Changes in attitudes and beliefs regarding parent participation and home programs: an update

Attitudes and beliefs regarding parent participation and home programs in early intervention have significantly changed over the last 30 years on the basis of public policy and the needs of families. This paper discusses traditional and current attitudes and practices regarding parent participation and home programs. These attitudes and practices have been influenced by the medical model, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (Public Law 94-142), the Education of the Handicapped Act Amendments of 1986 (Public Law 99-457), and parental concerns. We have evolved from believing that, as occupational therapists, we are the experts who teach parents what to do with their child through parent training to believing that parents and professionals need to collaborate as equal partners in developing home activities. Six guidelines are suggested for use in developing family-centered home programs, and the application of some of these guidelines is demonstrated in a case example.