● Attitudes from multicultural communities about invisible disabilities
What is a multicultural community:
“Multicultural societies are characterized by people of different races, ethnicities, and nationalities living together in the same community In multicultural communities, people retain, pass down, celebrate, and share their unique cultural ways of life, languages, art, traditions, and behaviors.”
Multicultural societies are made up by people of different races, ethnicities, and nationalities, whom usually live together in the same community “In multicultural communities, people retain, pass down, celebrate, and share their unique cultural ways of life, languages, art, traditions, and behaviors.”
Reference to
https://wwwpopulismstudies org/Vocabulary/multiculturalism/#:~:text=Multicultura l%20societies%20are%20characterized%20by,art%2C%20traditions%2C%20an d%20behaviors.
Why is this important:
“ Multiculturalism encourages the integration of various cultures and the mutual exchange of ideas and viewpoints Sharing ideas can lead to new opportunities, innovations and more productive working relationships ”
Reference
https://wwwgetimpactlycom/post/multiculturalism-benefit#:~:text=Multiculturalism %20encourages%20the%20integration%20of,and%20more%20productive%20w orking%20relationships.
The downside of this is - However, due to the similarities and or disparity between different communities and cultures. This leads to different reactions upon communities about disability - and in particular in this particular case, hidden or invisible disabilities It is reported that:
According to research - within the chinese community, having a child with a disability is considered having “bad luck” The social stigma around disability is huge and is somehow linked with wrongdoings of the past, bad omen and a reflection on a parents “incompetency”.
https://files eric ed gov/fulltext/EJ921178 pdf
From personal experience hearing and working with members of the chinese community (conversations about inv disability) in australia, when certain invisible disabilities are mentioned or hinted towards their children- this is deemed offensive and something that would be brushed off or ignored Diagnosis that aren’t seen as stereotypical behaviours for certain disabilities or that it isnt visible- lead parents to try to hide certain aspects of their child and deny any “problems” the child may have. This can be detrimental in childrens mental health and wellbeing as we know having a diagnosis is key to actually receiving the
proper support and treatment for invisible disabilities. This may also help the child dispel feelings of shame for being “different” as well as better parents and people around them (whether it be carers of friends) understanding for certain behaviours. This then leads to increase in individual agency and willingness to access supports if there are any challenges that arise as well as the ability to “celebrate” certain aspects about themselves
(no link since this is my own writing)
Other cultures according to the disability royal comission concludes:
“When people migrate to Australia, they usually bring with them their socio-cultural beliefs and practices. Sometimes, those beliefs and practices may act as a barrier for them, where they do not readily adapt to life in Australia. In some diverse cultures, disability is perceived negatively, or as a punishment for the person’s sins or the family actions in their previous lives. Culturally appropriate practice and expectations could see people with disability being hidden away from extended family, neighbours, and friends. In some cultures, parents and grandparents would disown children with disability and exclude them from their life, and from inheritance. Often, disability and mental health issues have a perception of shame for the person and their family There is a significant stigma around disability and mental health, which can be the primary cause of discrimination and exclusion for people with disability In some cultures, people with disability can be perceived as a gift from God. Families, carers and the general community become overprotective of the person with disability, and do everything for them, believing they may be punished or rewarded in their next life for their good or inadequate treatment of people with disability.”
https://pwd.org.au/the-experiences-and-perspectives-of-people-with-disability-from-cultu rally-and-linguistically-diverse-backgrounds-joint-submission-to-the-disability-royal-com mission-by-pwda-neda-and-fecca/
So on one hand there is underprotection, shame and abandonment- and the other side of it is overprotection. These 2 extremes can be extremely polarising and have detrimental effects for the individual who has disability.
Underprotection, shame and abandonment causes individuals who have invisible disabilities to develop an unehalthy view on themselves as well as put them at risk of abuse, mental health issues and exploitation in the future.
Overprotection can cause the individual with disability to feel like they can’t make adequate choices in their life causing frustration and negative view of themselves.
“Lowered expectations and overprotection of the individual with a disability can cause self esteem issues which can result in a life time of underachievement and failure to reach their full potential. Overprotection and minimal expectation from people with disabilities are forms of discrimination. Internalization of discrimination causes the person with a disability to believe that they are less capable than a person without a disability. Parents and care providers of children with disabilities may overprotect the child to shield them from harm; however this can actually cause more damage. Successful parenting skills are required to help children and adolescents develop a positive self concept and high self esteem. Guidelines have been developed to assist parents, educators and other professionals regarding the effects of overprotection and lowered expectations.”
Cultures that celebrate disability, seeing them as a gift from god (because of whatever religion they may or may not practice) is one step into the right track. The next step is to increase individual agency and provide them with the right supports and environments to succeed. I believe there needs to be a balance between giving people with disabilities choices and freedoms as well as the protection they need from harm. This doesn’t mean locking them away at home or not giving them a home to be in (some extreme examples) but creating systems and the right education and supports so that people with disabilities can make better informed choices and contribute to society as well as take a step closer to reaching their own want for independence and individual agency
● Call to action (swap with bell)
● Education on challenging biases, assumptions about invisible disabilities
● Direct people to resources to understand this issue better https://www.nursenextdoor.com.au/blog/what-you-need-to-kn ow-about-invisible-disabilities/
● (way to measure is by asking community about intersectionality)
- Challenging attitudes, Teaching not tell
- Support the hidden disabilities sunflower program, buy a sunflower today!