Prospects for Disabled Children and Their Families: An International Perspective

The aim of this paper is to provide an international overview of some of the main developments now taking place in educational provision for children with disabilities. Difficulties experienced by disabled children in many countries in gaining access to any form of education are contrasted with home-based and centre-based projects, such as Portage. Particular attention is given to the nature of collaboration between families and teachers, in the context both of schooling and of community-based rehabilitation. Obstacles to parent-professional collaboration are identified and suggestions made for how these might be overcome.