Series Description:
The Family Rights in EI Video Series was designed to support families’ and early interventionists’ understanding of their safeguards or rights in participating in the Early Intervention (EI) system. This series features both families and professionals describing these rights and what they mean across time. Supporting families’ understanding of their rights from referral to transition can empower them to know what to expect, use their voice, and fully participate in the process.
Series Resources:
The following resources were developed as an accompaniment to this video series and can be used by both professionals and families:
Series Advocacy Tips (pdf) or Consejos sobre la defensa por video (pdf) - a collection of tips with additional information related to each video topic in this series.
Series Resource Guide (pdf) - recommended for those in Illinois Child and Family Connection (CFC) offices - includes referral, family outcomes, and timeline information
Promotional postcard for this series: a 8.5" x 5.5" postcard to share the series at events or across social media platforms available as PDF version or PNG (image) version
Print-friendly versions - greyscale versions that use save ink for at-home printing
Video 1 – Beginning Your Journey in Early Intervention
https://youtu.be/vf4oXTjnbKM
Family rights are intended to protect families participating in EI. Understanding these rights is one way families can advocate for their child and family. This video, along with others in the series, describes the rights families have while participating in the EI program.
Video 2 – Determining Eligibility
https://youtu.be/uXvdD64c5HM
Illinois families and professionals discuss determining eligibility for the EI program and the rights associated with that process. This video is one in a series of six videos.
Video 3 – Developing the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP)
https://youtu.be/42ie41xuj3Y
Developing and using functional, individualized IFSPs with families is critical. Family participation in the process ensures their voices are heard and their priorities are addressed. This video, one of six in the series, describes families’ rights related to developing and reviewing IFSPs.
Video 4 – Early Intervention in the Natural Environment
https://youtu.be/rIREx8XiCYE
Natural environments are an essential part of your child’s right to inclusive EI under the law. This video explains that right and what it looks like. This video is part of the Family Rights in EI Video Series.
Video 5 – Voicing Your Concerns – Resolving Conflict
https://youtu.be/dmAviC9Wcbk
Illinois families and professionals describe ways to navigate conflict in EI, including informal and formal approaches. This video is one in a series of videos, which describes families’ rights in the EI program.
Video 6 – Transitioning from Early Intervention
https://youtu.be/TAd9_hTc46s
Transition discussions begin early and occur often. Watch as families and professionals talk about this process. This video, along with others in the series, describes the rights families have while participating in the EI program.
