Field Guide to Family Advocacy: Knowledge, Resources, and Supports for Military Families of Children with Disabilities
This four-part, asynchronous learning module was created by the Military Families Learning Network’s Early Intervention team. The interactive course focuses on the rights of young children with disabilities in military families, eligibility for special education programs and services for children with disabilities available within military systems, and strategies to support military families as they navigate these systems in military contexts.
Unit One: Disability Rights of Young Children in Military Families (1h completion time)
EITP Credits: 0.75 Working with Families
This unit covers the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), its purpose, terms, and components. Parent’s rights under IDEA are also addressed. Through interactive activities, case studies, open-ended reflection questions, and videos learners will develop an awareness of the special education process in Part B and Part C programs and a general understanding of Section 504.
Unit Two: Eligibility, Individualized Education Programs, & Individualized Family Service Plans (1h30m completion time)
EITP Credits: 0.75 Assessment and 0.75 Intervention
This unit explains the eligibility determination process for Part B and Part C programs according to the federal legislation, IDEA. The development of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs) are covered in detail along with Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) for Part B and transition for Part C. Interactive case studies are presented throughout which ask learners to evaluate how well different portions of IDEA were implemented or fulfilled.
Unit Three: Programs, Services, and Resources for Children with Disabilities in Military Families (1h completion time)
EITP Credits: 1.25 Working with Families
This unit covers the Department of Defense’s early intervention and special education processes for eligible children with disabilities who are military dependents. A high-level overview of Tricare and the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) is provided along with multiple resources to assist professionals working with military families.
Unit Four: Advocacy Strategies to Support Military Families Navigating Disability Services (1h completion time)
EITP Credits: 1.0 Working with Families
This unit discusses what advocacy is and ways professionals can empower families to advocate strategically for their young children with disabilities. Advocacy strategies and resources useful for military and civilian families are covered as well. Through videos and reflection questions participants will consider what successful advocacy looks like and how to best support the families with whom they work.
Content Author & Developer:
Nicole (Nikki) Adams, Ed.M. (content co-author)
Robyn DiPietro-Wells, Ed.M. (content co-author)
Alissa Jones, Ed.M. (instructional designer)
Meghan Burke, Ph.D., BCBA-D (content advisor)
MFLN Family Development Early Intervention Team
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