Case Study on Disclosing Children's Disabilities: Perspectives From First-Generation Immigrant Korean Mothers

• In Event: Reimagining Education: Centering Family Perspectives and Experiences

Abstract

Concerning disability culture within the Korean immigrant community, discomfort, stigma, and discrimination are the prevailing, especially for people with disabilities, resulting in Korean immigrant mothers feel hesitant to disclose their child's disabilities. This study aims to examine first-generation immigrant Korean mothers' perceptions and experiences of disclosing their children's disabilities. The qualitative case study method, utilizing semi-structured interviews, was employed. A total of 11 Korean American mothers participated via Zoom. Mothers have changed their perception of disability by internalizing Westernized values on disability after they immigrated to America. The stigma (i.e., labeling, negative stereotype, and wrong conceptualization) makes mothers reluctant to disclose their children's disabilities. The lack of resources and limited access to services prevent mothers from disclosing a child's disabilities.

Author

• HyeYoung Kim, University of California - Los Angeles