1. 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)

2. 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

3. 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

4. Strategies to Overcome Barriers Connecting families to technology resources Making technology resources more user friendly for diverse audiences Partnering with cultural brokers

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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 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 Inclusion Click here to access the file Click here to access the file Listen to the audio file of the teleconference mp3 file ~ 17.9 MB mp3 file ~ 17.9 MB August 8, 2007 - Developing an IEP for the Least Restrictive Environment August 8th Teleconference August 8th Teleconference (mp3 file - 16.9 MB)

9. 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

10. Parent Organizations Helping education systems: –Establish and maintain trust –Build meaningful relationships

11. Catalyst for Change Helping education systems: –Recognize the barriers to participation by families –Make changes to address barriers –Engage diverse families in all processes

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. Communication –Regular & two- way –Clear information on expectations –Reporting

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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.ed u/research/gucchd/nccc/ –Cultural broker guide at http://www11.georgetown.ed u/research/gucchd/nccc/re sources/brokering.html

19. Resources - Technology Bridging the Digital Divide for Hard to Reach Groups http://www.businessofgover nment.org/pdfs/BoeltzigPilli ngReport.pdf –Recommendations for increasing access & use Family Center on Technology & Disability www.fctd.infowww.fctd.info

20. Resources – Parent Centers National Parent TA Center www.taalliance.org (access contact information for Regional PTACs, PTIs, and CPRCs) www.taalliance.org 6 Regional Parent TA Centers At least one PTI in every state 30 CPRCs