INDEPENDENT LIVING FOR ARAB PEOPLE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS: THE SUPPORT SYSTEMS (EDUCATIONAL, SOCIAL, AND HEALTHCARE) FOR YOUNG ADULTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS IN THE ARAB SECTOR IN ISRAEL
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.46827/ejpss.v8i2.2075Palabras clave:
independent living, Arab sector, special needs, support systems, educational support, social services, healthcare accessibility, person-centered care, disability policy, transition to adulthoodResumo
This research examines the effectiveness and sufficiency of the educational, social, and healthcare support systems for young adults with special needs in the Arab sector in Israel. This inquiry arises from the observation of service disparities and the need for culturally relevant support structures to aid or inhibit independent living. The research provides both theoretical and practical implications for a marginalized and vulnerable group. Using qualitative methods, data were collected from the semi-structured interviews and focus groups with a total of 40 participants, representing young adults with special needs and their families. In the findings, considerable structural deficits were identified: first, the educational support system is piecemeal and lacks long-term planning; second, social supports disconnect during the transition into adulthood, undermining social construction; and third, healthcare services remain inaccessible linguistically and geographically in the Arab sector. The study concludes that while there are legislative provisions for inclusion, these provisions remain inconsistent and disjointed. The recommendations for policy reform are based on the tenets of person-centered and culturally sensitive service delivery. The research contributes to the literature on disability and social policy, and provides a policy reform road map to institutional improvements and individuals’ empowerment (service users) in the Arab sector.Citas
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