Negotiating Meanings of Disability Through the Lived Experience of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Families

• In Event: 34.078 - Roundtable Session 13
  In Roundtable Session: 34.078-16 - At the Intersections of Marginalities

Abstract

Within a Disability Studies frame, this study used portraiture research (Lawrence-Lightfoot, 2005) and critical pedagogy (Giroux, 2010) in preservice courses about educating students with disabilities. We focus on how re-conceptualizing dichotomous roles of researcher and participant as collaborators can empower minority families. Co-constructed portrait narratives were rendered to provide rich descriptions of lived experiences and sociocultural interpretations of special education for four Culturally Linguistically Diverse families from urban communities. Although family participants found the experience “cathartic” and “refreshing,” themes confirm related research that differential treatment of families and systematic practices in special education are disempowering for families from a variety of social and cultural backgrounds. Implications for educational research methodology, special education practice and teacher preparation are discussed.

Authors

• Janet S. Sauer, Lesley University

• Zachary S Rossetti, Boston University