Co-Constructing Advocacy at the Intersections of Family and Community

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 18
  In Roundtable Session: Intersections of Family and School

Abstract

This qualitative study focuses on the development of equity in the advocacy of parents/caregivers of children or adults with disabilities. Based on a symbolic interactionist perspective, the study seeks to propose (a) a re-consideration of the nature and scope of parent advocacy, (b) a process for understanding and responding to the multiple intersectionalities of parent/caregiver’s identities and (c) a conceptual understanding that frames advocacy as a process of speaking with, rather than for, parent advocates. The study utilizes interviews and document analysis to investigate the perspectives of eight parent/caregiver advocates from diverse backgrounds, including race, ethnicity, language, socioeconomic disadvantage, foster parents, and non-mainstream marital or religious commitments. Representatives of agencies that assist these families with their advocacy are also interviewed.

Authors

• Beth Harry, University of Miami

• Lydia L Ocasio-Stoutenburg, University of Miami