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ESK E-News |
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ESK E-News Advocacy 101 The school year has begun for many parents, students, educators and support personnel. Florida parents, educators and students face many challenges and opportunities as the door opens for another school year. The challenges range from understanding the potential changes to I.D.E.A. to the use of accommodations during standardized tests. In order to decrease the degree frustration experienced by parents here are tips to help you advocate for your child:
Ø Keep the doors of communication open to develop a mutually beneficial relationship with your child’s teachers, support staff and administrator. Early in the school year try to develop a positive relationship with your child’s support staff and administrator. Ø Listen carefully to what your child’s teacher and therapists say even if you do not agree with their observations. Remember that you will have an opportunity to express your concerns. Ø Provide them with as many ways to contact you as possible such as phone, cell, fax and email addresses. Ø Ask them to provide you with as many means of contact so that you can maintain consistent communication such as phone, fax, and email addresses. Ø Ask what your child’s teacher, therapists, and support staff anticipates your child will learn and how can you reinforce those concepts at home. Ø Keep your child’s records organized and current. You have the right to request copies of your child’s records. Ø Maintain a written communication log. In detail document the date, nature of the conversation and the outcome. Ø Write down questions for future discussions; remember to be assertive not aggressive. Ø Be appreciative of the hard work your child’s teacher, therapist, and other support staff put forth. Most educators and support personnel want to help your child succeed. By working together as a collaborative team everyone benefits, especially your child. _______________________________________________________ ESK E-News Smooth Transitions
When should you start planning for your child’s post school adult life?
The answer is preschool age. As surprising as that answer may seem, the Department of Children and Families/Developmental Disabilities has approximately 10,000 individuals waiting for services. The earlier parents register their child for developmental disabilities services the greater the chance of having services available when their child enters post school adult living. If parents wait until their child has entered middle school their child may not receive services by the time their child graduates from high school. Florida law identifies individuals with specific disabilities who can apply for support services through Developmental Disabilities.
Spina Bifida Autism Mentally handicapped Prader-Willi Syndrome Individuals at risk of developmental delays
In order to receive services individuals with developmental disabilities must apply for supports and services or have a parent/guardian apply on their behalf. The process involves completing a written application and showing records identifying a developmental disability. Medical or educational records or reports from disability agencies can serve as the required documentation. Developmental Disabilities will arrange the necessary evaluation to determine the individual's eligibility if documentation is not available. The Development Disabilities program has offices throughout the state. |
Even though the thought of applying to become a client of developmental disabilities can seem overwhelming consider the peace of mind you will experience once you know that your child has an infrastructure of support in your child’s adult life.
Florida law identifies individuals with specific disabilities who can apply for support services through Developmental Disabilities.
Spina Bifida
Autism
Mentally handicapped
Prader-Willi Syndrome
Individuals at risk of developmental delays
In order to receive services individuals with developmental disabilities must apply for supports and services or have a parent/guardian apply on their behalf. The process involves completing a written application and showing records identifying a developmental disability. Medical or educational records or reports from disability agencies can serve as the required documentation. Developmental Disabilities will arrange the necessary evaluation to determine the individual's eligibility if documentation is not available. The Development Disabilities program has offices throughout the state.
Even though the thought of applying to become a client of developmental disabilities can seem overwhelming consider the peace of mind you will experience once you know that your child's future is well supported.
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ESK E-News Disaster Planning 101 Natural disasters such as floods, hurricanes and tornadoes are part of the package of living anywhere. That part of the package can become increasingly challenging when your child has special needs. The best way to prepare for a natural disaster is to have a plan. Explain to your child that your plan may involve leaving your house and sleeping somewhere else. It may be comforting to your child if a few favorite things can be brought with you to a new environment. Your child’s fears may stem from imagination and these fears should be taken seriously. When speaking to your child, present a realistic and manageable picture. Use strategies that have worked in the past such a social stories or visuals. Children with special needs may require additional planning such as contacting the local electric company and being placed on a first responder list if your child uses special medical equipment. If necessary pre-register for Florida Power and Light's Medical Essential Service. This service is available to customers who have documented medically essential power needs. Keep in mind, that if a major disaster strikes, power may no be restored for days or weeks. Generators can help you and your family use medically necessary equipment. Read all of the directions and cautions before you use a generator. Generators should never be based inside a house or near a window where carbon monoxide can seep inside. Create special schedules and icons if your child benefits from a visual schedule, and refill medications. In some cases it could become necessary to contact your child’s health insurance company to override the thirty day refill requirement. If your child’s medication is refilled at a chain store locating stores in different neighborhoods may be helpful if you need to temporarily relocate. The pharmacy can refill a prescription by locating your child’s information on their computer system, assuming that other neighborhoods have power. Create a support system and implement ideas such as giving support persons copies of your medical needs list or special equipment lists. Create an emergency supplies bag that should contain the following items: a blanket, pillow, folding chair, and sleeping bag food for at least three to five days; personal hygiene items; identification documents, battery-operated radio; batteries, flashlights; and change of clothes Once you have prepared your emergency supplies, it is important to remember that your child will need to remain occupied for days or weeks. Your child should select several games, activities, and other forms of entertainment that will be distracting and decrease anxiety. Suggested activities include activity books, favorite toys, easy arts and crafts activities, and indoor recreational games using soft materials. Create an activity box for your child that has activities that will be used for indoor and outdoor activities. It can be decorated so that the “special box” becomes something unique to that individual. We at Extra Special Kids, Inc. hope that you stay safe and recover well from any natural disaster. All individuals, parents, individuals with special needs and their siblings can benefit from recovery relief. Individuals with special needs can benefit from participating in activities that bring back a sense of normalcy. Parents, caregivers, and siblings can benefit from accessing resources that help with disaster relief. As you start the recovery process, here are some tips to help your child cope with the recovery process: Keep the family together Make your child part of the recovery plan Encourage your child to talk Reassure your child Please refer to the table below to help you in your recover efforts.
****At the time of publication the information**** ****listed above was accurate**** |
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