Research Summary 

Title: Reaching out to culturally and linguistically diverse families: Strategies and challenges reported by Parent Training and Information Center Staff 

Purpose: Parent Training and Information Centers support families of children with disabilities across the United States. However, we know very little about how they support culturally and linguistically diverse families. In this study, we explored how Parent Training and Information Center staff supported culturally and linguistically diverse families of children with disabilities.     

Method: Individual interviews were conducted with 13 Parent Training and Information Center staff people across five states.     

Findings:  

• Participants reported several strategies to educate and empower families including: conducting outreach in the community; increasing access to trainings and resources; building trust with families; and training parent leaders.  
• Participants also faced barriers including school systemic barriers and logistical barriers. Participants also struggle to meet the complex systemic barriers facing culturally and linguistically diverse families.  
• Participants reported several strategies including: meeting individualized needs; bridging cultural differences; and providing language support.  

For more information, see:  

Rossetti, Z., & Burke, M.M. (in press). Reaching out to culturally and linguistically  

diverse families of children with disabilities: Strategies and challenges reported by parent training and information center staff. Exceptionality. DOI: 10.1080/09362835.2018.1433042