Because the stakes are so high, it is sometimes difficult for parents of children with special educational needs to advocate calmly and objectively for the educational and related services their children need. Here are some common mistakes that undermine parents’ ability to obtain appropriate services: […]
This month, we want to talk about why inclusive education is important, and why ensuring that special education support is provided in a student’s least restrictive environment matters not only in the short term, but also in the long run. DREDF is founded on the idea that disability rights are civil and human rights. In the Parent Training and Information Center (PTI), we work to train, support and empower parents and community partners to keep children with disabilities in their most inclusive, least restrictive educational settings, and to ensure that if children need a different kind of setting for some or [...]
1. Start with the assumption that you are an equal partner in your child’s education. Parents of children with special needs should be involved as equal partners in their child’s educational planning. Unfortunately, many parents say, “How can I be an equal partner? I am just a parent. I don’t know enough to work with all those professionals!” A parent who feels this way will not “speak up” and be the best advocate for their child. 2. Deal with your perceptions or feelings about yourself as a parent of a child with special needs. Understand the grief process and don’t let [...]
Build a better relationship with your child by not judging. Rather, state the facts to correct behavior and improve parenting. Watch this video from TrueSelfParenting.com to learn more. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvcCkDs4lBI&w=500
A positive parent-child relationship begins early in life. Watch this clip from the CDC and look for times when the parents could have used better communication with their children.
Hearing to your child’s negative talk or actions can be scary but the good news is, you can teach your child to talk back to his negative little voices. How do you do that? Well, the answer lies in YOU!
