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The phenomenon of legislative advocacy among parents of children with disabilities
Author(s) -
Burke Meghan M.,
Sandman Linda,
Perez Beatrize,
O'Leary Meghann
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
journal of research in special educational needs
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.543
H-Index - 27
ISSN - 1471-3802
DOI - 10.1111/1471-3802.12392
Subject(s) - legislature , phenomenon , feeling , focus group , psychology , variety (cybernetics) , inclusion (mineral) , developmental psychology , political science , social psychology , sociology , physics , quantum mechanics , artificial intelligence , anthropology , computer science , law
Although parents of children with disabilities have forged systemic changes for individuals with disabilities, little is known about the phenomenon of legislative advocacy ( LA ) including methods and barriers. In this United States‐based study, 49 parents of individuals with disabilities participated in focus groups about LA reporting both positive and negative experiences with LA . One focus group was held in Spanish; notably, none of the Spanish‐speaking parents reported experiences with LA . When discussing methods of LA , parents reported a variety of strategies including: building relationships, educating legislators, collective advocacy, and encouraging fathers and other parents to meet with legislators. Parents also reported barriers to LA : lack of knowledge, disempowerment and feeling overwhelmed. Implications for research to better understand LA and policy are discussed.