The Importance of Developing Cultural Competence in Working with Families of Students with Disabilities from the Middle East, North Africa, and Southwest Asia

Authors

Soraya Fallah, California State University, Northridge
Wendy Murawski, California State University, Northridge
Zaniar Moradian, California State University, Northridge

Abstract

This article describes the importance of developing cultural competencies when working with families who come from culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) backgrounds. Using a mixed methods study, the experiences of 125 families from Middle Eastern, North African, and Southwest Asian (MENASWA) descent who have children in the U.S. Special Education system were analyzed. The intent of the research was to determine if specific demographics impacted the experiences and perceptions of these families, most specifically their perception of a school’s cultural competency. Survey responses and interviews resulted in numerous suggestions and recommendations that can help educators and administrators to better serve this under‐represented population.

Recommended Citation

Fallah, Soraya; Murawski, Wendy; and Moradian, Zaniar (2018) "The Importance of Developing Cultural Competence in Working with Families of Students with Disabilities from the Middle East, North Africa, and Southwest Asia," The Journal of Special Education Apprenticeship: Vol. 7: No. 1, Article 5.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.58729/2167-3454.1064
Available at: https://scholarworks.lib.csusb.edu/josea/vol7/iss1/5