March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month—a time to reflect on how we can better support individuals with disabilities and ensure they have equal access to opportunities. For refugees, migrants, and immigrants with disabilities, navigating life in the U.S. presents a unique set of challenges. From securing medical care to navigating the immigration process, the obstacles can feel overwhelming. The International Rescue Committee  in New York (IRC in NY) is working hard to bridge those gaps and empower clients to overcome these barriers. 

Why It Matters 

Imagine arriving in a new country, not speaking the language, and trying to access the medical care you need—all while adjusting to a completely different culture and system.  

Refugees with physical and mental disabilities face significant challenges in accessing medical care and essential services. Transportation is often a major issue, with clients struggling to afford getting to doctor’s appointments or government offices. Language barriers make it difficult to communicate with healthcare providers and understand insurance options. On top of that, the immigration process itself can be rigid and complicated, with limited flexibility for individuals who need accommodations. 

According to the World Health Organization, migrants with disabilities are at a higher risk of inadequate healthcare access and discrimination. They’re also more likely to face economic insecurity and social isolation. The need for targeted support is urgent—and that’s where the IRC in NY is committed to step in. 

How the IRC in NY Supports Clients with Disabilities 

The IRC in NY’s Intensive Case Management (ICM) and legal teams play a critical role in helping refugees with disabilities navigate these complex systems. 

Intensive Case Management (ICM): Practical Support and Advocacy 

The ICM team focuses on helping clients with disabilities gain independence and stability. Case managers work one-on-one with clients to create personalized self-sufficiency plans, helping them set goals and take steps toward independence. This often means helping clients navigate the Medicaid system, secure transportation to medical appointments, and advocate with healthcare providers to get the care they need. 

Aisatou Diallo, an ICM case manager, recently worked with a client with cerebral palsy who was struggling to access medical care. Aisatou not only helped the client set up medical assessments and secure necessary equipment, but also provided them information and resources that broke down how the healthcare system works and make it more accessible.  

“It’s about giving them the tools to advocate for themselves,” Aisatou shared. “We’re not just solving the problem—we’re helping them build the confidence to handle it themselves.” 

Legal Support: Overcoming Barriers in the Immigration Process 

On the legal side, the IRC in NY helps clients with disabilities navigate the immigration process. This includes assisting with naturalization interviews, securing disability-related accommodations, and handling complex paperwork like the N648 form, which allows applicants with medical conditions to seek exemption from the English and civics tests. 

Kristin Jung, the managing attorney for the IRC in NY’s immigration legal services, shared a story about helping a client who is legally blind access the naturalization process:  

“We read the application to her, explained every question, and coordinated with a family member to support her at the interview,” Kristin said. “It’s not easy to get USCIS to provide accommodations, but we work to make sure our clients have what they need.” 

Kristin explained that while USCIS does allow requests for accommodations—like sign language interpreters or modified interview formats—approval isn’t guaranteed.  

“The system is slow and inconsistent,” she admitted. “But we push through because our clients deserve to have a fair shot.” 

Impact and Success Stories 

The work the IRC in NY does is life-changing. Aisatou shared how a client with intense medical needs went from feeling completely lost to confidently managing their own care. 

“They started asking questions, signing up for community programs, and really taking charge of their health,” she said. “That’s what it’s about—helping them feel like they have control over their lives.” 

Kristin recalled a case where a woman with Alzheimer’s was able to naturalize after the IRC in NY secured an exemption through the N648 form. “It’s not just about legal status—it’s about dignity,” Kristin said. “Being able to advocate for these clients and help them secure protection is incredibly rewarding.” 

Where We Go From Here 

There’s still a long way to go. Language barriers, paperwork delays, and systemic barriers remain major hurdles for refugees with disabilities. The IRC in NY continues to push for change. The ICM and legal teams are working to strengthen cross-department collaboration and expand outreach to ensure that more clients know about the services available to them. 

You can help us continue these important casework and legal services to help us reach clients and ensure their supports are fully accessible. Your donation can directly support refugees with disabilities as they work toward stability and independence. Every contribution helps cover transportation costs, medical assessments, legal fees, and more. 

Donate now and be a part of the solution. 

Refugees with disabilities deserve the same opportunities as anyone else. With the right support, they can thrive. 

Written by Development Intern Eunice Lim. Edited by Development Manager Malín Evertsz Mendez.