Collaboration Between School Personnel in Special Education and Hispanic Families

Building collaborative relationships between school personnel in special education and Hispanic families is a challenge being faced by many professionals today. This article profiles the issues that are paramount in understanding the values and beliefs of the Hispanic family. A four-step collaboration action plan is proposed that includes (a).promoting a positive attitude toward school personnel, (b) assisting school personnel by providing training, (c) gathering information on the family, and (d) developing a culturally sensitive program based on need. School personnel who take the time to understand the unique values and beliefs of the Hispanic culture will more adequately provide culturally sensitive services to Hispanic families and their children with disabilities.