Support for Parent Leadership

Learning About Community Support for the Families of Children with Disabilities, offers a deep dive into the challenges and lessons learned from the Parent Leadership Program’s (PLP) Local Liaison Learning Group initiative. Conducted between 1998 and 1999, the project aimed to foster parent-professional partnerships and increase natural community support for families of children with disabilities. ​ Despite ambitious goals, the initiative faced significant barriers, revealing the complexities of driving systemic change. ​

Readers will explore reflections from the PLP team, who facilitated the Learning Group, and insights into the disconnect between expected outcomes and real-world implementation. The document highlights the tension between two worlds: the structured “world of boxes” (systems and services) and the organic “world of relationships” (community connections). ​ It emphasizes the importance of shifting mindsets, building reciprocal relationships, and empowering families to lead change. ​

Key accomplishments from participating counties are showcased, alongside discoveries about differing interpretations of partnership, family support, and natural support. ​ The PLP team’s approach evolved to focus on dialogue, reflection, and creating a “container for learning”—a safe space for participants to explore personal and collective meanings of family, community, and inclusion. ​

This resource is ideal for anyone passionate about inclusive communities, parent-professional collaboration, and rethinking traditional service systems. ​ It challenges readers to embrace creative tension, honor family wisdom, and balance the worlds of systems and relationships to foster meaningful change. ​ Dive in to uncover practical lessons, inspiring stories, and a richer understanding of what it takes to build truly supportive communities. ​