This course provides the candidate with a systems perspective for understanding and supporting individuals with moderate to severe disabilities and their families as they interact with schools and community agencies. The candidate begins to develop an appreciation of the family issues related to living with an individual with a moderate to severe disability. Candidates learn effective collaborative strategies to assist with team building, program development, and joint problem solving, as well as strategies to assist students with moderate to severe disabilities and their families plan for transition from school to work. This course also provides the candidate with theories regarding second-language learners, cultural diversity and social skills in terms of understanding ethnic differences and the dynamics of interacting with the student’s family.