Dr. Sadia Warsi is an Associate Professor in the Special Education Program at National Louis University. Her research focuses on the intersection of refugee experiences and disabilities in educational contexts.
Beyond Labels: Understanding Refugee Students with Disabilities in Educational Contexts is an essential text that provides educators with insight into the educational needs of refugee students with disabilities through six meticulously researched case studies and illuminates the complex relationship between displacement trauma and disability, from physical disabilities and dyslexia to autism and visual impairment. Beyond Labels offers evidence-based frameworks for differentiating between language acquisition challenges and learning disabilities, implementing culturally responsive assessments, and developing accommodations that respect both refugee experiences and disability-related needs. Each case study provides guidance on special education processes, family school partnerships, and classroom implementation strategies. Educational professionals will find analysis of critical questions regarding cultural perspectives on disability, effective accommodation strategies, and ensuring educational continuity for students experiencing both displacement and disability. The text includes practical tools such as reflection questions, assessment guidelines, and strength-based intervention approaches. This practical reference for special educators, ESL specialists, school psychologists, and administrators bridges refugee education and disability studies, creating new possibilities for supporting resilient yet vulnerable student populations.