Mobilizing Families

Mobilizing Families
Presented by ARC in Jefferson County
Thursdays, February 18 – April 15, 2010
When a child is first diagnosed with a disability, families are often overwhelmed with everything they need to do, and usually they’re not sure where to start or how to get started. This confusion is often amplified by the fact that no one around you seems to know what you’re going through or how to help. Mobilizing Families is designed to give participants the essential tools to navigate the complexities of the disability world and better advocate for their children’s needs.
Session topics include:
• Identifying the Dream: Helping families identify, accept, grieve, revise, and regenerate their dreams for their children.
• Becoming an Effective Communicator: Learn communication strategies to ensure your educational and service meetings go smoothly.
• Understanding Government Resources: Learn about the government agencies and programs designed to support people with disabilities.
• Accessing Insurance and Medicaid Benefits: Learn how private insurance and Medicaid benefits work, and how to work within these systems.
• Education: Helping families learn about their educational rights, IDEA law, and what to expect during an IEP.
• Accessing Community Resources: Learn about a variety of local agencies that support people with disabilities and their families.
• Building Relationships at Home and in the Community: This session helps families identify and tap into natural, non-agency supports in their communities.
Cost: Free. Thanks to the generous support of the McDonnell Family Foundation, training, meals and child care are provided free of charge.
For more information or to register: Call Jo Lynn Osborne at 303-232-1338, ext 206 or email her at jolynn@arcjc.org.