Journal of Undergraduate Research
Keywords
disability, refugees, Kosovo, children
College
David O. McKay School of Education
Department
Psychology
Abstract
Families that have children with disabilities, specifically emotional/psychological/social disabilities (i.e. Autism, Down Syndrome, and other cognitive/neurodevelopmental disorders), encounter seemingly insurmountable distresses on a day-to-day basis in times of peace, let alone in times of emergency. These families depend heavily upon a consistent, well-established home environment with a precisely-calculated daily routine and access to key resources that keep their family unit intact. When rising political turmoil or threats of domestic violence culminate to jeopardize the safety of the population at-large, these families are compelled to abandon their homes and all the security that their homes provide. And while packing-up and fleeing home at a moment’s notice is certainly no easy task for an ordinary family, it is especially difficult for families that have children with disabilities. Such a task would be unthinkable except for prior preparedness on the part of the family and coordinated assistance from the community.
Recommended Citation
Gunther, Benson and Hansen, Dr. Blake
(2018)
"Aiding Families with Children with Disabilities in a Refugee Crisis: Kosovo Case Study,"
Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2018:
Iss.
1, Article 6.
Available at:
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2018/iss1/6