Abstract:

In contemporary society may seem anachronistic to deal with the prejudice issue, however, analyzing in detail the reality we live in, it is possible to understand its extreme relevance. Despite the high level of legislative progress, despite the recognition of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the new classification system developed by the World Health Organization (International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health), even today, the term "disability" is considered as a form of categorization concerning a physical or psychic condition: the emphasis is therefore placed on the concept of "diversity" rather than on the concept of “person”, which is essential to give meaning to the reality and complexity of human existence. Gordon Allport definition of prejudice, displayed in his book entitled The Nature of Prejudice can be useful to figure out the nature of the phenomenon. According to the author prejudice is defined as “aversive or hostile attitude toward a person who belongs to a group, simply because he belongs to that group, and is therefore presumed to have the objectionable qualities ascribed to that group.” Contributions of diverse pedagogical, psychological, anthropological, philosophical, and economic disciplines compared to the definition of this phenomenon are multiple and are certainly essential to try to explain the complexity and the mechanisms that underlie it. In order to prevent such phenomena, it is important to define the dynamics that can lead to a distortion in the interaction with the other and educational methodologies and educational strategies need to focus on developing an inclusive mentality both within teachers and among students, overcoming the mere transmission of knowledge concerning the issue of "diversity”. To remove prejudices and stereotypes related to the concept of diversity, it is necessary to place the "person" at the heart of the relationship in its deepest meaning. The aim of this article is to account, in terms of theory and practice, targeted intervention actions and enforce the inclusion of people with disabilities trough the breaking of prejudices.

Keywords:

Disability, inclusion, prejudice, special educational needs, special pedagogy.