Inclusive Education: Ways to Engage and Support Families of Students With Disabilities

• In Event: Engaging and Empowering Parents and Families

Abstract

The importance of providing services to meet the needs of students with disabilities is strongly emphasized globally. As school work gets difficult, students with disabilities may struggle academically and behaviorally. With the adoption of Whole School Approaches in Hong Kong (HK), family engagement becomes essential. The purpose of this study was to investigate how two inclusive schools in HK effectively engaged and supported their families of students with disabilities. Principals, guidance counselors, special education coordinators, and parents participated in the study. Surveys and individual interviews were used. Results indicated that schools utilized various creative ways to engage families, such as the creation of school-based parent support group. Families were supported, empowered, and wanted to contribute more to the schools.

Authors

• Lusa Lo, University of Massachusetts - Boston

• Tak Foo Cheng

• Kam Keung Lui