6.3 Strengthening Family Advocacy for a Child with a Disability

Presenter: Kathleen Murphey

Title: Early Childhood Specialist

Organization: ICF - Region III Head Start TTA

Co-Presenter: Dr. Pam Waddell

Workshop Description
Families make the best advocates for their children. When a young child has a known or suspected disability, parents can be tempted to put aside their own wishes, and defer to the "experts." In this session participants will explore how federal and state laws support parent leadership and advocacy, and will share successful strategies and approaches to helping Head Star families overcome the hurdles they may face in the special education process. Finally, participants will be review Pennsylvania resources that can support programs and families in their advocacy efforts.