Diversity in Special Education
October 7, 2014The Intersection of Race, Culture, Language, and Disability Implications for Urban Education
Blanchett, W. J., Klingner, J. K., & Harry, B. (2009). The Intersection of Race, Culture, Language, and Disability Implications for Urban Education. Urban Education, 44(4), 389-409.
The article begins with the introduction on why the intersection of race, culture, language, and disability are an urban issue. The authors then go on to discuss how public schooling has used disability as a means of sorting, stratifying, and excluding African Americans. It discusses the over representation of students of color in special education programs. Harry and colleagues proceed to discuss the assumptions about the causes of disproportionate representation of African Americans in special education programs, dispelling some common myths as well as including concepts not commonly considered. Additionally they expand upon the issues and barriers to education and services for the families of these students as well as limited access and unfamiliarity with services provided. The families’ cultural beliefs and the disconnect between institutional cultural beliefs are also considered. Most importantly the article discusses the implications for working effectively with diverse students and families and the implications for future education policy.