MENTORING NEW LEADERSHIP ROLES FOR PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES

Parent leaders were asked to discuss their experiences in being mentor ed and in mentoring others. Mentoring is viewed as a special relations hip that develops between two individuals, where the mentor recognizes a uniqueness or potential in the less experienced person and takes a special interest in the growth of that person. Likewise, the protege a dmires or values the experience, knowledge, skill, or behavior of the mentor and wishes to emulate this. Seven themes are identified relativ e to effective mentoring of parents of children with disabilities. Men tors model desirable qualities or behaviors; they teach and share know ledge; they provide guidance or advice; they actively listen to though ts and feelings; they provide support and encouragement; they promote proteges to others; and mentors make a special commitment of time, ene rgy, and interest in the protege's growth. Specific mentoring activiti es are provided. Barriers to mentoring are also identified.