Moving internationally with special needs considerations in mind: 5 essential strategies
In early 2017, a family embarked on an extraordinary journey, relocating from Spain to New Zealand with their special needs child. Despite the challenges that lay ahead, they approached the move with meticulous planning and determination.
The family secured temporary accommodation for six months before leaving Spain, avoiding weeks of uncertainty in a small apartment hotel. They also made arrangements for their son's English speech therapy, starting sessions a year before the move to prepare him for his new environment.
The children, who had lived in Spain their entire lives, did not speak English. However, by the time of the move, the son had acquired basic vocabulary at comprehension level, enabling him to understand the basic day-to-day vocabulary and simple instructions.
To ease the transition, the family chose a house in the school zoning area to ensure enrollment in their preferred school. They also airfreighted "survival boxes" containing toys, DVDs, and books to arrive at the same time as they did, providing comfort in the unfamiliar surroundings.
The family's son started the school year in the ordinary classroom, as they were not immediately enrolled in the special education classroom. However, they were on the waiting list, and the school was confident in its ability to manage their situation.
The family's journey came with an amazing surprise, making the adventure start on a positive note. To make the farewell less traumatic, they made a stop at Hong Kong Disney World.
The family's son, who was not able to visualize the situation or the implications of moving to a new country before the move, understood it in the long term. A year later, he expressed that he had missed his teacher and classmates.
The family's experience highlights the importance of advance planning, persistent advocacy, and emotional support in a successful international relocation for a family with special needs. They involved all stakeholders, including current and future educators, therapists, and medical professionals, in transition planning. They also researched local support services in advance, focusing on services aligned with their child’s diagnosis.
The family's son received help from his teacher Ana Aldabalejo to understand and label the implications of moving to a new country and the feelings that could arise. They also understood the host country’s laws regarding special education, including evaluation procedures, eligibility, and funding mechanisms.
The family's journey serves as a testament to the sacrifices and adjustments families face when relocating internationally with a special needs child. However, it also underscores the potential for growth and resilience. As one parent reflected, "The embarrassment of fumbling around in a language not your own. The inadequate health care or educational system you choose to raise your family in... The foregone comforts you see your peers enjoying in your home country." Yet, these challenges can be overcome with persistence, support, and a positive attitude.
- Recognizing the importance of their son's speech therapy, the family made arrangements for sessions before the move to New Zealand, ensuring he was prepared for his new environment.
- To facilitate his son's learning, the family chose a house in the school zoning area, aiming for stable enrollment in their preferred educational institution.
- The family, understanding the significance of advance planning and emotional support, involved therapists, medical professionals, and educators in the transition plan, focusing on services aligned with their son's special needs.
