Videotapes/DVDs Available

Equal Partners: African American Fathers and Systems of Health Care -- a forceful, important examination of the special challenges African American fathers confront when parenting children with special needs. [more information below]

Special Kids, Special Dads: Fathers of Children with Disabilities --highly acclaimed (shown on midwestern PBS) video focusing on three fathers and their families adjusting to raising children with special needs. Sensitive, uplifting, provocative. [more information below]

Fathers Voices: A Journey of the Heart - a powerful statement about the special learnings men receive when raising a child with disabilities and the value of peer support. [more information below]



Equal Partners: African American Fathers and Systems of Health Care

"This is an emotionally powerful, exceptionally evocative piece of work... Beautiful subjects, brilliant editing. This film has the potential to combat, in a positive way, the negative stereotypes of African American men as fathers. Health professionals and health profession students especially need to see this film. It is so good, so important... I was moved to tears. "

-- Professor Juli McGruder, The University of Puget Sound --

What does an African American father experience when his child has a disabling condition or chronic illness? Why does he generally feel so isolated? How may health care professionals support him in being fully involved with his children? With funding from the Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Maternal and Child Health Bureau, Equal Partners was developed by the Fathers Network for the following reasons:

• To portray the unique challenges African American fathers confront when working with health care delivery systems (i.e., physicians, nurses, therapists, family resource workers, social workers, hospitals, clinics).
  
• To investigate means for health care delivery systems to be user-friendly and inclusive of AfricanAmerican fathers as "equal partners" in the health care of their children with special needs.
  
• To portray positive images of African American men as capable, nurturing, and involved in the care of their children and families.

Length: 25:50 1/2" VHS only
Cost: $55.00 U.S. ($50. & $5.00 shipping & handling)
Check, Money Order, or P.O. made out to: Washington State Fathers Network/Kindering Center

"Equal Partners vividly demonstrates that men have feelings, men can cry, and most of all, that African American men can be great, caring dads and effective advocates for their children with special health care needs. It should be required viewing for every member of Congress and any other local or national leader concerned about health care for all Americans. This work is extraordinary, the best video I have ever seen. Don’t miss it!!"

--Stanley D. Klein, Ph.D.,
Co-Founder, Former Editor-in-Chief
Exceptional Parent magazine

Send check or money order to: Washington State Fathers Network/Kindering Center, Attn: Greg Schell, 16120 N.E. 8th Street, Bellevue, WA 98008-3937. The video comes with a 90 page discussion and resource guide, focusing on cultural competency. Sorry, no rental or preview videos are available. All videos are shipped within one week from time of payment.

Discussion and Resource Guide
Equal Partners: African American Fathers and Systems of Health Care

Included with the video, Equal Partners , is a 90 page discussion and resource guide. It is an up-to-date, in-depth guide, designed to complement the video. Topics covered include:

• Information about the National Fathers Network -- the only program fully focused on men and children with special needs.
  
• Questions and ideas that promote positive discussion of the video.
  
• Assessment of care delivery for fathers of children with special needs -- invaluable in the development of father-friendly services.
  
• Cultural Competence Self-Assessment Questionnaire, James Mason --a best practices assessment of provider and administrative training needs, designed to promote "positive movement along the cultural competence continuum."
  
• Approaches for enhancing the participation of African American fathers in health care and early intervention programs -- practical, substantive, and known to work.
  
• A roster of organizations that provide resources and support -- comprehensive, thorough, timely; also included is a bibliography regarding culturally competent care.
  
• Articles by Robert Hill, Ralph Smith, John McAdoo, James May, and Algea Harrison -- perceptive, provocative, incisive.
  
  

Special Kids, Special Dads: Fathers of Children with Disabilites

"A moving, sensitive statement about the emotional needs of fathers. It breaks down old stereotypes that men don’t show feelings or nurture their children. This video must be seen by all professionals in the fields of developmental disabilities, chronic illness and family support."

-- Earl Brewer, M.D., Former Director Kelsey-Seybold Foundation, Houston, Texas -- 

What does a father experience when his child has a disabling condition or chronic illness? Why does he generally feel quite isolated? What types of support does he need to bond with his child and deal with the ongoing stresses that exist in his family?

The father of a child with special needs is often misunderstood. Because a child typically receives educational and medical services during a father’s working hours, a dad frequently lacks knowledge about the disability/illness and the interventions available to assist a child’s developmental growth. Fathers are too rarely seen in the classroom, in conferences or support programs. Yet research reveals that a father often sets the tone for the family in coping with a special needs child. Thus it is imperative we find means for increased involvement of fathers in all areas of their children’s lives.

This video, featured on midwestern PBS, and the first ever video produced about fathers of children with special needs, fosters understanding for assisting fathers in parenting their children with special health needs. Discussion guide included.

Length: 23:25 1/2" VHS only
Cost: $80.00 U.S. Shipping & Handling: $5.00 U.S.
Total cost: $85.00 U.S. Funds
Check or Money Order made out to: Washington State Fathers Network/Kindering Center

"As I have become more involved with fathers of special needs children, I have recognized the tremendous need for and value of forums for fathers to share their despair and hope, sorrow and joy, anger and love, panic and control, responsibility and freedom. Every father should have an opportunity to see this video! This honest confirmation of emotionally involved fathers is a tribute to fatherhood."

--Phillip Davis, father of two children with special needs

Send check or money order to: Washington State Fathers Network/Kindering Center, Attn: Greg Schell, 16120 N.E. 8th Street, Bellevue, WA 98008, (425) 747-4004, ext. 4286. Sorry, no rental or preview videos are available. All videos are shipped in one week from time of payment.

“Father’s Voices: A Journey of the Heart”
A Compelling Video About Men Raising Children with Disabilities

Send check or money order for $25.00 to: Washington State Fathers Network/Kindering Center, Attn: Greg Schell, 16120 N.E. 8th Street, Bellevue, WA 98008, (425) 653-4286. Sorry, no rental or preview videos are available. All videos are shipped in one week from time of payment.