Multiculturalism and Disability

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The word multiculturalism has become a buzz word lately gaining wide recognition in most fields, yet how the term has been interpreted varies greatly. Multiculturalism is often understood as simply the study and understanding of a variety of ethnic groups with the belief that by studying their different characteristics and traits we (the dominant culture) will be better able to work together with these differences (Suzuki, 1984).

Many, however, believe that taking a multicultural perspective means going beyond this sole focus and looking at the other social forces that shape our lives (Banks & McGee Banks, 1989; Gollnick & Chinn, 1990; Goodenough, 1987). In this view, …