Moving Beyond Borders and a Savior Mentality: African and Diasporic Families’ Experiences with Inclusive Education

This study explores African and Diasporan families' perceptions and experiences of inclusive education in the U.S and Africa. It intends to compare their advocacy, expectations, and barriers, considering distinct cultural and historical contexts. The research aims to inform more equitable educational practices by highlighting culture's role and challenging dominant narratives. Participants will be able to: 1. Discover how implicit cultural bias can create barriers for children with disabilities seeking special education services. 2. Review focus groups feedback to gain insight on how to enhance practitioner and family engagement in supporting children with disabilities. 3. Review the study to formulate recommendations regarding expansion strategies targeting other demographics.