LANGUAGE, CULTURE, AND DISABILITY - INTERACTING INFLUENCES ON PRESCHOOL INCLUSION

The interplay among language, culture, and disability in children's ex periences in inclusive preschool environments was examined as part of a larger study of preschool inclusion. A qualitative research design w as employed using an ecological systems perspective. Data were collect ed through observations of preschool sites and through interviews with parents, classroom personnel, and program administrators. Themes rela ted to the influence of culture and language on children's participati on in preschool programs were identified. These issues included a lack of identified goals related to language on Individualized Education P rograms, the interaction of language with disability, the influence of communication skills on children's interactions and abilities to form friendships, the effects of language differences on communication bet ween home and school, and the need for more translation services and t raining for service providers related to cultural and linguistic issue s.