Podcast Series "Identification Challenges in Special Education"

Welcome to "Identification Challenges in Special Education," a podcast dedicated to unraveling the complex web of barriers that prevent children with disabilities from receiving the support they deserve. I'm your host, Ayumi Furusawa, and I'm delighted to have you join me on this journey. Whether you're a parent, educator, healthcare professional, or an advocate for educational equity, this series is crafted with you in mind.

Imagine walking through a maze where every turn presents a new obstacle—some visible, others hidden in shadows. This is the reality many families and educators face in the special education system today. Our mission is to illuminate these challenges—like disproportionate identification, delayed identification, misidentification, and lack of identification—that hinder access to essential support (Connelly, 2021).

Using the DSRP systems thinking model—Distinctions, Systems, Relationships, and Perspectives—we'll explore the systemic factors contributing to these issues (Cabrera & Cabrera, 2015). We'll delve into historical inequities, cultural stigmas, implicit biases, policy implications, and more. But this isn't just an academic exploration; it's a heartfelt conversation aimed at fostering empathy, awareness, and understanding.

So, whether you're sipping your morning coffee or taking an evening walk, let's embark on this journey together. Let's navigate the maze, uncover hidden barriers, and gain fresh insights into the complexities of special education identification.

Join me, and let's work towards a future where every child's unique strengths are recognized and nurtured.