1. Cross-Cultural Competence
Cultural Competence for Hearing Parents of Deaf Children Roger Williams
Roger Williams
Cross-Cultural Competence
A Look at Bicultural Relationships

2. Dimensions of the issue
Cultural Competence for Hearing Parents of Deaf Children Roger Williams
Dimensions of the issue
5% of all marriages are bi-cultural
% of all Asian and Hispanic marriages are bi- cultural
2.4% all people multiracial
90% of Deaf children have hearing parents
90% of Deaf adults marry other Deaf adults

3. Cultural Competence for Hearing Parents of Deaf Children Roger Williams
Changing over time

4. Partners must be able to communicate effectively with each other.
Cultural Competence for Hearing Parents of Deaf Children Roger Williams
 Process of Adjustment
Each partner must be aware of their own respective culture, the values, attitudes, mores and behavior patterns that form the background of daily existence.
Both partners must be willing to reveal elements of their culture and also their relationship with and feelings about that culture.
Both partners must be willing to listen to the other with an open mind and a recognition that cultural differences exist.
Partners must be able to communicate effectively with each other.
A continuing discussion must take place in which the partners must agree on an alternative which meets their needs at that time.

5. Cultural Competence for Hearing Parents of Deaf Children Roger Williams
Adjustment Patterns
One way adjustment:
One partner adopts the cultural pattern of the other.
Alternative adjustment:
At times one cultural pattern is consciously chosen, at times the other.
Simultaneous adjustment:
Similar to an alternative adjustment, cultures are mutually respected and couples may use both cultural patterns for certain situations.
Mid-point compromise:
Partners mutually agree on a solution between their respective positions.
Mixing adjustment:
A combination that represents some of both cultures is consciously adopted.
Creative adjustment:
Partners decide to give up their respective cultures in favor of a new behavior pattern.

6. So what do you do now? Yourself Cultural Awareness Your Text here
Cultural Competence for Hearing Parents of Deaf Children Roger Williams
So what do you do now?
Yourself
Cultural
Awareness
Your Text here
Your Family
Multicultural
Planning
Survival
Skills
The Community

7. Do your homework Learn about other culture Know respectful behavior
Cultural Competence for Hearing Parents of Deaf Children Roger Williams
Do your homework
Learn about other culture
Know respectful behavior
Identify a cultural guide
Gain entrée into the community

8. Cultural Awareness Know your own cultural background
Cultural Competence for Hearing Parents of Deaf Children Roger Williams
Cultural Awareness
Know your own cultural background
Recognize your own stereotypes and biases
Gain knowledge of cultural history and heritage
Be aware of other’s perceptions
Recognize effects of -ism on the child/partner

9. Community Characteristics
Cultural Competence for Hearing Parents of Deaf Children Roger Williams
Community Characteristics
Social Support
Values
Community
Title
Language
Knowledge
The Arts
Customs

10. Develop a collaborative relationship
Cultural Competence for Hearing Parents of Deaf Children Roger Williams
Develop a collaborative relationship
Identify members of the community
Develop a relationship with community organizations

11. Multicultural Planning
Cultural Competence for Hearing Parents of Deaf Children Roger Williams
Multicultural Planning
Have regular contact with the minority community
Have books, magazines, artwork, dolls and toys that are like your child/partner
Make friends with adults and families that are multiracial/multiethnic
Seeks services and contacts that will support your child/partner

12. Controversy Biracial/bicultural adoptions and marriages
Cultural Competence for Hearing Parents of Deaf Children Roger Williams
Controversy
Biracial/bicultural adoptions and marriages
Misunderstandings
Assumptions
Social pressure
Societal reactions
Family response
NABSW position paper

13. Survival Skills Education children about realities of _____ism
Cultural Competence for Hearing Parents of Deaf Children Roger Williams
Survival Skills
Education children about realities of _____ism
Help child/partner develop strategies to cope with prejudice or _____ism
Help the child/partner develop a sense of pride
Seek help from adults in the minority community for guidance in how to cope with ____ism
Develop strategies to deal with insensitive questions and to discourage bias

14. Cultural Adjustment Patterns
Cultural Competence for Hearing Parents of Deaf Children Roger Williams
Cultural Adjustment Patterns
Deaf Culture
American Sign Language
Deaf Clubs/Organizations
Deaf Church
Children use ASL
TTY
Cultural view of Deafness
Support residential schools
Mixed Cultures
Simultaneous Communication
Deaf/Hearing Groups
Integrated Church w/Interpreters
Children use verbal-gestural with Deaf parent
Two Phone lines
Voice & TTY
Support day schools
Hearing Culture
Spoken English
Hearing Organizations
Hearing Church
Children use speech with both parents
Voice Telephone
Pathological view of Deafness
Support mainstreamed Schools