ERIC Number: EJ796767
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2008
Pages: 5
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1053-4512
EISSN: N/A
Support and Empower Families of Children with Disabilities
Van Haren, Barbara; Fiedler, Craig R.
Intervention in School and Clinic, v43 n4 p231-235 2008
Special education professionals can play a critical role in enhancing the quality of life not only for a child with a disability but also for that child's entire family. To realize this beneficial impact on the child's family, professionals must operate with these assumptions: (1) Special education professionals must acknowledge that they have a responsibility to work with and support the child's family, because a child who is at risk places a family at risk; (2) Professionals must value collaborative relationships with families as the best vehicle for their own professional growth and development and for supporting children with disabilities; and (3) Professionals must strive to make families less dependent on their advice and services through family empowerment strategies. The embodiment of these professional assumptions can be demonstrated by various family-centered support and family empowerment strategies. This article describes 20 strategies and suggestions that can serve special education professionals in their attempt to support and empower families of children with disabilities.
Descriptors: Empowerment, Quality of Life, Disabilities, Special Education, Family Environment, Social Support Groups, At Risk Persons, Family Involvement, Coping, Stress Management, Individualized Education Programs, Participative Decision Making, Special Needs Students
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: Parents; Teachers
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A