Everything No One Tells You About Parenting a Disabled Child: Your Guide to the Essential Systems, Services, and Supports

Feature-film development executive Coleman is the parent of two children, including one with multiple disabilities. She learned firsthand that there’s a significant lack of support for parents of children with disabilities, so she assembled this book as a form of help. The book’s topics cover handling diagnoses, getting comfortable with children’s disabilities, working with medical experts, dealing with insurance and government benefits, getting one’s child enrolled in a special education program, developing care plans for the future, and more. Coleman found there’s even less assistance for families of color; the book’s research shows that Black students with physical disabilities are more likely to be perceived as having intellectual and emotional issues and are often harshly disciplined with school suspension or expulsion. Each chapter includes a personal story and a photo with image descriptions for visually impaired readers. The appendix also includes interviews with experts in the field.