Post by title1parent on Dec 12, 2009 5:53:41 GMT -5
www.suburbanchicagonews.com/napervillesun/news/1932891,6_1_NA11_SENGER_S1-091211.article
Senger to host forum for special needs families
December 11, 2009
From Submitted Reports
To prepare parents of children with disabilities for their eventual transition beyond the high school educational system, state Rep. Darlene Senger, R-Naperville, is hosting a discussion on the current service options available.
The program, scheduled for 11 a.m. to noon Tuesday at the Naperville Municipal Center, also will focus on the preparations that need to be made prior to the child's transition into the adult world.
"Often times, the families of children with disabilities have no idea of the preparation that needs to occur prior to their child's departure from the K-12 school system," Senger said. "Families need to be prepared for this life-changing transition. Unfortunately, most don't even know where to begin," she added.
Children with disabilities are typically provided for with Individual Service Plans throughout high school. These highly tailored plans can help tremendously in their development toward varying levels of independence. However, once disabled individuals either leave high school or reach the age of 22, their options dwindle, leaving many families without the resources to care for them.
"Programs exist to help, but it takes meticulous planning and a wealth of knowledge to navigate the little assistance that is provided. I am hoping to provide as much information as possible to these families and actually have legislation in the works to help these families. But regardless of the legislative initiatives, I want to do what I can to help," she added.
The program is based in part by the recommendations of Senger's legislative advisory group specifically aimed at parents of disabled children from both Districts 203 and 204 who are coping with this often troubled transitional period. The group, which meets quarterly, brought up the idea on the heels of a similar informational seminar conducted by the Ray Graham Association, based in Downer's Grove.
Cathy Ficker Terill of the Ray Graham Association will be on hand to present, along with parents, teachers and special needs representatives from both Districts 203 and 204 on an array of topics dealing with this transitional period.
The seminar is open to any families with a special needs child residing in either Districts 203 or 204, including home-schooled children.
For more information on the program, contact Senger's office at 630-219-3090 or e-mail via her Web site, www.darlenesenger.com.
Senger to host forum for special needs families
December 11, 2009
From Submitted Reports
To prepare parents of children with disabilities for their eventual transition beyond the high school educational system, state Rep. Darlene Senger, R-Naperville, is hosting a discussion on the current service options available.
The program, scheduled for 11 a.m. to noon Tuesday at the Naperville Municipal Center, also will focus on the preparations that need to be made prior to the child's transition into the adult world.
"Often times, the families of children with disabilities have no idea of the preparation that needs to occur prior to their child's departure from the K-12 school system," Senger said. "Families need to be prepared for this life-changing transition. Unfortunately, most don't even know where to begin," she added.
Children with disabilities are typically provided for with Individual Service Plans throughout high school. These highly tailored plans can help tremendously in their development toward varying levels of independence. However, once disabled individuals either leave high school or reach the age of 22, their options dwindle, leaving many families without the resources to care for them.
"Programs exist to help, but it takes meticulous planning and a wealth of knowledge to navigate the little assistance that is provided. I am hoping to provide as much information as possible to these families and actually have legislation in the works to help these families. But regardless of the legislative initiatives, I want to do what I can to help," she added.
The program is based in part by the recommendations of Senger's legislative advisory group specifically aimed at parents of disabled children from both Districts 203 and 204 who are coping with this often troubled transitional period. The group, which meets quarterly, brought up the idea on the heels of a similar informational seminar conducted by the Ray Graham Association, based in Downer's Grove.
Cathy Ficker Terill of the Ray Graham Association will be on hand to present, along with parents, teachers and special needs representatives from both Districts 203 and 204 on an array of topics dealing with this transitional period.
The seminar is open to any families with a special needs child residing in either Districts 203 or 204, including home-schooled children.
For more information on the program, contact Senger's office at 630-219-3090 or e-mail via her Web site, www.darlenesenger.com.