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About This Site

The information in this section of PBS Parents is intended to help parents and caregivers of children with disabilities improve their overall quality of life. It is also intended to help all parents (of children with and without disabilities) by addressing such common and important themes as inclusion, diversity, partnerships, and respecting differences. The content is guided by the following principles:

• Families first.
  Families are the most constant and significant force in children's lives. All children and their families have the right to a high quality of life consistent with their values, priorities, and culture.  
• Membership matters.
  All children with disabilities and their families should be fully valued and included members of their schools and communities.  
• Children with disabilities have the right to equal opportunity.
  Under law, children with disabilities have the right to participate in the same opportunities and experiences that they would have if the disability were not present.  
• Family-professional partnerships are essential.
  This important collaboration is not only required by law in the education of children with disabilities, but research shows it leads to the best outcomes.  
• Disability is a natural form of diversity.
  Disability is a natural and typical part of life just as a child’s culture, economic background or gender.  
• Children with disabilities are people first.
  Using language that describes a child first, and not his disability, reminds us that a disability is only one part of who that child is. For example, when we use "people first" language we might say the child with Down syndrome instead of the Down syndrome child. Speaking in this way reminds us and others that disabilities do not define who children are. Talking about children in a positive way leads to healthy attitudes and relationships.  

What You Will Find

You will find articles, information, and real-life stories from a variety of experts and advocates in the fields of disabilities or early childhood education. Topics include: family rights and quality of life, understanding and accessing special education supports and services, and research-based practices.

About the Editors

Dr. Elizabeth Erwin and Dr. Leslie Soodak both have over 15 years of experience teaching and learning from children with disabilities and their families. Values of democracy, family-professional partnerships, and inclusive education guide their teaching, research, and service in the field. In their work as university professors preparing teachers to serve diverse populations, Leslie and Elizabeth are committed to ensuring that all children and families are equal partners in the education of their children with disabilities. Toward that end, they want to ensure that reader-friendly, up-to-date research and information is available so that families and guardians are empowered to decide what is best for their children and their families.

Elizabeth Erwin, Ed.D.

Elizabeth prepares teachers to create educational environments in which diverse learners can be successful and valued members of their educational communities. She is currently Professor at Montclair State University in the Department of Early Childhood, Elementary and Literacy Education where she coordinates the graduate program in early childhood special education. Elizabeth’s professional interests include creating innovative classroom communities for diverse learners and building healthy partnerships between families and professionals. Elizabeth received her doctorate at Teachers College, Columbia University. She has trained teachers and university faculty in several countries around the world including Mongolia, Ukraine, and Slovakia. She has written numerous articles and chapters on inclusive education and family-professional collaboration. Her daughter, Alyssa, remains her wisest teacher.

Leslie Soodak, Ph.D.

Leslie is a university professor, researcher, and psychologist whose primary goal is to foster learning and a sense of belonging for children with disabilities and their families. After working as a special education teacher in schools throughout New York City, she received her Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from New York University. Leslie is currently Professor of Special Education and Chair of the School of Education on the Pleasantville campus of Pace University. She is actively engaged in preparing graduate and undergraduate students to teach students with differing abilities. She has published numerous articles on how parents and teachers can promote inclusive education for children and adolescents with disabilities. Her husband, Ian, and daughter, Gaby, bring love and laughter to her life.