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Cultural Influences on Parental Advocacy for Inclusion: Experiences of South Asian Families with Children with Extensive Support Needs

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Cultural Influences on Parental Advocacy for Inclusion: Experiences of South Asian Families with Children with Extensive Support Needs
Language: English
Authors: Sudha Krishnan (ORCID 0000-0002-5892-1123)
Source: Research and Practice for Persons with Severe Disabilities. 2026 51(1):44-59.
Availability: SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 16
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Descriptors: Cultural Influences, Parent Role, Advocacy, Students with Disabilities, Preferences, Social Influences, Parent Attitudes, Asian Americans, Social Bias, Beliefs, Safety, Individualized Education Programs, Student Needs, Special Education
Geographic Terms: California
DOI: 10.1177/15407969251319217
ISSN: 1540-7969
2169-2408
Abstract: This qualitative study examined the cultural factors in parental advocacy in South Asian parents of children with extensive support needs (ESN), concerning the educational placement decisions for their children. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic coding. The findings revealed that the predominant preference for segregated educational settings among participants was shaped by various cultural influences: persistent social stigma surrounding disability, a culturally-rooted belief in the curability of the disability, the prioritization of safety over academic integration, perceived inadequacies within general education settings, institutional pressures from school or IEP recommendations, advocacy for intensive home-based instruction, and a sense of immigrant gratitude and appreciation for the school system in the host country.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1497560
Database: ERIC
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Abstract:This qualitative study examined the cultural factors in parental advocacy in South Asian parents of children with extensive support needs (ESN), concerning the educational placement decisions for their children. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic coding. The findings revealed that the predominant preference for segregated educational settings among participants was shaped by various cultural influences: persistent social stigma surrounding disability, a culturally-rooted belief in the curability of the disability, the prioritization of safety over academic integration, perceived inadequacies within general education settings, institutional pressures from school or IEP recommendations, advocacy for intensive home-based instruction, and a sense of immigrant gratitude and appreciation for the school system in the host country.
ISSN:1540-7969
2169-2408
DOI:10.1177/15407969251319217