Addresses human relations, communication and informal counseling skills and their critical role in meeting the diverse needs of students with disabilities. Explores role of the special educator as a member of an interdisciplinary team. Includes research on parent/teacher attitudes, roles and responsibilities. Presents models and techniques for effective interface with parents as well as other professionals encountered in the process of holistic programming. Additional topics include parent training, advocacy, multicultural considerations and accessing community services. [3 credits] NOTE: Students cannot receive credit for both SPE-237 and SPE-337.