Beyond Labels

Dr. Sadia Warsi is an Associate Professor in the Special Education Program at National Louis University. Her research focuses on the intersection of refugee experiences and disabilities in educational contexts.

• AcknowledgmentsPrefaceIntroductionSection One Comprehensive Case Studies: The Intersection of Refugee Experiences and Disability Chapter 1: Amira: Navigating Physical Disabilities, Dyslexia, and Displacement in Inclusive Classrooms and Providing Strategies for Accommodation and EmpowermentBackground Early Life and Education in Bosnia Displacement and Impact of War The Resettlement Journey to the United States Initial Educational Placement and Identification of Multiple Disabilities Discovery of Dyslexia Family Partnerships and Cultural Perspectives Questions for Teacher Educators ReferencesChapter 2: Amir: Understanding Neurodiversity and Creating Supportive Learning Environments for Students with AutismBirth and Early Development in Detention The Burmese Government and Persecution of the RohingyaFamily Advocacy and Cultural PreservationEducational Experiences in Detention Trauma and Its Intersection with Autism Social Relationships and Community Integration Educational Gaps and Lost Opportunities Preparing for Transition Resilience and Protective Factors Future Possibilities and Concerns Questions for Teacher Educators ReferencesChapter 3: Zahra: Navigating Traumatic Brain Injury and Displacement—Supporting Refugee Students with Traumatic Brain Injury in Inclusive Classrooms: Strategies for Accommodation and EmpowermentBackground Early Life and Brain Injury in Rwanda Displacement and Refugee Camp Experiences Educational Experiences in the United States Special Education Eligibility and Legal Framework Cognitive Accommodations and Educational Strategies Family Partnerships and Cultural Perspectives Physical and Emotional Health Integration Educational Implications Questions for Teacher Educators ReferencesChapter 4: Noor: Finding Expression—Supporting Students with Selective Mutism and Communication DifferencesBackgroundLife in the Refugee CampTrauma-Informed Strategies for Classroom ParticipationResettlement in the United StatesTransition to American SchoolsSpecial Education Referral ProcessComprehensive Evaluation and AssessmentEligibility DeterminationIndividualized Education Program DevelopmentImplementation of Special Education Services Family Dynamics and Cultural Adjustment Reflections for Educators Questions for Teacher Educators ReferencesChapter 5: Adam and Aya: Third-Generation Palestinian Refugee Siblings Navigating Cerebral Palsy and Epilepsy in Baddawi Refugee CampBackground Life in the Refugee Camp Adam: Navigating Physical Disability Aya: Managing Invisible Disability Intersections of Disability and Refugee Experience Educational Experiences and Adaptations Family Dynamics and Support Systems Dreams and Aspirations Amid Constraints Resilience and Cultural IdentityAccessing Special Education Services When Relocation Happens Challenges and Opportunities During This Process Potential Services and Accommodations Conclusion Discussion Questions ReferencesChapter 6: Maha's Journey: Supporting Students with Visual Impairment in Inclusive ClassroomsBackground Brief History of Wars in the Congo Early Life in Congo and Disability Experience Navigating Physical Barriers in Conflict-Affected Goma Deteriorating Conditions and Displacement The Refugee Resettlement Process Arrival and Adaptation in the United States Educational Experience in the United States Special Education Eligibility in the American School System Assistive Technology and Accessibility AccommodationsConclusion: Maha's Transformative JourneyQuestions for Teacher EducatorsReferencesConclusionAbout the AuthorIndexNOTE: Table of Contents subject to change up until publication date.