Families of children with special needs are often underrepresented in research studies regarding family engagement in education. In Delaware, the methods of engaging families in special education and the effectiveness of these methods is unknown. The basis of this project is to provide a descriptive analysis of the effectiveness of Epstein's Model of family engagement in special education by identifying and developing an understanding of parental attitudes and perceptions of family engagement in the special needs community. The data was collected using a survey distributed to of disabled children enrolled in Topsoccer and Special Olympics of Delaware, two youth sports programs for children with disabilities. This was a convenience sample and these families were considered to be actively involved in their children based on their involvement with activities outside the school setting. The results indicate that family engagement in special education can be enhanced if strategies were implemented to overcome some of the identified barriers such as lack of respite care, external family stressors and timing of scheduled activities and events. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]