Facing Inequities: How Language, Disability, and Race Shape Early Intervention Services for Latino/a/e/x Families

• In Event: Intersectionality Within the Field of Inclusive and Special Education

Abstract

Our study examines how racialization, language, and disability intersect in Early Intervention (EI) services for the mothers of Latino/a/e/x emergent bilinguals labeled as disabled (EBLADs). Despite IDEA’s family-centered goals, our research reveals that EI services often perpetuate systemic racism and ableism, disadvantaging Spanish-speaking Latino/a/e/x families. We used a comparative case study approach to analyze the experiences of 5 Latina mothers and their EI providers, uncovering themes related to language barriers, inadequate support, and lack of translated documents. Findings highlight the need for enhanced anti-racist and anti-ableist training for practitioners, improved communication practices, and policy reforms to address these inequities. This study contributes to understanding and addressing the systemic challenges within EI services for marginalized communities.

Authors

• Ruby Batz, University of Nevada - Reno

• Valeria Savage, Independent Scholar