The Chagga Concepts of Disability and their Implications on People with Disabilities

This study investigates and analyses the concept of disability among the Chagga community, a group that lives near the slopes of Kilimanjaro Mountain in the northern part of Tanzania. This work examines the beliefs, rituals, initiation ceremonies and other practices by the Chagga people that involve harming, degrading and excluding people with disabilities. According to the findings, these practices enforce inhuman behaviour towards people with disabilities. This present study offers suggestions for the Chagga community to renew their understanding of human beings and transform their exclusive com- munity to an inclusive one.
People in the Chagga community must understand that people are equal and that every individual is worthy and unique. Churches, mosques, government, and non-governmental organisations should act as tools for liberation.