Restoring Family-Professional Partnerships: Lessons Learned From a Qualitative Inquiry of Families of Children w/Sensory Loss

Special education conflict between families and educators is a national problem with consequences including excessive costs, time, emotional strain, and partnership dissolution. Researchers have begun to investigate this phenomenon; however, current studies do not consider the unique circumstances related to a child’s disability and the issues of dispute. In response, we conducted a qualitative study about the experiences of families of children with sensory loss, including collaboration, involvement barriers, conflict, and unique challenges during the IEP process. Findings from this study are presented and discussed in relation to the larger population of families of children representing a range of disabilities