Tsitsi Chataika is the editor of this handbook and also a senior lecturer in inclusive education in the Department of Educational Foundations, University of Zimbabwe. She is an ardent supporter of disability rights. Chataika’s research interests allow her to understand how disability intersects with education, gender, religion, childhood studies, poverty, policy, development and postcolonial theory. Her goal is to promote inclusive sustainable development, hence influencing policy and practice. She conducts disability awareness and mainstreaming workshops in various African countries. Chataika has presented at various national and international platforms and she has also published widely in her areas of research interests.
'This much needed expansive text pulls in perspectives from activists, researchers, academics, lawyers and practitioners from health, the arts and education in order to centralise disability concerns in Southern Africa. While this book marks a significant turn - from the Global North to the Global South in disability studies - its important contributions will be felt across many national spaces when readers take seriously the sophisticated and unashamedly politicised analyses presented throughout the text. A significant, original and rigorous collection of work' - Dan Goodley, Professor of Disability Studies and Education, the University of Sheffield 'The contributors present a wide range of perspectives: disabled people, disability activists, academics, not-for profits. Many are from the region (mainly Zimbabwe, South Africa and Zambia but Botswana, Malawi, Tanzania, Swaziland, Lesotho are also represented), but there are also global perspectives from USA, Finland and Norway, making this a truly international collection with an African focus. This essential book establishes a context for disability studies in southern Africa and will be of use to academics, practitioners and activists in the region who are concerned with disability inclusive development' - Associate Professor Judith McKenzie, Division of Disability Studies, University of Cape Town 'This is a landmark contribution to Disability Studies in Southern Africa. Drawing upon experts and advocates from throughout the region, this well-edited volume provides breadth and depth to understanding an important range of political, socio-economic and psychological concerns of people living with disabilities, their families and their communities. This book should be on the shelf of anyone working on disability in Southern Africa - but just as importantly - with 15% of the world's population now living with a disability, this volume should be read and shared by all who work on international development, global public health and social justice issues throughout the region.' Nora Ellen Groce, PhD, Leonard Cheshire Research Centre, University College London