Family and teacher partnerships have an important role to play in the education of learners with disabilities. The South African Schools Act of 1996 has made provision for families to play a pivotal role in the school governing body, whether their child has a disability or not. National and international research shows that strong family-teacher partnerships improve children's academic performance as well as the family's quality of life. This study explores families' and teachers' co-operative experiences of supporting learners with disabilities in special and full-service schools in South Africa. Data were drawn from 39 individual interviews with teachers and five focus group discussions with 27 family members of learners with disabilities. The findings show both positive and negative interactive experiences regarding communication, extending learning from school to home, power dynamics and advocacy, and commitment. Consideration of these aspects will contribute to improving education for learners with disabilities.