The Implications Of Culture On Developmental Delay

2 Pages 438 Words

The Implications of Culture on Developmental Delay

As a teacher, I feel it is necessary for me to try to understand to the best of my ability the culture(s) of my students and their families. It is only within that context can one begin to discuss developmental delay and/or disability. Despite teaching for over a year, I do not feel I am fully cognizant of the individual nuances of the different cultures of my students. I also personally do not feel comfortable with labeling students (or people, for that matter) nor do I feel it necessary or even helpful to attach labels; what is most important is to identify specific areas where remediation is can be both helpful and provided.
As the article points out, disability is a social and cultural construct. What I view as a disability may be viewed as a spiritual phenomenon or only temporary. Unless I am able to recognize my own assumptions when speaking with parents as well as the culture of my student, I may, in fact, be viewed as the irrational person. I must develop a cultural self-awareness to facilitate conversations with parents about their child and identify the family’s goals, priorities and visions for their child. However, I do not think it necessary to attach labels; what is important are the specific implications and symptoms and remediation of those needs to the extent that allow them to flourish in the world without negating their own cultures.
I believe it is necessary to identify the cultural values when discussing my interpretation of a student’s of a student’s difficulties or in the recommendation for service. I should find out, to the extent possible whether the family members value my assumptions and, if not, how their views differ from mine. For example, I may feel it is necessary for a child to learn how to learn new information independently while individuality and independence may not be highly valued in the family’s culture. As the Dunn and Dun...