The integration of disabled people into everyday life is necessary to raise self-esteem and to counter stereotypes and attitudes which are often pre-conceived notions of 'the handicapped'.

Officials also aim to counter negative stereotypes about firefighters and the fire service.

One strategy, she said, can be as simple as putting up posters or computer screen savers with images that counter stereotypes - such as pictures of female government leaders.

Given the common view of knitting as work associated with middle- and lower-class women - typically older women - the groups hope that this representation will help to counter stereotypes.

The quarterly magazine Bidoun: Arts and Culture from the Middle East has been countering stereotypes of Arabs with its witty, lucid articles since 2004.

Their work, they say, is partly designed to counter stereotypes about Arabs and Muslims.

The group aimed to counter negative stereotypes of men in the region and to install a sense of responsibility in men towards their children and society.

Besides providing a support system for the babies, the foster grandparents' program tends to counter stereotypes of older people, said Marcia Vogel, the director.

In contrast, Cholenec stressed her virginity, perhaps to counter stereotypes of promiscuous Indian women.