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Cross‐cultural working in community learning disabilities services: clinical issues, dilemmas and tensions
Author(s) -
Summers S. J.,
Jones J.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
journal of intellectual disability research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.941
H-Index - 104
eISSN - 1365-2788
pISSN - 0964-2633
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2788.2004.00601.x
Subject(s) - normalization (sociology) , learning disability , disadvantage , multiculturalism , mental health , ethnic group , psychology , cultural competence , face (sociological concept) , cultural diversity , public relations , sociology , pedagogy , psychiatry , political science , social science , anthropology , law
Background People with learning disabilities from minority ethnic communities face many layers of disadvantage. Providing services that are culturally appropriate and sensitive can be difficult. Method Through the use of clinical examples the issues, tensions and dilemmas raised for a community learning disabilities team in attempting to provide culturally sensitive services in an increasingly multicultural environment are discussed. Ways in which good practice can be more closely achieved are debated. Conclusions Conflicts between the principal service values of individuality, choice, promotion of mental health and normalization, whilst also respecting the beliefs and values of other religions and cultures, can raise tensions and dilemmas for learning disabilities services. The importance of sensitive and appropriate service configuration, sharing of good practice, and good staff training are emphasized.