How Education Case Managers From Resettlement Agencies Assist Refugee Families to Access Special Education

• In Event: From Forced Displacement to Opportunity: Promise and Possibilities in Refugee Education

Abstract

Refugees have a variety of factors influencing their comfort and abilities to access special education for their children, but unlike immigrants they have access to education case managers in resettlement agencies. This study interviewed education case managers about their perceived roles and experiences helping families understand the special education system. Preliminary results indicate that education case managers often connect families with numerous community agencies to find culturally-sensitive services for children with disabilities. They are limited in the amount of time they can commit to helping parents understand the process, but are dedicated to assisting families. Language and transportation are often barriers to families accessing special education services and being involved that schools rely on the case managers to mediate.

Authors

• Nicole B Adams, University of Louisville

• Rosa M. Santos, University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign