Korean American parents of children with developmental disabilities reveal their experiences communicating with European American rehabilitation counsellors

Abstract

This study explored the consumer-reported communication patterns between rehabilitation professionals and ethnically diverse clients who are parents of children with developmental disabilities. Informants were Korean American mothers ( n = 10) of children with developmental disabilities ( n = 10) who were receiving services from a community rehabilitation agency. Interview data were collected and thematically analysed. The findings suggest that Korean American mothers were not likely to openly discuss possible options for their children with their rehabilitation counsellor. About 60% of participants stated that they worked with at least one counsellor whose communication they felt was ineffective. The findings of this study are congruent with the previous research findings that Koreans emphasize e harmonious relationships. Multicultural competences are important for counsellors with culturally and linguistically diverse clients.