Limit something to do ?

Hi~ I have two questions and would like to hear your opinions. Thanks~!

1. Between two interpretations, which one would be better about the first clause underlined?

I had a purpose of supporting faimiles and attended some conferences. OR

The purpose of the conferences was supproting families.

2. Can I use a structure of “limit something to do”?

Or should I understand “to get~” as modifying “the ability” ?

I have noticed over the years that many educational colleagues are threatened by the input of parents and student advocates. There have been occasions when I have sat in on conferences for the purpose of supporting families as a recommendation is being made about a child. As soon as I introduce myself and provide information about the child based on my experience and credentials, I have been dismissed because “according to our school policy, we are only obligated to communicate with the legal guardian.” When this occurs, I know that the desire to remove me from the process is nothing more than a tactic to limit the ability of family members to get the assistance a student may need.