Disability in the Chinese Culture

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References

Disability in the Chinese Culture

Elizabeth Argetsinger

Jon Boedges

Courtney Clawson

Tracy Strubberg

Kyri Viehman

Family Patterns

Disability: Defined

Perception

• Canfei: meaning handicap and useless
• Canji: meaning handicap and illness
• Disability viewed as punishment
• Guilt and shame
• "Skeleton in the closet"

Acculturation

• Overall adjustment is positive
• Transition not always smooth
• Range of acculturation correlates with acceptance of new ideas and challenges
• Help from outside of the family still typically seen as a last resort

Family is the base of Chinese society.

• Western culture adapted
• Elderly highly respected
• Young children are the focus of the family
• Male-dominated
• In-laws highly regarded

Life Cycle Transitions

• Marriage: rules enforced within family groups
• Funeral: 49 days between death and rebirth

Tips

• Welcoming environment
• Basic understanding
• Get to know the family
• Use resources to help
• Allow extra time
• Incorporate cultural lessons
• Ask for parental involvement

Tips and Resources

Difficulties

Resources for teachers

http://scholar.uwindsor.ca/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1246&context=etd

http://www.disabled-world.com/news/asia/china/disability-china.php

chinaimmersion.org

Lesson plans and projects

http://www.china-family-adventure.com/chinese-culture.html#.UvfbILRzoZM

http://www.pbs.org/teachers/thismonth/china/index1.html

http://www.childbook.com/Chinese-Teaching-Tips-s/213.htm

Chinese families have interdependent roles and are willing to sacrifice much for each other.

Solutions to the problem include:

• Visit temples or Taoist priest houses to seek clarification and wisdom
• Parents assume responsibility
• Rely on family instead of institutions
• Rehabilitation programs viewed as a last resort
• Value one-on-one attention
• Children expected to speak or use alternative communication right away
• Prefer Chinese or Asian professionals

Differences in School

Solutions

• Special education reform in China varies greatly from United States' reform
• Family fears not enough attention and child being made fun of

Communication

• Language barriers
• Multiple dialects
• Non-verbal expressions
• Appearance of contentment
• Different expectations