Building Sustainable Relationships: Perspectives From Parents With Children Receiving Special Education

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session One
  In Roundtable Session: Centering Families in Special and Inclusive Education (Table 16)

Abstract

This research study will focus on the apparent gap in literature as to how we are equitably including parents from marginalized backgrounds in schools. The disconnect between a system that explicitly protects parents’ rights and participation (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) and one that also produces disproportionate outcomes for students of color raises the question as to why the law’s parental rights provisions have been insufficient to protect students from patterns long recognized as problematic. Specifically, this mixed-methods study uses survey and interview data which positions Black and Brown parents' experiences in the special education system at the center. Findings show that relationships between parents and professionals are vital and impact parents at multiple stages of the special education system.

Author

• Lydia Gandy-Fastovich, University of Utah
  Presenting Author