Navigating the Cultural Landscape towards Self-Determination: Results of an Exploratory Study in American Samoa
Main Article Content
Keywords
culture, self-determination, perceptions, research flexibility
Abstract
The American Samoa University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, Education, Research, and Service (AS-UCEDD) with the University of Hawaii Center on Disability Studies, conducted an exploratory study to better understand how state agencies deliver services, and how disability is perceived by agency staff and consumers in American Samoa. While it initially was envisioned as a needs-sensing study that used surveys and targeted database reviews to systematically capture client needs, the study transformed to a largely qualitative preliminary investigation that was dependent on personal interviews. Findings revealed how contextual, linguistic, and cultural factors play a hugely important role when researching western-based ideals and concepts within indigenous communities.
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Denise L. Uehara, Assistant Professor, Center on Disability Studies, University of Hawaii at Manoa
Denise L. Uehara, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Center on Disability Studies at the University of Hawaii-Manoa. She has led several studies that focused on education and culture in Pacific Island nations.
Tafa Tua-Tupuola, American Samoa UCEDD Coordinator
Tafa Tua-Tupuola, American Samoa UCEDD Coordinator, holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Developmental Disabilities and Deaf Education. She represents a broad range of disciplines through work and field experiences particular to the implementation of the full inclusion of individuals with disabilities in all aspects of society.