NEW NATIONAL PROJECT: FAMILIES WITH DISABILITIES ACROSS THE LIFESPAN
Research, training and resources concerning the 21 million U.S. families with disabilities

BERKELEY, CA -- December 6, 2011. Through the Looking Glass and its National Center for Parents with Disabilities was awarded a five-year 2.5 million dollar federal grant to conduct research, training and provide consultations and materials regarding families in which an infant, child, parent or grandparent has a disability. In the United States, it is estimated that 28.9% of families (20.9 million families) have at least one member with a disability: 3.9 % of families have at least one child with a disability and 6.1% of families with children have one or both parents with a disability.

This new national project titled “Families with Disabilities through the Life Cycle: Disability Culture Perspectives” is funded by the National Institute on Disability Rehabilitation and Research, U.S. Department of Education. Over the next five years, project activities will focus on critical issues that impact families with disabilities across the lifespan: from those disabled and nondisabled parents who are at the initial stages of having an infant with a disability through children with disabilities growing up to parents and grandparents with disabilities. In keeping with Through the Looking Glass’ 30 years of groundbreaking research, training and clinical intervention work, project activities will address family members with diverse disabilities and draw from the experiences and perspectives of the Disability and Deaf communities. Among the innovative activities planned are:
Free consultations to parents, family members and professionals regarding families with disabilities across the lifespan.
Research regarding national statistics, discriminatory practices and appropriate resources for families with disabilities.
Training and resource materials for more than 2,000 Early Head Start programs and Independent Living Centers throughout the U.S. regarding parents with disabilities or deafness and their children.
Legal research and consultations for parents with disabilities involved in custody situations.
Scholarships for high school seniors and college students who have a parent with a disability
Training and tools for occupational therapists to support parents with disabilities
Expertise to inform federal and international policies regarding the rights of parents with disabilities.
Research regarding innovative techniques to help parents with intellectual disabilities be more responsive to their babies.
Online reviews of equipment and adaptations designed to help grandparents with disabilities care for their grandchildren.
Trainings to professionals from Japan regarding services to infants and families with disabilities.

The project will be staffed by TLG’s nationally recognized experts regarding families with disabilities, most of whom have personal or family experience with disability or deafness.

Spina Bifida Moms: "Abled" Parent

Spina Bifida Moms: "Abled" Parent

Original Artwork Project by Children of Parents with Disabilities

Through the Looking Glass -- the National Center for Parents with Disabilities and their Families – announces a unique opportunity for children of parents with disabilities. Children ages 5 through 11 who have one or more parents with a disability are invited to send us original artwork showing themselves and their families doing a favorite activity.

All materials must be submitted and postmarked by Monday, May 16, 2011.

Complete details and application information are posted on our website: www.lookingglass.org/artwork

TLG has a new home at the Ed Roberts Campus

On December 7, 2010, Through the Looking Glass (TLG) moved into its new space at the Ed Roberts Campus, located at the Ashby BART Station in Berkeley, CA. Please note that our address has changed, but our phone and FAX numbers will be the same. However, if you are used to contacting a staff person by their extension, those numbers have changed. If you call our main number, you can get directory assistance. Here is our new address: Through the Looking Glass 3075 Adeline Street, Suite 120 Berkeley, CA 94703 Main phone number: (510) 848-1112 Toll-free number: (800) 644-2666 FAX: (510) 848-4445 TTY: (510) 848-1005