Empowering low-income black families of handicapped children.
A qualitative study of four black, low-income, single mothers used in-depth interviews and participant observation to evaluate their interactions with outreach agency professionals. Three perceived aspects (disrespect, focus on deficits, and discounting parenting style differences) were associated with exclusionary (unempowering) relationships. A reciprocal and supportive approach was associated with collaborative (empowering) relationships. Implications of these findings for professionals serving minority families are discussed.
Kalyanpur
M
M
Division of Special Education and Rehabilitation, School of Education, Syracuse University, N.Y.
Rao
S S
SS
D000328:Adult; D000342:Affective Symptoms / Q000523:psychology; D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology*; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000523:psychology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003156:Community Mental Health Services; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000523:psychology*; D004519:Education, Special; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D007859:Learning Disabilities / Q000523:psychology; D008297:Male; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D011203:Poverty / Q000523:psychology*; D011209:Power, Psychological; D011368:Professional-Family Relations; D011632:Public Assistance; D015406:Single Parent / Q000523:psychology*