Untold Stories of Disablement and Displacement - by Sukaina Dada (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Untold Stories of Disablement and Displacement provides a compelling look at the authentic experiences of Syrian refugees with disabilities. Their stories of migration and disability are often ignored in public discussions and academic research. These families were forced to leave their homes due to violence, poverty, and persecution. After resettling in Canada, their stories often went unnoticed, overshadowed and misrepresented by the dominant narrative.

Review Quotes

'With the utmost respect, empathy, and compassion using the art of storytelling and stimulating research Dr. Dada offers an intellectual and heartfelt captivating and critical examination of a vital intersection that the international community, disability advocates and governments which have ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities or pledge to uphold human rights, must take serious note of. This passionate book incites a moral courage to recognize where commitments to refugees and people seeking asylum, as well as responsibilities to the disability community, are falling short and calls upon the promise that is Canada, to do better. Furthermore, this masterpiece inspires a more profound and equitable approach to the social and human rights model of disability inclusion. If anything it is a guide to better serve humanity in all its diversity.' Cara E. Yar Khan, Disability advocate and United Nations humanitarian 'Sukaina Dada is a much-needed new voice on disability and migration. She has shown us the incredible power of story telling, bringing to life the diverse and complex stories of Syrian refugees and in doing so she reminds us of our shared humanity and social responsibility for populations marginalized through racism, disablement, and migration. This book should be read by anyone who is trying to change how we understand and respond to the global migrant crisis.' Professor Marina Morrow, Critical Disability Studies, York University ''Untold Stories of Displacement and Disablement - Syrian refugees in Canada' is a book based on the doctoral thesis work of Dr. Sukaina Dada which identifies 11 themes extracted from conversations with 10 Syrian families with diverse trajectories and experiences. These families come from the experience of being a minority in their home country due to disability (often relying on a strong informal support system of relatives and neighbours) to becoming an intersectional minority due to disability, language, ethnicity, customs and religion without any of those informal supports they had at home. They are expected to navigate a siloed public system of services (health, education and social services) that even Canadian families struggle with on a day-to-day basis, often waiting years to be attended. Reading these stories is an eye-opener. It is a reminder about the importance of being curious, taking time to listen, and having the courage to ask questions about our processes and policies. Why are they that way? What are the changes that could benefit all of us? Who do we need to engage to effect change? Refugees and Immigrants often report "enforced gratitude" - reading this book, we Canadians can reflect on their shared experience and in turn become the welcoming people we want to be.' Dr. Olaf Kraus de Camargo, Associate Professor, Department of Paediatrics, McMaster University; Co-director, CanChild - Centre for Childhood Disability Research; and Developmental Paediatrician, Ron Joyce Children's Health Centre