I know more about my child’s disability than school staff do. How can I share what works?
Your knowledge is valuable. Families and caregivers often spend years learning about a child’s disability and identifying approaches that help. Staff bring educational expertise, but may be unfamiliar with your child’s particular needs.
Start with a specific situation, what you have observed, and what helps. If you share a resource, explain why it is relevant. A general teaching guide can unintentionally land as “Here’s how to do your job.” Connecting it to your child’s experience gives the teacher something concrete to consider:
My child can explain their ideas aloud but struggles to get them onto paper. This resource describes an approach that may help. What do you think could work in your classroom?
You do not have to solve the problem yourself. Ask the school to propose a plan, drawing on your knowledge and its own expertise. If staff need additional help, ask whether resource staff or district specialists can contribute.
Give staff room to exercise professional judgement while agreeing on what will happen and when you will review it. If your suggestion is declined, ask what alternative will address the same barrier.
Thoughtful framing can help, but you should not have to minimise your knowledge to be heard. If concerns remain unaddressed, follow up with the principal or district.
Read Understanding the roles of teachers and EAs for more about responsibilities, professional judgement, and working together.
