Impact of Geographic Mobility on Military Children's Access to Special Education Services

One of the constants of the military lifestyle is geographic mobility, or permanent change of station (PCS). The PCS has a particularly profound effect on military children with disabilities and their families. With each PCS, families choreograph an elaborate dance with losing and gaining schools and providers as they navigate the complexities of a new special education system. In this study, more than 100 individuals, enrollees of a military program for families with dependents with disabilities and providers serving them, participated in focus groups and interviews to identify the challenges that families face and the resources that are available to them. Drawing on relevant research literature and the results of the study, the authors explore some of the common challenges military students with disabilities and their families face and offer resources and recommendations for school staff supporting them. School staff can take steps to assist and support these families, such as proactively planning for the PCS with the families, informing families about ways in which current services may be different form what they have previously experienced or will experience, and joining in the children’s circle of support as an ally and a trusted source of information.