When we use the term parent, we are also including guardians and are embracing all families (i.e. partnerships, grandparents raising grandchildren, co-parenting, kinship, foster parents, etc.). We support families of choice which can include parents, step-parents, domestic partners, neighbors, communities, religious leaders, and any other person the individual with a disability defines as a parent.
Parents play an essential role in creating an environment where children with disabilities can explore disability history, culture, and pride, to encourage self-acceptance of all aspects of their identities. Due to society’s stereotypes, stigma, oppression, and discrimination, children with disabilities are encouraged to assimilate and “overcome” their disabilities. LETASolutions sets up programs for parents to explore a disability justice model of disability and further their understanding of the concept of disability pride.
Programs dig deeper into topics of disability history and culture while embracing disability as part of their child’s identity. The celebration of disability identity leads to self-empowerment and a sense of belonging.
Programs explore
- How to move through shame and gain pride
- Explore the important role that disability history, culture, and pride play in the lives of people with disabilities
- Discuss ways that family members can support the development of pride and power in the lives of their child with disabilities
- Learn how to become an ally to the disability community
Past parent programing
Past Events: Three Trainings on “The Intersection of Transracial Adoption and Racial (in)Justice with Angela Tucker
Transracial caregiving is a multifaceted journey for the entire family, but it is often the child who bears the brunt of navigating the complexity of the experience. Caregivers and parents must understand the history of why children of color are overrepresented in child welfare to avoid perpetuating racism and to instead embrace an anti-racist outlook to support the health and well-being of transracial adoptees and/or transracial foster youth.
These workshops will provide a window into the nuanced first-hand narratives of adoptees through videos, anonymized case studies, and Angela’s personal stories. These interactive workshops will leave you thinking about the role transracial adoption plays in our quest for racial justice in America.
Learning objectives:
• Understand the history and intersections of racial and social norms in America as it relates to transracial caregiving.
• Develop strategies for identifying, preventing and responding to microaggressions
• Increase awareness of: racism, unconscious biases, colorism, stereotypes, implicit biases and internalized racism.
• Increase the psychological well-being of transracially adopted people.
• Match your good intentions to intended impacts.
• Recognize the importance of amplifying adoptee voices
September 2
5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
History of race in child-welfare within the United States (Laws & Definitions), American Racial Norms & Implicit Biases, Transracial adoptee identity
September 9
5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Role-play interrupting adoption-related microaggressions in small groups. Angela provides structure and strategies
September 16
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Facilitated Discussion between Angela and a transracial adoptee panel. Question & answer session offered. All panelists are paid for their time and expertise