Assignment Problem: Before perpetuating the personal tragedy theory of people with disabilities, does the client see their difference in ability as a barrier or simply as a personal characteristic (France et al., 2021)? How does it impact their life? Overall, what are the unique needs and experiences of the client?
While recognizing that a culturally competent counsellor requires the knowledge of how oppression and discrimination may affect the client, even when we reject stereotypes, our predictive brains are likely to demonstrate a response bias supporting stereotypical association. How, then, do we straddle being informed while maintaining the cultural humility of not knowing (France et al)? How can we remain open to a client's authentic cultural identities and intersectionality as a unique individual?