ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses special considerations for the delivery of culturally appropriate special education services for Arab American children with disabilities. These considerations include developing awareness of Arab culture, initiating outreach and awareness programs for Arab American families having children with disabilities, conducting appropriate assessment of Arab American children, promoting Arab American parent involvement in their children's education, assessing Arab American children's English language proficiency. The chapter addresses potential sources of overrepresentation of Arab American children in special education, and developing research-based information resources on Arab American children with disabilities. The stress of raising a child with disability in Arab culture may suggest an increased need for support and services to Arab American families having members with disabilities. Teachers and service providers will be better equipped to help Arab American persons with disabilities and their families if they attend to issues related to attitudes toward disability.
