Despite the legal role of parents as equal members of the IEP/IFSP team, most families enter the IEP/IFSP process with less power and resources than the professionals representing the school system. This power imbalance contributes to conflict in the IEP/IFSP process. IEP/IFSP facilitation has the potential to level the playing field between families and professionals but only if it is conducted with a thorough understanding of the power relationships between families and school systems and knowledge of strategies to empower families in the IEP/IFSP process. This workshop will provide insights into the emotions experienced by families at IEP/IFSP meetings and effective IEP/IFSP facilitation strategies to empower families while building the partnership between families and school systems.
The Center for Appropriate Dispute Resolution in Special Education
Supporting the prevention and resolution of disputes through partnership and collaboration
