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Diana Autin Session 3.3 - Presentation.ppt
Presenter:
Diana Autin, Region I Parent TA Center, Newark, NJ
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.