Article

This paper presents a model of disability disparities. Though the concept of
health disparities is discussed in the health care literature, there is no such
model that explicitly addresses disparities in the disability literature.
Therefore, this model begins to fill a void in the disability literature. Part of
the value of such a model is that it represents an attempt to address the
question of why cultural competency is important in the disability arena at this
point in the 21st century. The urgency in addressing cultural competency at this
time in history is supported by understanding the multiple accountability demands
on rehabilitation and disability providers these days, e.g., increasing
diversification of the United States population, that render providing effective
services to everyone a clear mandate. The author provides a working definition of
disability disparity. The disability disparity model is described in terms of its
five-domain continuum as well as its macro- and micro-level aspects that are
designed to both promote clarity of the concept for researchers and offer
practitioners ideas on how to explore the existence of disability disparities in
working with specific service recipients. Limitations and strengths of the model
are discussed along with suggested next steps in model validation.

Langue : ANGLAIS