Abstract
I consider the intersection of displacement and disability based on the living situation of displaced families with disabled children. In my PhD Thesis (qualitative design), I examine the daily life challenges of these families and how the transition of migration or displacement works with a disabled child. The transition is made more difficult by language barriers, complex authority structures, laborious care of a disabled child, and various challenges of being a migrant and being parents or single parents of a disabled child. Besides these challenges to manage daily life, the situations of these families are also characterised by multiple experiences of discrimination, such as racism or ableism. The reality of racism, ableism and other discriminatory experiences or bureaucratic barriers can destroy the hope for a better life in the „Global North“. This interface has hardly been researched so far, and there is a need to conduct research not only in a culturalizing way but also to examine excluding and discriminating structures and the possibilities for participation. Based on the first results of my current research, I discuss the interweaving of barriers to participation in important discourses and how the disability of one child influences the assimilation process of all family members. I also want to figure out the influence of postcolonial aspects on the living situation of the families and how their explanation of disability and the circumstances of their lives are affected by postcolonial practices.
Presenters
Victoria MehringerLecturer / PhD Student, Inclusive Education, Catholic University of Applied Science Freiburg/ Phillipps University Marburg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
MIGRATION, DISABILITY, REFUGEE, FAMILY
