A Biannual Journal

ABSTRACT. This paper argues that discussions of disability must include the same diversity in worldview as is reflected in the client population. Speaking from the perspective of Native American ontology and epistemology, the author argues that those who are considered by the dominant society as disabled might well find themselves subjugated and oppressed by that definition. The differences between a Native American worldview and that of the dominant culture is addressed. The case is made that if diversity in worldview and voice is not honored, disability-based oppression is replicated and reinforced. A person is subject to the cultural constructs of the dominant paradigm without regard for whether or not she is defined as being a member of the dominant culture within society. In the case of disability issues, the dominant European model has defined and controlled the social construction of qualifying terms. Individuals that identify with a non-European culture are then faced with navigating a complexity of oppression in order to gain support or treatment. They deal with the difficulties of cultural integration based on the dominant views of disability and also with the difficulties of having a foreign cultural construction of physical and mental “normalcy ” enforced. The individual is then forced into a position that may require the rejection of her culture, and definition of self, in order to comply with the dominan