The Lived Expereinces of Immigrant Families Who Have a Child With a Disability: A Hermeneutic Phenomenology

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand the lived experiences for immigrant families in the United States who have a child with disabilities. The central question guiding this qualitative hermeneutic phenomenological study is: What is the lived experience of immigrant families who have a child with disabilities? The theory guiding this study is Bronfenbrenner’s bioecological theory as it provides a lens to examine the influence and impact the ecological systems have on immigrant families' perceptions of raising a child with disabilities. This study included ten participants who immigrated to the United States from around the world. Data was collected through individual interviews, creation of timelines, and through collecting questionnaires to create triangulation. Coding was used to analyze the data in an organizational analysis to look for patterns and themes to emerge from the data. Qualitative data analysis resulted in the development of four main themes: the value of connection, parent perspective and experiences, the advocacy process, and challenges and barriers faced by immigrant parents. The significance of this study was found to be the importance of connection and education in developing a collaborative partnership with schools. Future research is recommended to examine the views and perspectives of both immigrant parents and special education teachers in building a collaborative partnership.