Enhancing Counseling Support for Families of Individuals with Disabilities in Fiji: Integrating Cultural Sensitivity and Information Technology

The current study assesses the degree of social work intervention for families with disabled individuals in Fiji and its inf risk of cultural beliefs and practices as well as the incorporation of IT in the delivery of these services. Disability in most Fijian communities is viewed socioculturally and spiritually, which brings about stigmatization and the emotional burden of families. This research addresses the following questions by: Analyzing the views of the members of the society towards disability in the multi-ethnic country of Fiji. Evaluate the family burden, both emotional and psychological. Evaluate the existing restrictions in the use of guidance. Assess how technology supports counselling. Give applicable recommendations for the provision of culturally appropriate fully counselling enabled by information technology systems. The study adopts a mixed-method approach that combines qualitative data from interviews and questionnaires administered to families, counselors, and community leaders, as well as secondary, scholarly data. This study is based on the Health Belief Model and the Technology Acceptance Model. The findings show considerable deficiencies present in the already existing support systems, and that these are made worse by the prevailing cultural stigmas and accessibility issues. Information Technology (IT) also comes in as a significant issue in the enhance instruction and counseling by alleviating those challenges through making counseling, education, and support services available without geographical restriction. The study ends with practical ways of providing culturally responsive counseling services aided by appropriate technologies, particularly to persons with disabilities and their families in Fiji.