I referred to Chapter 5 of our text for this post because it focuses on providing coping and stress supports for families of children with disabilities. This chapter should be read by all educators because it highlights the benefits for effective collaboration and the need for teachers to be informed of resources available to families.  The text states that, “families of children with disabilities who access various support services – personal and professional – are able to cope more successfully with stress.” (pg. 115) Educators need to be able to link families to school related and community services that will increase the likelihood of the family feeling some relief from stress and the child achieving their goals. Collaboration with all families is essential to the development and growth of children. It is even more critical when the child is diagnosed with a disability. For this reason, educators must empathize with the family; understand the family dynamic and culture, have in-depth knowledge of the disability, and know what resources are available.

Fiedler C.R., Simpson, R.L., & Clark, D.M. Parents and Families of Children with Disabilities.       (2007). Pearson. Upper Saddle River: NJ.