Restoring Family-Professional Partnerships for Families of Children With Deafblindness: A Qualitative Inquiry About Conflict

• In Event: 67.061 - Power and Parity in Special Education: Building and Mending Partnerships With Families

Abstract

Special education conflict between families and educators is a national problem. Consequences to this conflict may include excessive costs, time, emotional strain, and eventually, partnership dissolution. Consequently, researchers have begun to investigate this phenomenon; however, current studies do not consider the unique circumstances related to a child’s disability and the corresponding issues of dispute. In response to this need, we conducted a qualitative interview study about the experiences of families of children with deafblindness, including collaboration, parent/family involvement barriers, conflict, and unique challenges faced during the IEP process. Findings from this study are presented, along with implications for practice and future research with the intent to inform the field about conflict prevention for this unique group of families.

Authors

• Tracy Gershwin Mueller, University of Northern Colorado

• Silvia M. Correa-Torres, University of Northern Colorado

• Sandy Bowen, University of Northern Colorado

• Lanya McKittrick, University of Northern Colorado