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About This Site

The information in this area is intended to help parents of children with disabilities improve the overall quality of life for their children and family. 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 that they would have if the disability was 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.  
• Children with disabilities are people first.
  Using language that describes a child, and not their disability, reminds us that a disability is only one part of who that child is. Talking about children in a positive way leads to positive and empowering attitudes.  

What You Will Find

On this site you will find articles and information from a variety of experts and advocates in the field of disabilities. 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 in learning from and teaching children with disabilities and their families. Values of social justice, family-professional partnerships, and inclusive education guide their teaching, research, and writing. 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 included and respected. Toward that end, they want to ensure that reader-friendly, up-to-date research and information is available so that families are empowered to decide what is best for their child and their family.

Elizabeth Erwin, Ed.D.

Elizabeth prepares teachers to create educational environments where diverse learners can be successful and valued members. She is currently Associate Professor and Coordinator of the Graduate Programs in Special Education at Queens College of the City University of New York. Her professional interests include supporting young children with disabilities in inclusive classroom communities and building 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, as well as having written numerous articles and chapters on inclusive education.

Leslie Soodak, Ph.D.

Leslie is a university professor, researcher, and consultant whose primary goal is to foster learning and a sense of belonging for children with disabilities. 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 Associate Professor of Special Education at Pace University, where she prepares 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 with disabilities.