Promoting the Educational Success of Children and Youth Learning English

DLLs and ELs with Disabilities

About 9 percent of dual language learners and English learners have disabilities-about 350,000 children. Dual language learners and English learners are less likely than other students to be referred to early intervention and early special education programs, with potentially serious consequences. Early childhood education, home visiting, health, and other professionals may not be identifying dual language learners and English learners with special needs who could benefit from such programs.

In addition, despite the well-documented cognitive, educational, psychosocial, cultural, and work-related benefits associated with bilingualism, parents, teachers, health professionals, and policy makers often express unsubstantiated concerns and beliefs regarding the supposed negative effects of dual language exposure in children with disabilities. In fact, growing up with two languages does not place dual language learners and English learners at greater risk for having a language impairment or other disability or when they have a disability, for compromising their language or cognitive development.

DLLs and ELs with Disabilities