Building Bridges: Partnering with Families for Successful Disability Inclusion

Building trust with families of children with disabilities is key to successful inclusion. This session offers practical strategies to create welcoming messaging, improve intake processes, and navigate challenging conversations with empathy. Participants will hear compelling family testimonials about the impact of true inclusion and explore ways to reduce non-disclosure by shifting the narrative from “Why didn’t they tell us?” to “How can we create the trust needed for families to share?”

Attendees will gain tools to foster stronger partnerships with families, empowering staff to better understand and support all participants. By focusing on communication, collaboration, and inclusive practices from the start, camp professionals can ensure every camper feels seen, supported, and able to thrive in their programs. This session equips staff with the mindset and methods needed to build meaningful bridges with families and create environments where all children truly belong.