Exceptionality Education International

Abstract

Thi s research utilized a blend of quantitative and qualitative research designs to explore the perceptions held by early interventionists regarding family-centred care, cultural diversity, and cultural sensitivity. The Executive Directors (N = 11) of early intervention programs in Nova Scotia completed the Cultural Diversity in Early Intervention Survey. Early intervention professionals (N = 10) employed in two urban programs were interviewed. Participants were asked to discuss their interpretations of family-centred care and cultural sensitivity, and to highlight any associated areas of challenge. Results demonstrated that for the most part, participants had excellent conceptual understandings of early intervention and family-centred care. Their descriptions of cultural sensitivity were less well de-fine d. Thi s is likely due to the fact that no participants had received training specific t o cultural sensitivity and were unsupported by necessary resources, such as translators. ISSN 1918-5227 Pages 33- 49