Additional Resources for Families of Children with Disabilities

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Books:

Batshaw, M. (2000). When your child has a disability: The complete sourcebook of daily and medical care (rev. ed.). Baltimore: Paul Brookes.

A parent's guide that offers detailed information about the daily and long-term care requirements of specific disabilities, including mental retardation, Down syndrome and other genetic syndromes, spina bifida, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, hearing loss, communication disorders, visual impairment, autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, and learning disabilities. Some of the topics covered in this book include child development, behavior, nutrition and feeding, medications, therapies, education and early intervention, legal rights and benefits, and genetic counseling.

Bowe, F. (2004). Early childhood special education: Birth to age eight (3rd ed.). Albany, NY: Delmar Publishers.

This book provides an introduction to early childhood special education from birth to eight years of age. This foundation book offers information on IDEA, on issues and trends in early childhood special education, and on a variety of disabilities within the context of child development.

Curran, D. (1989). Working with parents. Circle Pines, MN: American Guidance Service.

Topics covered in this book for professionals working in the parent education field include: conducting groups that empower parents, reexamining traditional assumptions about parents, and listening to identify parents' needs.

Dettmer, P., Thurston, L., & Dyck, N. (2005). Consultation, collaboration, and teamwork for students with special needs. Boston: Allyn & Bacon.

This book is a comprehensive guide for preparing general and special educators to work collaboratively in educating students with special learning needs. Topics include the team process; educational roles and opportunities; processes for teaching, learning, and interacting; and improving educational partnerships to serve special needs of students.

Falvey, M. (2005). Believe in my child with special needs! Helping children achieve their potential in school. Baltimore: Paul Brookes.

Drawing on her experiences as a parent of a child with a disability and as an educator, the author helps parents understand their child's rights, pursue an inclusive education, collaborate with other IEP team members, promote their child's access to the general education curriculum, encourage educators to use appropriate modifications and assessment strategies, support their child's social skills, and develop transition plans.

Featherstone, H. (1980). A difference in the family: Living with a disabled child. New York: Penguin Books.

A woman shares her own personal story regarding the impact a disability has on the family as a whole as well as on each individual family member. She shares the family dynamics and frank discussion of their decisions regarding the child with a disability.

Gill, B. (1997). Changed by a child: Companion notes for parents of a child with a disability. New York: Broadway Books.

This book has numerous accounts of parents who share their inner feelings and thoughts about raising a child who has a disability.

Harry, B. (1992). Cultural diversity, families, and the special education system: Communication and empowerment. New York: Teachers College Press.

This thought-provoking book explores the quadruple disadvantage faced by the parents of poor and minority children with disabilities whose first language is not that of the school they attend.