Reaching culturally and linguistically diverse families and other hard to

reach audiences through technology & partnerships with parent centers

Presented by Diana Autin, Co-Director, NE-PACT/Region 1 PTAC @ Statewide Parent Advocacy Network of NJ (PTI)

Barriers to using technology with diverse

audiences• Limited access to

technology• Limited knowledge of

how to use technology

• Limited availability of technology in multiple languages

• Focus on relationships & reservations about technology

TA Technology Access Barriers

• The web– Websites– Webinars &

teleconferences

• Barriers– Generally available

only in English or maybe Spanish

– Reading level of information

– Level of technology required for access

Strategies to Overcome Barriers

• Connecting families to technology resources

• Making technology resources more user friendly for diverse audiences

• Partnering with cultural brokers

Connecting TA Users to Technology Resources

• Find out the places where technology access is available– Public libraries– CBOs– Parent centers– School parent

centers

• Develop relationships &/or materials that help users connect to technology resources

Example: Traducelo Ahora

• Parent Guide on Getting Online without a Computer at home– Where to get access– How to get access– Useful websites

• Dissemination of guide– Parent workshops– CBO workshops

• Partnerships with CBOs serving diverse families

Making TA Technology User Friendly

• Multiple languages• Easy-to-understand

language/terminology

• More & culturally appropriate visuals

• Relationship-based• Ease of access in

various dates/ times/locations

INCLUSION TELECONFERENCES

May 21st & 28th, 2008 - Developing an IEP for Educating

Students with Disabilities in the

Least Restrictive Environment

Developing an IEP for Educating Students

with Disabilities in the Least Restrictive Environment

(.pdf file)

February 20, 2008 Teleconference

New Jersey's Special Education

Code and InclusionClick here to access the

fileListen to the audio file of the

teleconferencemp3 file ~ 17.9 MB

August 8, 2007 - Developing an IEP for the

Least Restrictive Environment

August 8th Teleconference

(mp3 file - 16.9 MB)

Partnering with Cultural Brokers

• Identify partners with legitimacy with targeted audiences to serve as “cultural brokers”

• Work with cultural brokers to develop or review & revise existing use of technology to be more culturally appropriate

Parent Organizations

• Helping education systems:– Establish and

maintain trust– Build meaningful

relationships

Catalyst for Change

• Helping education systems:– Recognize the

barriers to participation by families

– Make changes to address barriers

– Engage diverse families in all processes

Role of Parent Centers (IDEA)

• Provide training that meets the needs of families, particularly underserved families & families of children who may be inappropriately identified, to enable their children to meet development, functional, and challenging academic goals, & to be prepared to live productive independent adult lives

• Help parents understand their children’s disabilities & needs

• Help parents obtain information about interventions based on scientifically based research

• Help parents communicate effectively & work collaboratively with professionals

• Help parents participate in decision-making in the IFSP & IEP processes

• Help parents participate in systems/school improvement

• Help parents understand how to resolve disputes & use dispute resolution systems

• Network with clearinghouses & other relevant agencies

Partnering with Parent Centers

• Committed Leadership from all partners

• Good communication, clear decision-making, & specific responsibilities

• Role of each in decision-making, evaluation, & accountability for results

Preparing for Collaboration

• Discuss in advance:– Each partner’s role in

the collaboration– How you will

communicate with each other

– Parental consent to sharing of info

– What potential conflicts may exist

– How conflicts will be resolved

– Other roles of partners

Communication

• Communication– Regular & two-

way– Clear

information on expectations

– Reporting

Conflict Prevention Strategies• Understand differing

roles & responsibilities

• Clarity on roles, functions, bottom lines, expectations

• Discuss issues as they arise; don’t let them fester

• Understand decision-making processes

• Respect relationship, especially in difficult conversations

Conflict Resolution Strategies

• Don’t take disagreements personally…and don’t personalize disagreements

• Recheck & refocus on the vision & goals: keep your eye on the prize!

• Use a facilitator• Agree to disagree

Resources-Diversity

• Traducelo Ahora– Contact SPAN at 973-642-8100

or diana.autin@spannj.org – Go to www.spannj.org; click

on Traducelo Ahora on home page to access parent guides

• National Center for Cultural Competence– http://

www11.georgetown.edu/research/gucchd/nccc/

– Cultural broker guide at http://www11.georgetown.edu/research/gucchd/nccc/resources/brokering.html

Resources - Technology

• Bridging the Digital Divide for Hard to Reach Groups http://www.businessofgovernment.org/pdfs/BoeltzigPillingReport.pdf – Recommendations for

increasing access & use

• Family Center on Technology & Disability www.fctd.info

Resources – Parent Centers

• National Parent TA Center www.taalliance.org (access contact information for Regional PTACs, PTIs, and CPRCs)

• 6 Regional Parent TA Centers

• At least one PTI in every state

• 30 CPRCs