They learn the system out of necessity and so can help shape policy and services from a 24-hour practical assessment. Parents who are involved in public policy making are those who have learned that in helping themselves, they help others. Parents always want more. Parents want some control over the lives of their children who are disabled. They only want for their children what the law says they are entitled to have.
Parents have no understanding or appreciation of funding problems.
Parents are taxpayers as well and as such do not want to increase spending unnecessarily or irresponsibly. Frequently, they are more sensitive to unneeded expenditures for low priority programs. Taking part in decisions that affect the lives of family members is being responsible, not troublemaking. Parents are acutely aware that good programs and an array of services can maximize their children s potential. Approaching that goal for people with special needs is cost effective since the more independent they can become, the less service will be needed.