Lessons From Star Flower Center- How to Overcome Cultural Barriers and Enhance Community Inclusion of People with Disabilities

Degree Name

MA in International Education

First Advisor

Lynee Connelly

Abstract

This capstone paper explores how to best support and educate migrant students with multiple disabilities in the border town of Mae Sot located in northwestern Thailand. In addition, ideas will be explored on how to overcome attitudinal barriers of stigma surrounding disability. Star Flower Center (SFC) is used as a case study and focal point of inquiry. SFC is the only migrant learning center in Mae Sot that provides special education to students with physical, developmental, and intellectual disabilities. Data collected includes personal interviews, document analysis, observations, and field notes, and are informed by my practicum experience from working at the SFC. The information received from researching how the SFC started in 2009 will be used to provide vision for how others in and around Mae Sot can promote inclusion of children with disabilities into the community and into other learning centers. In conclusion, a list of strategies on how teachers, families, and community members along the border between Thailand and Myanmar can work together to support this vulnerable population and promote more inclusive education in Mae Sot and beyond is provided.

Disciplines

Disability and Equity in Education | Special Education and Teaching

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