Multicultural Aspects of Disabilities: A Guide to Understanding and Assisting Minorities in the Rehabilitation Process

The most diverse minority group and the largest minority group are persons with disabilities, yet they are not often thought of as either a minority group or a cultural group. The purpose of this book, therefore, is to discuss the need for rehabilitation helping professionals as well as other helping professionals to understand and consider cultural diversity as a factor in the rehabilitation helping process. The book is divided into two parts. Part One, Disabilities, sets the stage for understanding what disabilities are, the impact of having a disability, discrimination that persons with disabilities encounter, discrimination that persons encounter as a member of a racial and/or ethnic group, and the impact of dual discrimination of being a minority person with a disability. Part Two, Disability and Multiculturalism, takes a look at each of the major racial and/or ethnic groups (African American, Asian Pacific American, Hispanic/Latino American, Native American) as well as women and the elderly and the impact of having a disability. Additionally, ways of effectively helping persons with disabilities who are from a racial and/or ethnic minority background are presented. This excellent resource will serve as a primary or supplemental text for vocational rehabilitation training programs, social work programs, as well as other social service programs which train helping professionals.