Workshops to be presented at Pieters Family Life Center

The Advocacy Center is collaborating with Heritage Christian Services to offer a series of workshops for families of individuals with disabilities.  The workshops will be held on Saturday mornings at the Pieters Family Life Center in Henrietta.  There is no fee for the workshops, but pre-registration is required.  To register, or for more information, please contact Julie Buick at (585) 487-5302.

The workshop schedule is as follows:

Saturday, October 11, 2008  10:00 - 11:30 am
Advocacy Steps 101:  Advocacy is defined as the act of pleading for, supporting, or recommending.  A parent might engage in advocacy on behalf of his or her child;  a person with a disability may advocate for him or herself.  Groups of people may join forces in systemic advocacy efforts to change laws or policies.  Regardless of the scope, the process of advocacy is similar.  

Saturday, October 25, 2008  10:00 - 11:30 am
IEP:  Individualized Education Programs:  When a child qualifies for special education services, the federal law requires that a document, called an Individualized Education Program, or IEP, be developed.  This workshop will prepare parents to actively participate on the IEP team by understanding how to write meaningful goals and create an IEP that is an effective working document. 

Saturday, November 22, 2008  10:00 - 11:30 am
Developing Your Child's Portfolio:  It is sometimes difficult to articulate the dreams we hold for our children with disabilities.  Participants in this workshop will develop their vision statement for their child's future.  After the vision has been explored, participants will learn how to create a friendly portfolio that they can use to introduce their child to any professional in his or her life.  The portfolio is a great tool to help with any transition.  Depending on the vision and need, participants will also be able to use portfolio pages to express their child's strength, family, hobbies and "Things you should know about them." 

Saturday, December 13, 2008  10:00 - 11:30 am
Managing Move ~ Preparing for Next Year's Team:  Moving from one school year to the next can be challenging as you and your son/daughter begin to work with a new team of people. This workshop will provide parents with strategies to help promote a seamless transition and lay the groundwork for a positive start to the new school year. 

For information about other upcoming workshops to be presented by The Advocacy Center, please visit our calendar page or call our Information Specialist at (585) 546-1700 or 1-800-650-4967.