Cultural Diversity

Cultural diversity refers to the differences among individuals based on their personal experiences and attributes.

A person's culture may include their race, ethnicity, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, nationality, language, religion, political affiliation, and socioeconomic background. Additionally, cultural norms may be influenced by these differences, such as peer and social group interactions and family or community values.

Often, cultural and linguistic diversities are mentioned together (CLD). While cultural diversity may often include linguistic diversity, the two terms are not interchangeable.

Special educators must be culturally responsive to all students, especially those students with disabilities whose culture may influence their educational decisions and outcomes.

Related Blogs

Behavior Today Newsletter 39(4)

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DEBH
If you’re like me, and particularly if your professional life revolves around schooling in any form or capacity, you look forward to summertime each year. You do this with the undying hope it brings a break from at least some traditional duties, a more relaxed pace, and time to catch up on some professional and personal tasks you just didn’t have time for during the school year but promised to catch up on once summer arrived and things slowed down. And, if you’re like me, you probably cringed or even laughed out loud before you finished reading the previous sentence.
Publish Date: 
September 02, 2022

Statement of Support for Indigenous Peoples

DADD
DADD acknowledges there are disproportionate challenges for Indigenous individuals with disabilities and we have a responsibility to better support them. We express solidarity with Indigenous Peoples...
Publish Date: 
January 25, 2022

Alysha DeCrescenzo

Alysha DeCrescenzo
Alysha DeCrescenzo has a dual certification in elementary and special education grades 1 through 6 and just completed her Master’s degree in Urban Multi-Cultural Special Education at Rhode Island College. And most recently completed her English as a Second Language certification. She is a critical shortage gem!
Publish Date: 
August 26, 2021

"Wake Up Everybody": Time to Think Ahead

image of a coffee cup that says "black lives matter at schools" next to a laptop on top of a desk
As teachers, we are often very resistant to trouble. I mean...PBIS, right? But sometimes, you have to—as the beloved John Lewis often said and reminded us before he became ancestor—get in ‘good trouble’.
Publish Date: 
February 25, 2021

CAP Proposes Public Education Opportunity Grants

The Center for American Progress (CAP) released a report this week that proposes a new federal grant program, the Public Education Opportunity Grants, to make public education more equitable.
Publish Date: 
October 09, 2020

House of Representatives Passes Bill to Support Desegregating Schools

diverse young students walking to school
On Tuesday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Strength in Diversity Act (H.R. 2639), a bill designed to foster the development, implementation, and evaluation of comprehensive initiatives that increase racial and economic diversity in schools.
Publish Date: 
September 18, 2020

Related Topics

Disproportionality
Diversity in the Field
English Language Learners
Linguistic Diversity

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