Responding to the challenges of disability: the pedagogy of empathy for an inclusive school

Abstract

The fear of difference fuels various forms of violence and discrimination, particularly affecting people with disabilities, one of the most stigmatized and often socially excluded conditions. The culture of hatred, amplified by digital media and a social model oriented towards homogeneity, manifests itself in forms of physical and symbolic violence against those perceived as "different". In this context, education has a crucial role in countering these dynamics, promoting a culture of otherness that recognizes and values diversity as a resource. Empathy proves to be a powerful educational tool for building authentic and respectful relationships, based on mutual understanding. Educating to empathy means going beyond simple tolerance, creating meaningful connections that facilitate the overcoming of stereotypes and prejudices. The contribution explores how empathic education can represent an effective response to the culture of hatred and a concrete step towards a more inclusive future.