An Unheard Voice: Korean American Parents' Expectations, Hopes, and Experiences concerning Their Adolescent Child's Future

Abstract

Although research has indicated that parent participation is considered to be one of the most important elements of transition planning, there are a few studies that have sought to measure the involvement of culturally and linguistically diverse parents. Asian Americans are the most diverse of America's leading minority groups and one of the most poorly understood ethnic minorities. We interviewed 10 Korean American parents to understand their perspectives regarding the transition experiences of their children with disabilities. Through this qualitative study, five themes emerged: Parental perceptions of disability, experiences with advocacy, expectations for future living, connections with Korean communities, and family-professional partnerships. Implications for practice among educators to enhance the involvement of Korean American parents in the development of long range plans that will affect the postschool outcomes of their children with disabilities will be discussed.