Date

12-2022

Document Type

Capstone Project (Open Access)

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Department

Human Development & Family Science

First Advisor

Christi Cervantes

Abstract

The project focuses on informing educators and aspiring educators of the importance of teaching immigrant parents about children’s learning disabilities. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), learning disabilities are defined as a type of neurodevelopmental disorder that impedes the ability to learn or use specific academic skills. Examples of main learning disabilities are dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia. Parents immigrate to a new country in search of better opportunities for themselves and their children. Once in a new country, they face the unique challenge of being unfamiliar with the English language and American culture (Turney & Kao, 2009). Therefore, they are less likely to know about learning disabilities and how they are addressed in American schools, which may raise issues for their children. Immigrant parents getting informed on learning disabilities by their children's educators is important, as many come from undeveloped countries where learning disabilities are not a topic that is talked about. Research has indicated parents' perception of disability can impact their interactions with professionals (Choi & Ostendorf, 2015). The lack of knowledge of learning disabilities can result in undiagnosed disabilities and negative attitudes toward them. Furthermore, it can also affect access to resources for individuals with a learning disability. My project aims to create an hour-and-a-half workshop to speak on why educators should increase awareness of immigrant parents of children with learning disabilities The workshop will focus on talking about two main types of learning disabilities, activities for parent involvement, and how to teach parents about an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) at their children's school. The participants will be teachers and individuals working on their teaching credentials from different schools in the Pajaro Unified school district.

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