The purpose of the National Parent-to-Parent Network at Through the Looking Glass is to connect parents, as well as those who are considering becoming parents, with others who may have shared similar experiences or faced common barriers as parents with disabilities.

Parents wishing to join the Parent-to-Parent Network first receive an orientation packet. Guidelines for participating are included in this packet. Once they review the materials in their packet, parents are interviewed over the phone. Despite the additional time needed, this method helps in building trust and facilitating appropriate one-on-one connections between parents. Moreover, these steps allow for close monitoring and prompt attention to parents’ concerns or problems should they arise. For example, many parents on our Network also seek consultation with other TLG staff who have disability-related expertise in areas such as custody, adoption, pregnancy and birthing, babycare equipment, publications, resources, and the like. Ultimately, new relationships are formed, and ongoing ones deepen.

Most Parent Network participants have been in contact with one another over the phone, however some have been using e-mail as a free and easy way of keeping in touch. TLG’s Parent-to-Parent Network Bulletin Board is a recent and welcome addition , both for current Network participants and newcomers who are interested in networking on-line. To learn more about TLG’s parent network, or to join it, click here or email Nikki Booker at nikki_booker@lookingglass.org.