DDEL Preconference at DCDT Conference
DDEL Preconference:Culturally Sustaining and Intersectionally Conscious Family Engagement: From Involvement to Transformation
October 14, 2026
1:00 PM-4:00 PMCT
Grand DE
Session Purpose and Rationale
In the field of transition and special education, family engagement is often treated as a checklist of involvement rather than a partnership of transformation. This preconference workshop, sponsored by DDEL, addresses the critical need for practitioners to move beyond superficial compliance. By centering culturally sustaining practices and intersectionality, we empower educators to recognize the diverse identities of the families they serve. This session provides a structured pathway, moving from traditional involvement to transformative collaboration, ensuring that transition planning is truly co-constructed with families.
Learning Objectives
By the conclusion of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Identify the diverse identities of families served through the lenses of culturally sustaining pedagogy and intersectionality.
- Utilize the Continuum of Family Engagement to evaluate current practices and identify shifts needed for transformative collaboration.
- Synthesize case study data to design engagement strategies that move from passive "service" to active "partnership."
- Develop a context-specific framework for embedding these strategies into their own school, district, or agency settings.
Anticipated Outcomes
Participants will leave this preconference not just with theoretical knowledge, but with a Practical Engagement Toolkit. This includes the Continuum Framework, case study templates, and a personalized action plan. The ultimate outcome is a shift in the field toward transition practices that honor the cultural wealth of families and foster truly collaborative, life-changing outcomes for students with disabilities.