Advancing Support for Refugees with Disabilities
The Sonoran Center and its partners are engaged in work to address the diverse needs of and disparities experienced by refugees with disabilities in Arizona.
Elevating Refugee Perspectives about Access to Disability Services in Arizona
In Arizona, the Developmental Disabilities Planning Council’s 2018 report on Refugees with Disabilities found a lack of collaboration between Refugee Resettlement Agencies and disability services/agencies. Further, the report noted lack of language interpretation, differing understandings of disability, and highlighted the intersectoral barriers that result in fragmented systems which are difficult to navigate.
This new report, Elevating Refugee Perspectives about Access to Disability Services in Arizona, highlights areas where and how Arizona may improve access to disability services for the diverse populations of refugees in the state.
Resource Guides for Refugee Parents
Available in seven languages, these guides were developed to connect refugee parents with information and resources to navigate the U.S. disability system and receive needed support.
Refugee and Asylee Mentorship Program
Through the Refugee & Asylee Mentorship Program, Raising Special Kids provides culturally appropriate supports and services to educate and empower refugee and asylee families. They provide families with the information and tools they need to understand the nature of their child’s disability, work collaboratively with professionals in the education and treatment of their child, and advocate effectively in the best interest of their child to support positive educational and health outcomes.
Arizona Refugee Disability Roundtable
The Arizona Refugee Disability Roundtable is a coalition of health, social service, and disability providers who are building capacity to coordinate services and support refugees with disabilities. Members of the Roundtable include representatives of the Developmental Disability Network, ethnic community-based organizations, state agencies, resettlement agencies, schools, health plans, other disability organizations, and community members. Meetings are held quarterly.
Interested in joining the conversation? We welcome new members to the Arizona Refugee Disability Roundtable! Email ucedd@arizona.edu or call (520) 626-0442 if you want to get involved.
Contact
If you have any questions or would like to learn more about the work being done in this area by the Sonoran Center and/or its partners, please contact ucedd@arizona.edu to be connected to the correct person or organization.