Undesigning disability stigma: perspective of ontological design for de(/re)constructing disability through mapping

<p dir="ltr">Disability stigmas arise within social and cultural contexts where dominant power structures shape notions of ability and disability, leading to the legitimisation of discriminatory practices against individuals labelled as `disabled'. This study posits that disability stigmas can be understood as a design process influenced by various historical, cultural, and contextual factors. This opens the possibility to also undesign them. Through an ontological design perspective and novel mapping methodology, three studies were conducted to explore ways of reducing, inhibiting, and displacing disability stigmas by revealing and comprehending contradictions in current phenomena associated with disability. Study One employed discourse mapping of eight Disability-Design perspectives identified through meta-ethnography analysis to understand the complex interplay of design factors contributing to the formation of disability (stigmas), thus offering insights into the nexus of disability, stigma, and design. Study Two involved story mapping of a fictional narrative of Chidongo, a Malawian girl with disability, to examine how disability can be experienced by individuals within a specific cultural context. The findings from these studies informed the design and insights of Study Three, which proposed a process of undesigning through participatory mapping using a board game. This approach invites local participants to engage in re-mapping the disability-design research explored in the previous two studies. Ultimately, this PhD demonstrates that while disability is a complex concept, it can be mapped, understood, and ultimately undesigned to foster inclusion of diverse ways of being and living. This understanding provides valuable insights for envisioning both academic and practical avenues to tackle disability stigmas, highlighting the role and significance of design in addressing societal issues. Notably, it advances the application of ontological design by showcasing it within the novel domain of disability stigmas, while also introducing innovative mapping methodologies for projects that demand flexibility and responsiveness.</p>