Course Overview

In this course students will examine current trends and concerns which characterize the changing American family and draw implications for education, students with disabilities, and their families. They will examine family, community and school structures, patterns and relationships. Students will explore a variety of theories, concepts, principles and models utilized when implementing effective family, school, and community partnership, in addition to collaboration among IEP team members and when working with other professionals regarding students and families with special and diverse needs. Students will identify and discuss the uses and applications of community and school resources in supporting families and students with disabilities. They will also learn and simulate techniques for interacting with parents and examine collaboration strategies for interdisciplinary team efforts. In addition, students will focus on topics/challenges that face families with children with disabilities such as: sibling support, respite care, financial planning, transition planning, independent living and IEP meetings.