The Linguistic and Cultural Rights of Persons with Disabilities in the Context of Finnish Disability Services

Abstract

Finnish disability services are recognized as a crucial mechanism for realizing the rights of persons with disabilities. However, insufficient attention has been given to the linguistic and cultural rights of individuals within the Finnish disability service framework. This study mainly examines the linguistic and cultural rights of three specific groups: Arabic-speaking immigrants with disabilities, deaf individuals, and persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Data were collected through an online survey and group interviews conducted in 2023. The analysis employs key concepts such as linguistic and cultural rights, assumed normality, and vulnerability. The findings indicate that a lack of accessible information and communication methods, coupled with a limited understanding of linguistic and cultural rights of the disability service stakeholders, contributes to the vulnerability of these groups within Finnish disability services. Their agency is frequently compromised due to systematic processes of othering, particularly in relation to their linguistic and cultural rights.