The influence of culture in interpreting behaviors as abusive or normative has been studied from the perspective of a number of different nationalities with increasing application to ethnic minorities living within the United States. Separately, a variety of other factors representing an ecological approach have been studied as they apply to physical child abuse. There has been little research on the role of cultural factors that may interact with child disabilities to heighten or diminish the risk of abuse for children in specific populations. Cultural factors may affect the probability of abuse in several ways. First, culture may determine the importance of the child to the society and what the appropriate role is for that child. This affects parental expectations as well as childrearing style. Second, cultural views of the meaning of a disability -- for example, the importance of achieving developmental milestones -- may affect how the child and family are viewed by the immediate family and the larger social group. If there is significant stigma to this condition, additional strain and lack of support may be experienced by the family. Third, cultural views about the causes of illness and disability may affect the parent's view of the child; lead to a personal sense of responsibility and guilt, feelings of resentment, or even ostracism by others; and may determine what, if any, treatment is sought. These cultural orientations may be influenced further by levels of education and acculturation; however, even highly educated individuals may maintain some ancestral cultural values that influence their behavior. This article discusses how understanding the role of various cultural beliefs in influencing the abuse of children with disabilities adds an unusual challenge for treatment specialists. Areas for further research are also discussed. 1 figure and 53 references