Binders, Books, and "Due Process": An Analysis of Mothers' Narratives About Preparing for Individualized Education Program Meetings

• In Event: 63.084 - MTCC Roundtable Session 25
  In Roundtable Session: 63.084-9 - Does It Have to Be Complicated? Honoring Voices and Experiences of (Disabled) Parents With Students With Disabilities

Abstract

Utilizing material collected in a larger qualitative study in which I interviewed 13 mothers of children with dis/abilities, I analyze three narrative excerpts in which mothers discusses the ways in which she prepare for IEP meetings. I argue that each narrative excerpt reflects the mother’s understanding of the IEP process as contention. I also find that mothers are aware of the ways in which they utilize their social, cultural and professional capital to advocate for their children. Finally, I observe that even when mothers perceive themselves to successfully advocate for their individual children, many still have critiques of the system. This research is important because it problematizes the IEP process.

Author

• Kelly P. Vaughan, Purdue University Northwest