2. Focuses on communication between nondisabled
persons and persons with disabilities as intercultural
communication.
Sites problems in communication that occur between
nondisabled and those with disabilities
Points out fallacies in previous research
3. To understand the verbal and nonverbal
communication that is unique to those with
disabilities and their cultural identity.
To view those with disabilities from a cultural
perspective and therefor shed new light on challenges
in communication.
4. Points out problems with previous research like:
People “playing” a disabled person
Research done about disabled persons not from them
Focused on how the disabled should help nondisabled
feel more comfortable
THIS RESEARCH
Conducted over 100 in-depth interviews with actual
disabled people to get their point of view. (talking with
them, not about them)
5. Those with disabilities consider themselves their own
culture
Most want to be treated normally
Redefining “disabilities” and “unfreezing” old attitudes
is a goal for both
A need for more research on specific disabilities
6. INTERPRETIVE WHY THIS METHOD
Describes behavior in a study based on culture
cultural group
Human behavior
interactions of cultural involved
group
Use of the interview and
observance process
7. “I knew there were disabled people “Even when a nondisabled person
around, but I never thought this tries to “say the right thing” and
would happen to me…If before this wants to communicate acceptance
happened I saw someone in a to the disabled person, his or her
wheelchair, I would have been nonverbal communication may
uncomfortable and not known what communicate rejection and
to say.” avoidance…”
I think this is significant because it Be aware of more than what you say, be
seems that most people act aware of what you don’t say.
inappropriately out of discomfort as
opposed to disliking someone.
8. New situations can be When nondisabled and
intimidating. For most, disabled people interact,
interacting with a whose responsibility do
disabled person is new. you think it is to make
Does anyone have any the other more
experience in this comfortable?
situation?
9. Braithwaite, D. & Braithwaite, C. (2009). "Which is My
Good Leg?" In L. A. Samovar, R. E. Porter, E. R.
McDaniel (Eds.), Intercultural communication: A
Reader (12th Ed.) (pp. 207-218). Boston: Wadsworth.
