These laws were enacted as a result of bipartisan efforts and natural networks of adults with disabilities, parents, family members, advocates, and other allies. The existence of these laws is part of the rich and shared history of these groups. Current efforts in Arizona, Massachusetts, Hawaii, and Minnesota provide examples of various ways parent groups and CILs are working together, as well as the benefits that result from building stronger relationships between CILs and parent centers on state and local levels.
Projects addressing the needs of transition-age students are a natural focus.
Parent centers can recommend CILs receive funding, and vice versa. That way we really strengthen each other, and collectively, we're stronger. Slaughter described how this partnership grew through attendance at meetings with other groups such as the state vocational rehabilitation advisory council. Webb and Slaughter support each other's organizational goals and reinforce one another's arguments. They are able to win other supporters and accomplish more as a de facto team than they could individually.