Second Followers for Family
“A river cuts through rock, not because of its power,but because of its persistence .”
Do you ever get tired of keeping going? You know that you’re onto something that could make a difference, but you’re not sure if others get it? You know you can’t accomplish your mission if you’re doing it alone, but where are the others going to come from?
For most of my career, I have wondered what it would take to build strong partnerships with families of children with special needs. I have written and co-edited several publications on empowering families. I have presented at countless conferences to professional audiences and eager families (usually separately) . As a special education professional who is also parent to young adults with disabilities, I’ve wanted to help transform current “us – them” practices into partnerships. People agree, but progress is slow.
Recently I rediscovered the YouTube video called First Follower. Check it out. It will make you smile, but the message is profound! I believe the first few followers in the clip are powerful leaders in their own right. It takes courage and persistence to change the status quo. Sometimes, we just have to find those follower-leaders.
I was encouraged by the response to my poster session at the Council for Exceptional Children’s Convention in January. I reviewed the frameworks for family engagement that have been used to conceptualize our work, including ones that I helped create. Then I shared my new Partnership Matrix.
I was excited by stimulating conversations with wise professionals from a variety of backgrounds. We brainstormed possibilities for moving this work forward into action. I may have found several first follower-leaders who agree the time is right, especially in light of the Endrew F. v Douglas County Supreme Court decision. Get ready – there may be a whole movement ahead! Anybody want to dance?
If you missed my webinar on the Family Partnership Matrix, you can watch an archived version here.
