Parents’ Programs
When we use the term parent, we are also including guardians and are embracing all families — partnerships, grandparents raising grandchildren, co-parenting, kinship, foster parents, and more. 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, and build self-acceptance of all aspects of their identities. Because of society’s stereotypes, stigma, oppression, and discrimination, children with disabilities are often encouraged to assimilate and “overcome” their disabilities. LETA Solutions creates programs for parents to explore a disability justice model of disability and deepen their understanding of disability pride.
Our programs dig deeper into disability history and culture while embracing disability as part of a 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 into pride
- The important role that disability history, culture, and pride play in the lives of people with disabilities
- Ways family members can support the development of pride and power in the lives of their child with disabilities
- How to become an ally to the disability community
Support for Parents Navigating Inclusion & Belonging
We work directly with parents and families of children with disabilities on the practical side of inclusion and belonging. Whether your child wants to join a camp, team, club, or after-school program — and you aren’t sure how to talk with that program about what your child needs — we can help you think through what inclusion looks like, what questions to ask, and how to describe the assistive technology or supports that would help your child participate fully. No pressure, just a conversation focused on your child belonging.
To reach out, email herpower@mymdrc.org.
Raising Children with Disabilities: With Disability Pride
A weekend retreat designed for parents of children with disabilities (ages 18 and under) that celebrates the lives of people with disabilities and supports families in embracing disability as part of their child’s identity. Previously hosted at Zehnder’s Splash Village Hotel and Waterpark in Frankenmuth, Michigan, the retreat brings parents together to explore a disability justice model of disability and deepen their understanding of disability pride.
“The trainers were knowledgeable, engaging, and authentic.” — Past participant
“Life-changing and thoughtful content that changed our perspectives.” — Past participant
What Parents and Caregivers Learn
- How to move through shame and gain pride
- The vital role disability history, culture, and pride play in the lives of people with disabilities
- Ways family members can support the development of pride and power in their child’s life
- How to be an ally to the disability community
What’s Typically Included
- All training and program materials
- An opportunity to connect with other families of children with disabilities
- Lodging for the full weekend (up to 3 additional family members per registered participant, 4 people per room total)
- Waterpark tickets for the family each day of the retreat
- Friday dinner, plus breakfast and lunch on Saturday and Sunday for participants
- A $100 stipend per participant to cover additional dinner costs throughout the weekend
Weekend Format
The retreat runs over three days, typically Friday evening through Sunday afternoon. Content builds on itself throughout the weekend, so the same parent or guardian is expected to attend the full retreat. Previous schedules have included:
- Friday: 5:00–7:30 p.m. (check-in from 4:00 p.m.)
- Saturday: 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
- Sunday: 8:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. (includes lunch; hotel checkout at 11:00 a.m.)
Registration & Scholarships
When this retreat is offered, the typical registration fee is $100, with $50 returned on the last day to participants who attend the full weekend and submit an evaluation. Spots are limited (usually 15 participants) and scholarships are available on a need basis, with priority for participants from Wayne and Macomb counties and Detroit, and for current foster parents or parents who have adopted a child with a disability.
Interested in bringing this retreat to your community, or want to know when it’s offered next? Email herpower@mymdrc.org.
Interested in Partnering With Us?
Whether you’re a parent or guardian looking for support with your child’s inclusion in a program, or an organization wanting to bring a training to your parent community, we’d love to talk.
Email herpower@mymdrc.org to start a conversation.