The Art of Collaboration: Lessons from Families of Children with Disabilities, co-authored by two professors of education and a parent of a child with disabilities, draws on the literature as well as original research to explore the meaning of collaboration and the benefits and barriers to developing positive school and family partnerships. The voices and stories of families of children with a variety of disabilities and experiences are at the heart of the book, providing insights into how we might re-conceptualize collaboration as an ongoing process and an art built on a shared commitment to improving the lives of children and families. The book begins with an overview of the research on collaboration and explores key themes, including the process of identifying a disability, the meaning of parent knowledge and expertise in the digital age, the potential to join parent and professional knowledge for the benefit of the child and family, and approaches leading to meaningful collaboration and communication. These include a variety of family-centered tools and practices, strategies for promoting parent advocacy and leadership, and a focus on hope and resiliency. Each chapter concludes with questions for reflection and suggested activities, making it an ideal resource for both parents and professionals. Throughout, the authors critique the collaborative process, while focusing on its promises and possibilities for families, educators, and other professionals.

Acknowledgements.- Introduction and Overview.- Who We Are.- Exploring the Research: Historical and Legal Roots of Family-Professional Collaboration.- Parent Involvement in General Education.- Historical, Legal, and Theoretical Underpinnings of Parent Participation in Special Education.- From Theory and Law to Practice: Studies of Parent Involvement.- Chapter Summary.- Identifying a Disability.-Conceptualizing Disability: Naming the Process.- Parents Journeys to Diagnosis.- Possibilities for Collaboration.- Chapter Summary.-Understanding Parents as Actors and Experts.- Becoming Experts and Actors: Key Roles of Parents.- Back to the Cliche: Understanding Parents as Experts.- Chapter Summary.- Joining Parent and Professional Knowledge.- The Nature of Professional Knowledge.- Parent Expectations of Professionals and the Program.- Strategies for Joining Parent and Professional Knowledge.- Chapter Summary.- Enhancing Collaboration.-What Makes ItWork? Definitions and Characteristics of Collaboration as Identified in the Literature.- What Makes It Difficult? Barriers to Collaboration as Identified in the Literature.- Why Is It So Difficult? Family Perspectives on Barriers to Collaboration.- Chapter Summary.- Finding Voice: Promoting Advocacy, Choice, and Leadership.-Resources and Tools for Promoting Knowledge and Advocacy.- Tools for Promoting Choice and Family Engagement.- Tools for Promoting Leadership and Advocacy.- Chapter Summary.- Building Capacity for Collaboration: Nurturing Self-Efficacy, Resiliencyand Hope.-Resiliency; Growth Mindset.- Advice for the Journey to Collaboration: From Parents, for Parents.- Advice for Professionals; Looking within and Beyond; Chapter Summary.- Conclusion.- Clarifying the Purpose of Collaboration.- Focusing on Human Dimensions and Relationships.-Recognizing the Power of Formal and Informal Knowledge; Advocating for Improved Conditions for Collaboration.- Incorporating Strategies and Tools Focused on Collaboration as a Developmental and Growth-Oriented Process.- Encouraging Families to Participate in Activities That Link Them to Others<.- Acknowledging the Need for Broader Social Change.-Final Thoughts.- About the Authors.