Nancy Sall, Ed.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Special Education at Hunter College, City University of New York, USA. Nancy previously was a faculty lecturer at Teachers College, Columbia University. She has worked on numerous federally funded research projects on the communication and social development of children with significant disabilities. Catherine Hall Rikhye, Ed.D., Special Education Curriculum Consultant, NYC Public Schools, USA. Cathy was a faculty lecturer at Teachers College, Columbia University, and Associate Professor of Special Education at Hunter College and Dominican College in NY. She created and directed the Office of Inclusive Education, NYC Department of Education. Darnell Carr Newsum, MBA., Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Consultant, SPARK/Boston Children’s Hospital, USA. Darnell is the parent of two children with Autism and a parent advocate, serving on the boards of two schools in New York City. She speaks at colleges and organizations about issues impacting families of children with autism. Samreen Hoda, M.A., Assessment Editor, Curriculum Associates iReady, USA. Samreen designs large-scale early literacy assessments while incorporating cultural and linguistic responsiveness. She taught students with autism and other developmental disabilities in New York City Public Schools where she also served as a mentor and supervisor for novice teachers.
“This book is unique in that it incorporates first person perspectives from multiple stakeholders in family-professional collaboration. There is just enough historical and academic background information to bring greater meaning to readers’ understanding of how policy and practices have changed over time [and,] the style is particularly user-friendly and engaging. The language is clear and promotes a sense of positivity.” --Susan Recchia, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, Teachers College, Columbia University “This is the first book I have seen that is organized around parent, teacher, and academic’s perspectives. In my work with early childhood/special education undergraduate and graduate students, collaborating with families is one of the most difficult aspects of learning how to teach. This book offers stories that students in education and in-service programs can relate to and learn from.” --Seung Eun McDevitt, Ed.D., Associate Professor, Rowan University “This text delivers both breadth and depth in its examination of themes and constructs most vital to supporting families and young children with disabilities. Complex topics including historical frameworks, constructs, and legislation, intersectionality of race and disability, and advocacy and social justice are presented in an engaging and nuanced way. This text will be a valuable resource in teacher education coursework.” --Victoria Puig, Ed.D., Associate Professor, Montclair State University