Meeting Families Where They Are: Building Equity Through Advocacy with Diverse Schools and Communities

Beth Harry · Lydia Ocasio-Stoutenburg

Jan 2020 · Teachers College Press

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This book presents an in-depth discussion of how human disability and parental advocacy have been constructed in American society, including recommendations for a more authentically inclusive vision of parental advocacy. The authors provide a cultural–historical view of the conflation of racism, classism, and ableism that have left a deeply entrenched stigma—one that positions children with disabilities and children of color as less valuable than others. To redress these inequities, the authors offer a working model of co-constructed advocacy designed to benefit all families. Because advocacy is not a “one size fits all” endeavor, the authors propose meeting families where they are and learning their strengths and needs, while preparing and repositioning families to empower themselves.

“The authors intend to challenge us and they do. They engage us in a secular liberation ethic. That is why this book is important.”
—Rud Turnbull, distinguished professor emeritus, University of Kansas

“Of value to educators, doctors, parents, and parent advocates, this text purposefully centers the experiences of parents of color who have children with disabilities.”
—David. J. Connor, professor emeritus, City University of New York

“An enlightening and stimulating read for those committed to better understanding the complexity of the plight of parents of color as they attempt to advocate for the educational needs of their child with a disability.”
—Wanda J. Blanchett, dean, Rutgers University, Graduate School of Education