Navigating Lifespan Transitions: Experiences of Parents of Children With Disabilities

Families of children with disabilities possess wisdom to inform and empower one another in the navigation of processes and systems across their child’s lifespan. As members of a culturally and linguistically diverse collaborative transition coalition network, researchers used survey ( n = 27) and interview ( n = 6) data from parents of children with disabilities in one state, analyzed through a mixed methods design to compile authentic information for families of children and adults with disabilities. The aim was to design a parent guidance timeline that is useful and inclusive of culturally and linguistically diverse parents. Though most parents responding and interviewed were white and middle class (45,000–150,000) or affluent (150,000 and up), there were some differences in ease of navigation across the lifespan for people of color as compared to white parents, evident in qualitative survey responses and in the interview. Quantitative data revealed that different supports are more important at different points in the lifespan. Frameworks for the analysis included funds of knowledge and causal agency with an emphasis on empowerment. Qualitative data yielded four themes: shared power , hope and resilience , compliance versus care , and relational capital/assets. The four themes converged to center navigation as an overarching construct connecting parental advice to their experiences. Implications for research and practice to empower families of children with disabilities to navigate systems are discussed, as well as a call to include advice from a more diverse sample.