Using Relational Feminism as an Approach to Practice in Working with Families in Special Education
- Jennifer P. Cottle, Human Development, Family Studies, & Counseling Department, Texas Woman’s University
- Catherine Dutton, Human Development, Family Studies, & Counseling Department, Texas Woman’s University
Abstract
Families of children with disabilities have unique relational needs that may be addressed by practitioners in the field of family science. In this article, we discuss how relational feminism was used as an approach to working with families in a rural Special Education program to facilitate success for very young students with neurodevelopmental disorders and non-specified disabilities. This article provides a brief history of families’ roles in Special Education advocacy, along with the tenets of relational feminism. We discuss ways that relational feminism was used to create connections within the professional community, and with marginalized families. We also discuss the strengths and limitations of using relational feminism to promote connection and voice for families of marginalized and vulnerable individuals in the public education context.
