An Exploration of the Self-Determination Construct and Disability as it Relates to the Diné (Navajo) Culture

Abstract

Recent literature in the field of transition studies emphasizes importance of creating self-determination supports to promote independence, autonomy, and quality of life in students with disabilities. Much of that literature, however, has not taken cultural and familial factors into consideration. A review of the Navajo family and disability literature indicates that most traditional and semi-traditional Diné (the preferred term for referring to the Navajo people, a term that translates in the Native language to “The People”) indicates that the component elements of self-determined behavior are relevant to and important to Diné people, but that the ways in which these are expressed differs from an Anglo perspective. While the Diné people value self-regulation and autonomy, they are operationalized more in an emphasis on the importance of interdependence and group cohesion above independence and autonomy. This examination of application of self-determination within context of the Diné culture and traditions illustrates the universality of certain aspects of self-determination while at the same time indicating critical need for educational services that reflect cultural, racial, and familial values of the student.