Parent to Parent is a unique support system for parents of children with developmental disabilities. Speaking to a parent who has "walked the walk" of parenting a child with developmental disabilities provides emotional support, enables another parent to gain a better understanding of their child's disability and eventually empowers a parent to better advocate for their child.
A Support Parent Network is the backbone of the Parent Matching Program. In New York state, it has been created and is maintained by Parent to Parent Regional Coordinators. This is a model program used across the country to put parents in touch on a one to one basis with other parents who have a child with a chronic illness or disability. "Support Parents" are parents of individuals with special needs who have made the offer to speak one to one with "new" parents and share their experiences. Support parents are the key to this program.
When parents make the offer to be Support Parents, they are provided a skills-building training, which includes an overview of how the program works, an understanding of the stages and emotions a parent or caregiver may be experiencing, as well as listening skills. New parents are welcome to join the Support Parent network and to share their experience.
In addition to the Parent Matching program, staff field telephone calls from parents of children with special needs who are looking for resources, services and information. Calls range from parents looking for information about medical services, therapies to looking for information specifically about an illness or disability. There are often questions about special education. All programs are based on the philosophy of parents helping each other, drawing on a social network of parents helping parents. Coordinators are there to assist, but draw on other parents to help.
Parent to Parent staff are available to help families gain an understanding of their child's disability and an acceptance of the emotions parents often face when they learn of their child's developmental disability.
Resources at Parent to Parent's website are downloadable at no cost.