Multiculturalism and disability: a critical perspective

In an effort to counter discrimination and powerlessness, the disability, c ommunity, has espoused sociopolitical and cultural factors as defining char acteristics of disability identity. This view of disability, has replaced t he historical medical model of disability as a deficit, and has had importa nt implications for social action, political agendas, legislation and overa ll quality of life for individuals with disabilities. This article reviews current multicultural thinking, and offers a critical view of the advantage s and disadvantages of positioning disability within the emergent multicult ural discourse. Implications for future thinking and action to promote equa l opportunity and self-determination for persons with disabilities as a cul tural group with a political agenda are then advanced.