Disability Through A Global Lens: Understanding Disability in Cultural Contexts
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Date
2014-05
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
The Ohio State University
Abstract
Multiculturalism is rapidly emerging as a critical component of disability studies and relevant disciplines. In order to adequately understand, devote resources to and support people with disabilities in our increasingly diverse world, cultural competence has become a pillar of care and treatment. As a result of the broad nature of disability, it is especially critical for us to learn about how this is defined, understood and managed by different people and societies.
My undergraduate honors thesis project in disability studies at The Ohio State University examines disability through a global lens by investigating cross-cultural perceptions, definitions and treatment of disability. Through conducting ethnographic case study fieldwork at centers for children with disabilities in Otavalo, Ecuador and Jerusalem, Israel, the research examines several factors that impact how people view disability. The methodologies of this research include naturalistic observations, informal interviews with teachers, therapists and specialists, and literature review.
Within each of these cultures, disability is constructed in unique ways based on a variety of factors. This thesis discusses three central components influencing definitions and treatment of children with disabilities:
• Access to resources (economic, educational, medical)
• Legal and educational structures
• Ethnicity and religion
While the generalization of these case studies is limited, this research represents the importance of understanding disability across cultural contexts. It serves as an example to educate others about the importance of understanding about disability through unique frameworks. In conclusion, this research emphasizes the importance of comparative disability as a global subject impacting diverse populations in distinct ways.
Description
1st Place Denman Undergraduate Research Forum Humanities
Keywords
Disability, Cross Cultural, Ecuador, Israel