Ch.1 Family Characteristics
Family: Families include two or more people who regard themselves as a family and who carry out the functions that families typically perform. These people may or may not be related by blood marriage and may or may not usually live together (Poston et. al 2003, p. 79).
Characteristics as a whole
Characteristics of individual members
Unique Circumstances
Family: Families include two or more people who regard themselves as a family and who carry out the functions that families typically perform. These people may or may not be related by blood marriage and may or may not usually live together (Poston et. al 2003, p. 79).
Characteristics as a whole
- Size and form- Family size depends on the number of children, the number of parents or caregivers, any step parents or stepchildren, the number of unrelated family members, and whether or not the extended family is involved. Larger families can be beneficial to a child with disabilities as they offer more children to help the parents out. A mixed/blended family will affect the child because of differences in the family that they are not used to.
- Cultural Background- There are eleven factors that influence the cultural background of a family: spirituality and religion, language, gender identity, race, ethnicity, age, geography, socioeconomic status, education level, disability, and migration and time of arrival. It is advised to not make assumptions regarding the culture of a family and to recognize that the factors may change over time.
- Racial/Ethnic Composition of Special Education- Children ages 3-21 with disabilities make up 13% of our population of students. There is overrepresentation of african american students receiving special education services. There is an underrepresentation of students receiving special education from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
- Immigration and families with limited english proficiency- Families that do not speak english have a hard time forming trusting partnerships with their child's school. It's advised to honor the cultural diversity, communicate efficiently with families when speaking english, and understand how to speak with interpreters.
- Socioeconomic Status- This includes income, levels of education, and social status associated with the occupations of family members. These all impact the family and it is important to not make assumptions, and encourage nonjudgemental and trusting partnerships.
- Geographic Location- Where a child lives can affect their transportation methods to school and their general home life.
Characteristics of individual members
- Characteristics of a Childs Disability- Each child has unique circumstances regarding their disability. The extent of a disability is not always the biggest impact on a family. The nature and age of onset both affect when the child starts receiving services.
- Life Management Skills- Families all use different management skills in life. Certain words can be seen as barriers to relationships with families like using the term "suffer".
Unique Circumstances
- Homelessness- Families can experience homelessness for different reasons like job losses, domestic violence, or physical crises. This affects the child's performance and attendance in school. As a teacher you should try using the help of counselors and social workers.
- Parents with disabilities- There are more women than men that have intellectual disabilities and are parents. Children of parents with disabilities usually show resilience as adults and have close bonds with their parents.
- Teenage Parents- The book suggests addressing teenage parents individual needs and concerns, providing them with choices, and helping them make plans for their child.
Application: As a future educator it is important for me to apply these concepts to my career. I will use this information about the characteristics and circumstances of families to better understand and assist my students as well as create effective partnerships with the families of students. Each child comes from a different family with a different background, so I will not make assumptions about the student and work together with the whole family to provide assistance to the child.