Exporting Disability: Accepting Responsibility for Educating Children With Disabilities Migrating From Pacific Islands

• In Event: Teaching and Learning for Asian and Asian American Students

Abstract

Immigrant families often migrate long distances to obtain services for their children with disabilities. They face challenges related to poverty, language differences, and lack of knowledge navigating systems of care. This paper explores the experiences of four families from remote Pacific Islands who migrated to Hawaii to create better lives for their children. Seen through the lens of sociocultural theory, their stories demonstrate difficulties and persistence. Assistance from service providers helped them weather discrimination. Most managed challenges with a settled approach, a gift from their cultures that helped them steer through difficulties.

Author

• Katherine T. Ratliffe, University of Hawaii