Pilot Parents: Peer Support for Parents of Handicapped Children

Abstract

Despite the increase in early intervention progratos for handicapped children, little attention has been paid to the special needs of the parents of these children Pilot Parents is a peer support program that grew out of these needs This paper reports on a study of Pilot Parents based on questionnaires completed by new parents, experienced parents, and program directors in 13 programs in the United States and Canada and on personal interviews with staff and volunteers at one local program Findings include the process of implementing these programs, their major strengths, and some programmatic concerns that might be noted by professionals who work with this population.