Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Progress in Community Health Partnerships: Research, Education, and Action

Volume

14

Publication Date

2020

Keywords

Education, government programs, sociology and social phenomena, child development, child, exceptional, disabled persons, parents

Abstract

Problem: Education is a key social determinant of health. The federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) purportedly affords children the right to a free and appropriate education. Yet, racial, ethnic, and economic disparities exist regarding appropriate identification and classification of children with needs for special education, and access to services.

Purpose: This article first highlights gaps and disparities in special educational services, and their structural linkage to poverty. The second section describe the first years of a medical–legal collaboration between a University Center of Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) and Fordham University, focused on special education.

Key Points: The collaboration's interdisciplinary training activities increased practical knowledge for law students and UCEDD clinicians. A legal clinic for UCEDD families enabled Fordham students to apply their skills.

Conclusions: Because social determinants of health often lie beyond the medical domain, interdisciplinary collaborations are needed to remediate them.

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