Abstract
This article presents a discussion of the need for early interventionists to develop awareness of certain cultural assumptions underlying their practice. A wide range of literature on cultural differences is used to identify five areas of potential dissonance between professionals and families from culturally diverse backgrounds: interpretations of the meaning of disability; concepts of family structure and identity; goals of education; parent-child interaction, and communication style. It is argued that awareness of ones own cultural beliefs in these areas is an essential first step in developing effective collaboration with culturally different families.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 333-350 |
Number of pages | 18 |
Journal | Topics in Early Childhood Special Education |
Volume | 12 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Oct 1992 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Education
- Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health