Building Partnerships With Families of Children With Disabilities

Abstract

The purpose of this chapter is to explore the experiences of immigrant families accessing special education in the United States while highlighting the critical role of culture in special education. The authors discuss legal underpinnings protecting families' access to special education processes, the diverse composition of the United States, and cultural beliefs and lenses that may influence how families engage in special education processes. The authors highlight the importance of directly supporting special education professionals in developing and practicing cultural humility, especially when engaging with from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. The chapter closes with recommendations for practice and implications for future research.