilities.

In Taiwan, while some home and community-based social services exist, disabled individuals are still commonly perceived as helpless and dependent, often regarded as people who must beg for help [1]. In Thailand, Buddhism significantly influences views on disability, framing it because of karma — the result of actions in past or present lives. While this belief may elicit “sympathy and/or pity,” it also diminishes societal responsibility to uphold the rights of disabled people [1]. Similarly, in Vietnam, disability is often interpreted as a curse stemming from past sins. Assistance for disabled individuals is typically framed as charity, frequently offered by religious groups to bring “happiness to the unlucky.” Yet, stigma in both Thailand and Vietnam has impeded access to education, employment, and broader societal participation [1].

Legal reforms have emerged across Asia, with varying degrees of impact. Japan ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in 2014 and earlier enacted the Act for Eliminating Discrimination against Disabled People in 2013, which came into effect in 2016. A 2019 government survey showed that 95% of respondents recognized the term “barrier-free,” indicating growing public awareness [1].

Taiwan, though not a UN member, has voluntarily aligned its policies with Article 4 of the CRPD since 2014, following grassroots advocacy and campaigns led by non-profits. However, the Taiwanese government has misapplied the term “accessibility,” narrowing it to physical infrastructure rather than adopting the broader CRPD definition, which includes access to services, education, and equal treatment [1].

In Thailand, the 2013 amendment to the “Empowerment of Disabled People Act” aimed to increase welfare benefits and legal protections. Yet despite these reforms, disabled people still face significant inequality in rights and access [1]. In Vietnam, rapid industrialization has pushed marginalized populations, including disabled people many of whom are war survivors—further into poverty. The lack of a robust disability rights movement has hindered the translation of legal reforms into real-world improvements [1].

Cultural beliefs such as viewing disability as divine punishment have perpetuated discrimination and reinforced stigma. In many societies, people with disabilities face higher rates of unemployment and underemployment due to lack of accommodation, insufficient education and training opportunities, and persistent misconceptions about their capabilities [2].

While numerous Asian countries have ratified international agreements like the CRPD, the implementation of disability rights often falls short due to bureaucratic inefficiencies, limited funding, and weak enforcement mechanisms [2]. Public unawareness further impedes progress, as citizens do not exert enough pressure on governments to prioritize inclusive policies or to empower people with disabilities through advocacy [2].

Efforts by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have begun to shift the narrative by linking disability inclusion with successful economic development. The 2021–2025 Road Map emphasizes inclusive education and infrastructure. In countries like Bangladesh, Mongolia, and Vietnam, the ADB supports educational access for young people with disabilities. Notably, Mongolia is implementing its first disability-focused loan project [2].

These initiatives align with Article 9 of the CRPD, which asserts that people with disabilities must have equal access to transportation, facilities, information, and public services. Japan has also increased its mandatory employment quota for disabled people in private businesses—from 2.3% to 2.5% and plans to raise it further to 2.7% by 2026. Companies that fail to meet these benchmarks face financial penalties [2]. India, too, has made strides in disability rights. However, 69% of its disabled population lives in rural areas, where shifting societal perceptions remains challenging due to entrenched cultural attitudes [2].

Despite these challenges, several countries particularly those with stronger economies like Japan, South Korea, and Singapore have developed frameworks to ensure better education, employment opportunities, and reasonable accommodations. Singapore, for instance, integrates children with disabilities into mainstream education with specialized support services such as occupational and speech therapy [3].

However, rural regions continue to suffer from a lack of inclusive schools, curriculum adjustments, and trained educators. These gaps perpetuate poverty and social isolation among children with disabilities [3]. Encouragingly, recent years have witnessed growing advocacy from disabled individuals and allies across Asia. Social media campaigns, public awareness events, and state-backed initiatives have played important roles in amplifying their voices and advancing rights [3].

Sources 

[1] Chou, Y., Uwano, T., Chen, B., Sarai, K., Nguyen, L. D., Chou, C., Mongkolsawadi, S., & Nguyen, T. T. (2023). Assessing disability rights in four Asian countries: The perspectives of disabled people on physical, attitudinal and cultural barriers. Political Geography, 108, 103027. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polgeo.2023.103027

[2] DiversityGlobal. (n.d.). The journey toward disability inclusion in Asia. https://diversityglobal.com/web/Article.aspx?id=The-Journey-Toward-Disability-Inclusion-in-Asia-5084

[3] Admin. (2025, May 26). Exploring Disability Inclusivity in Asia: Challenges & Opportunities ahead. KNOW-THE-ADA. https://know-the-ada.com/the-state-of-disability-inclusivity-in-asian-countries/#google_vignette