In recent years, the ethnic and cultural diversity of the U.S. has increased as large numbers of immigrants and refugees have resettled here. Many of the recent immigrants and refugees have arrived from African countries, and human scientists and Extension professionals must be prepared to engage with the families. To inform the work of…

As the percentage of diverse students continues to increase, the problem of disproportionate representation of students in special education by race/ethnicity persists (Kena et al., 2014; Zhang, Katsiyannis, Ju, & Roberts, 2014). The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA, 2004) requires states to monitor…

The literature addressing how family and community involvement impacts a culture of college and career readiness suggests there is a positive association for certain types of involvement. Providing support and encouragement, as well as assisting with planning, increases the probability of attending and graduating from college. Key points include:…

Discusses definitions of family; forms of language and communication; and beliefs about health, illness, and disability that need to be understood by those involved in early intervention programs for young children with disabilities and their families. (PCB)

Strategies are presented for recruiting family members from minority groups to be involved in the formation of policies and development of programs that affect their lives and those of their young children with disabilities. Organizational strategies, strategies to empower family members, logistical strategies, and process strategies are…

Discusses the need for careful consideration of family and cultural factors in transition planning. Issues explored include degree of independence for the adolescent desired by the family, rules of acceptance, needs for information, changes in family routines, and family and child life experiences. (Author/CR)

This paper presents an overview of family and cultural issues relevant to planning for assistive technology (AT) for students with disabilities. The potential for interactive multimedia in helping teams and families make AT decisions is reviewed. It describes a newly available interactive CD-ROM designed to provide basic information for…

This article provides background and a description of person-centered planning (PCP) based on process, components, and outcomes and examines each in relationship to working with culturally and linguistically diverse families. Vignettes illustrate how professionals can be sensitive to differences in culture and language within the process.…

Counseling has always been a part of American Indian culture. Only recently has the European American counseling establishment recognized the role of culture in counseling. Developing a historical understanding of American Indians is important to working with American Indian students. It is also important for school counselors to recognize the…

This article reviews literature on barriers to the participation of culturally and linguistically diverse families in the special education process, highlights cultural issues educators need to consider, and discusses strategies for facilitating family participation in the development of the Individualized Family Service Plan and the…

This paper examines the cultural differences that arise because of disability, ethnicity, and social status and their impact on assessment practices, programming, goal setting, and the special education processes established by legislation, especially in light of the over-representation of minorities in special education. Suggestions for resolving…

This paper discusses some misconceptions about Asian American elementary school and secondary school students, and describes ways of building effective communication with the families of these students. The essay begins by noting the stereotyping of Asian American students as "whiz kids" and discussing the damaging effect of that…

This article discusses the efficacy of early intervention services and programs for young children with special needs, early intervention federal legislation, factors that can affect culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) caregivers' participation in early intervention, and culturally and linguistically sensitive skills and behaviors for…