DEC Initiative Update

The first meeting of Latin American Practice Collaborative was held in December. This initiative is the result of a long term partnership between DEC, Plena Inclusión (Madrid), and Universidad Católica de Valencia. The group includes members from 16 Latin American countries and the United States. 

The conversations highlighted the value of cross-border collaboration in addressing cultural, systemic, and community-specific challenges. Key objectives centered on fostering equitable early intervention services, promoting family-centered and culturally responsive practices, and building professional capacity through shared learning and evidence-based strategies.

Participants emphasized the importance of integrating family involvement into intervention efforts and addressing systemic barriers for underrepresented groups. Some participants shared their research interests, some with a focus on inequities in early intervention programs and efforts to promote inclusion. Other contributors underscored the significance of capacity-building initiatives and aligning education strategies with community needs.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to collective problem-solving and leveraging regional expertise to advance inclusive education and childcare. This collaboration highlights the group’s dedication to ensuring better outcomes for children with disabilities and their families globally.

DEC's delegates to the Latin American Collaborative members were selected from open application process. Coordination of the calls is led by Jennifer Peña, a DEC volunteer and doctoral student at the University of Connecticut. We plan to post updates about the work on a bi-annual basis. If you have questions, please contact DEC Executive Director Peggy Kemp.