Multiculturalism, Chronic Illness and Disability

An article that advocates convincingly that a better understanding of the unique combination of cultural roles, expectations, and conceptual frameworks about individuals with a disability or chronic illness, and how these social factors shape the decisions made for individuals with a disability by their families. The authors further purport that an individual's culture can help healthcare professionals anticipate and understand: (1) when, how, and why medical intervention is sought (i.e., cultural perception of a chronic illness/disability; (2) the amount of time, energy, and cooperation invested in planning future care and education (cultural expectation for survival)’ and (3) the amount of resources the family and community invests in the individual (the culturally-defined view of the productive potential of the individual). This article helps to further the field's understanding of how culture influences the treatment, services, and supports provided to individuals with a disability and their family. This resources can be used to supplement existing UCEDD curricula and training activities, but is not a stand-alone training resource.