The purpose of the current study is to analyze the coverage and portrayal of issues about peo
ple with disabilities in the textbooks of elementary students as well as to discuss trends, proble
matic issues and suggestions for future textbooks. The results of the analysis are as follow.
First, it showed that only 66 out of 13,930 pages(0.47%) depicted people with disabilities the
textbooks of elementary school and was increasing trend over grade.
Second, considering numerous types of disabilities, portrayals of people with disabilities in th
e textbooks was focusing only the physical disabilities, visual impairment, and hearing impairment which are easier to visualize and express. Other disabilities rarely depicted.
Third, topics of human rights, social conflicts and information of people with disabilities were
included in the textbooks. But it seems to be difficult for elementary students to understand thos
e themes. For having them be understood, teacher have to explain them carefully.
Forth, it was still depicted that people with disabilities are persons who may need general peo
ple\'s assistance and charity. On the other hand, it also showed people with disabilities who can work and play independently. This means that positive portrayals such as independence of people with disabilities were included in textbooks.
In conclusion, implications and limitations of this study were discussed. Additionally, suggesti
ons for future research were included.