JOÃO PEDRO

A LEAP BEYOND STIGMATIZATION

Abstract

This study establishes a dialogue between the autobiography of João Pedro, a musician with a disability, and the historical-critical theory, aiming to understand and address attitudinal barriers and their social impacts. Three interviews conducted between December 2021 and June 2022 were recorded, transcribed, and validated by the participant. Based on these narratives, we identified connections between the processes of appropriation and objectification and their role in João Pedro's personal and professional developments. Our results highlight the inadequacy of public policies and actions for recognition and social justice in breaking the cycle of stigmatization faced by people with disabilities. We conclude that a true rupture of this stigma requires a personalized approach, taking into account the particularities of each individual, including their processes of appropriation and objectification, emphasizing the need for a profound transformation in attitudes and social perceptions towards people with disabilities.