Arab American Children with Disabilities: Considerations for Teachers and Service Providers

This book is about providing culturally appropriate services for Arab American children with disabilities, offering an overview of special education and the rights guaranteed under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and helping Arab American families understand the special education process and advocate for their children.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 122 pages
Publication date: 13 December 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Despite the abundance of special education literature focused on racial minorities over the past three decades, research and writing on Arab American children with disabilities have remained remarkably sparse. This book aims to bridge that gap by advocating for culturally appropriate services for Arab American children with disabilities. The United States is witnessing a growing trend where professionals in the field of special education, such as school psychologists, rehabilitation counselors, and social workers, are increasingly engaging with Arab Americans who have disabilities. By prioritizing the needs of this marginalized minority population, Al Khatib offers valuable context and guidance for service providers and researchers working with the Arab American community. In addition to providing an overview of special education and the rights guaranteed under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), this book also serves as a valuable resource for Arab American families seeking to understand the special education process and advocate for their children.

Introduction:
The Arab American community is a diverse and rapidly growing segment of the United States, with an estimated population of over 3.5 million individuals. However, Arab American children with disabilities face unique challenges and barriers in accessing education and services. This book seeks to address these issues by providing a comprehensive overview of special education and the rights guaranteed under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Special Education:
Special education is a system of education designed to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities. It is based on the principle that all students, regardless of their background or abilities, have the right to a free and appropriate education. Under the IDEA, students with disabilities are entitled to a variety of services and supports, including specialized instruction, accommodations, and assistive technology.

Arab American Children with Disabilities:
Arab American children with disabilities face a range of challenges, including cultural barriers, language barriers, and discrimination. These challenges can make it difficult for them to access education and services, and can lead to disparities in academic achievement and socialization.

Cultural Appropriateness:
Cultural appropriateness is an essential component of providing culturally appropriate services for Arab American children with disabilities. It involves understanding the cultural values, beliefs, and practices of the Arab American community and adapting services to meet their needs. This includes providing language support, addressing religious and cultural beliefs, and promoting cultural awareness and sensitivity.

Rights under the IDEA:
The IDEA provides a comprehensive set of rights for students with disabilities, including the right to a free and appropriate education, the right to be evaluated and assessed in a timely manner, the right to receive accommodations and supports, and the right to be involved in decision-making about their education. Arab American families are entitled to these rights, and it is important for them to understand and advocate for their children.

Arab American Families:
Arab American families play a critical role in advocating for their children with disabilities. They may face cultural barriers, language barriers, and discrimination, which can make it difficult for them to understand the special education process and advocate for their children. This book provides guidance for Arab American families on how to navigate the special education system, how to advocate for their children's rights, and how to find resources and support.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book provides a valuable resource for professionals working with Arab American children with disabilities, as well as for Arab American families seeking to understand the special education process and advocate for their children. By promoting culturally appropriate services and understanding the rights guaranteed under the IDEA, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable education system for all students, regardless of their background or abilities.

Weight: 230g
Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367547882