Thesociocultural framework highlights the contributions of children's cultural and linguistic contexts to early language and literacy development. To collaborate with parents in early intervention programs, including speech—language therapy, there must be a sincere commitment to the development of cultural competence. Hispanics are one of the largest and fastest growing minority groups within the United States. The goal of this study was to identify Mexican immigrant mothers' perceptions and beliefs about language development, their children's disabilities, and therapy activities. Additionally, it explored how these perceptions and beliefs inform culturally responsive speech— language therapy with families of Mexican descent. © 2006, Sage Publications. All rights reserved.

Early intervention Support services Family life Qualitative inquiry deafness family-centered services family-professional partnerships

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