Deciphering the System: A Guide for Families of Young Children With Disabilities

A major challenge that faces parents of young children with disabilities is the need to understand the system which provides services to their child. In order to have the confidence to participate as equal partners, parents need clear and concise information about the service system.

This book is for parents and families of young children with disabilities who are between birth and approximately five years of age. It includes contributions from both parents and professionals who have experience with the service system. It provides basic information about parents' rights under recent legislation affecting young children with disabilities.

The chapters in this book also provide information about many other aspects of the service system that parents may encounter. Topics include: the educational assessment process, how parents can work with multiple service providers, ways to manage the large amount of information that accumulates, and what parents can expect when service providers seek information about their family. There are also tips about handling IEP and IFSP meetings, due process hearings, and the transitions which are part of everyone's life. There is a chapter about obtaining support from other parents. Finally, there is a glossary which parents can use to help them sort out professional jargon and an extensive list of resources available to these young children.

"The chapters are replete with information about how families can help ensure that the educational program is genuinely geared to the preferences, strengths, and needs of their child and also of their family. There are hundreds of good ideas of how to act on rights and opportunities with very many concrete, step-by-step suggestions." -- --Ann Turnbull, Beach Center for Families and Disability

Deciphering the System is primarily for parents and families of young children with disabilities who are between birth and five years of age, though it also addresses the needs of school age students as well. It includes contributions from both parents and professionals who have experience with the service system. It provides basic information about parents' rights under recent legislation affecting young children with disabilities. Deciphering the System provides information about many other aspects of the service system the parents may encounter including the education assessment process, how parents can work with multiple service providers, ways to manage the large amount of information that accumulates, and what parents can expect when service providers seek information about their family. There are tips about handling IEP and IFSP meetings, due process hearings, and the transitions which are part of everyone's life, and a chapter about obtaining support from other parents. Finally, there is a glossary which parents can use to help them sort out professional jargon and an extensive lists of resources available to these young children. -- Midwest Book Review