ERIC Number: EJ898505
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2009
Pages: 10
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1540-7969
EISSN: N/A
Latina Mothers' Views of a Parent-to-Parent Support Group in the Special Education System
Mueller, Tracy Gershwin; Milian, Madeline; Islas Lopez, Maria
Research and Practice for Persons with Severe Disabilities (RPSD), v34 n3-4 p113-122 2009
Parent-professional partnership literature continues to emphasize the importance of including the parent voice. Spanish-speaking families are often excluded from such studies because of the language barrier. This article presents a qualitative interview study of eight Latina mothers of children with severe disabilities. All participants were members of a parent-to-parent support group available through a local community board. Data analysis revealed that the mothers identified three major benefits of the parent-to-parent support group, including (a) feeling like a family, (b) having a source of information, and (c) receiving emotional support. Findings indicated that information and assistance the parents were missing from the school system were offered through their group. Implications for educational providers and future research will be presented and discussed. (Contains 1 table.)
Descriptors: Mothers, Parents, Social Support Groups, Hispanic Americans, Spanish Speaking, Language Usage, Interviews, Severe Disabilities, Community Programs, Group Dynamics, English (Second Language), Federal Legislation, Parent Participation, Parent School Relationship, Special Education, Special Needs Students
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Laws, Policies, & Programs: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A