Hmong perceptions of disability: Implications for vocational rehabilitation counselors
Author(s):
Tatman, Anthony W.
Format:
Journal article
Citation:
Journal Of Applied Rehabilitation Counseling, Volume 32, Issue 3 (2001). pp. 22-27.
Language:
English
Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to identify Hmong perceptions and attitudes toward people with disabilities that may affect vocational rehabilitation success. 19 Hmong participants (aged 17–42 yrs) residing in the Midwest were interviewed for this ethnographic research. Discussion derived from these interviews produced two naturally occurring categories of biological (genetics, illness, and injury) and traditional (sin and punishment) perspectives regarding attitudes toward causation of disability. The traditional perspective was found to influence all participants, regardless of acknowledgment in biological factors. Factors found to impact perceptions and attitudes included social status, family involvement, perceived causation, and ideations that negative treatment may be reciprocated down generational lines in the form of disability. Implications for vocational rehabilitation counselors are addressed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)