Partnerships crucial for supporting military-connected students with disabilities

ARLINGTON, Va. — Military families with children who have disabilities face distinct challenges in education due to their frequent relocations. Therefore, it is crucial for educators and advocates to proactively engage with these families for support, as underscored in sessions held at the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs annual conference.

Establishing strong support networks for these mobile families is imperative. This can entail collaboration with educators stationed on or off military bases, Department of Defense personnel, parent advocacy groups, peers with military backgrounds, and various other organizations.

“It’s important to recognize the concerted efforts being made by individuals across all levels to benefit the children under our care,” elaborated Karen Terry, a program analyst at the DOD’s Office of Special Needs.