Reaching Out and Raising Your Voice for Families of Kids with Special Needs 2016 National PTA Convention & Expo Orlando, FL Presenting Sponsor:

Reaching Out and Raising Your Voice for Families of Kids with Special Needs Corinne Sanfilippo National PTA Diversity, Inclusion and Outreach Committee Enrique Escallon National PTA Board Member Catherine Romano NYS PTA Education Coordinator 3

History of Special Education in the US Parents and students had few rights until legislation “Special Ed” young men in World I and II Parents formed an advocacy group in early 20 th century 1961 – President John F. Kennedy created the President’s Panel on Mental Retardation 1965 – Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Elementary and Secondary Education Act 4

1970’s only a small number of students with disabilities were being educated 1975 – two federal changes – The Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EHA) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) have been instrumental in ensuring a free public education to millions of children 5

1975 – Individual Education Plan (IEP) was introduce into the school system December 10, 2015 – Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) was signed 6

GAINING AN UNDERSTANDING For PTA to truly gain an understanding of families with special needs children, we need to hear from you! What brought you to PTA? What brought you to this workshop today? What do you need PTA members to know? What do you need to know from PTA? 7

To Start With… Special education is a SERVICE NOT A PLACE Special education services are not required to maximize potential -> Law only requires appropriate education IEP is not a guaranteed performance contract. Schools need to show a good faith effort. There is a difference between what a child needs and what a parent thinks the child needs. Know the difference.

“What” Makes Special Ed So Special Specially designed instruction Available at no cost to parents Designed to meet the needs of a child with a disability Provided in the most typical setting appropriate for the child

Why PTA LEADERS Need to Reach Out to Special Needs Students and Supporters 5.7 million students in the US receive special education services Special education students have many of the same needs as “typical” students All students deserve the benefits of your PTA Special education parents are the first advocate in their child’s life 10

Earning Power As students with disabilities enter the work force: They earn 37 percent less (or 63 cents of every $1) than their typically-developing peers Even those that have a high school diploma earn $6,500 less per year We need continued advocacy that students with disabilities have a valuable high diploma Data from the U.S. Census and

Why Special Education Parents Should Be Involved in PTA Offer suggestions to PTA leaders to help include your child Programs such as: Reflections, Connect for Respect, Healthy Lifestyles, Circle of Friends, Family School Partnerships Resources like Special Education Toolkits National PTA advocacy for IDEA and other Special Education related legislation Networking 12

What can PTA’s DO? Seek out the families of students with special needs as members Include special needs when planning events Hold informational events for special needs families – Transitioning meeting when students move through key grade levels – Transitioning meeting when considering or moving to a new school Plan parent events that network families between and outside special needs 13

RESOURCES FOR PARENTS & PTAs Circle of Friends Community Advisory Committee (CAC) Career Development and Occupational Centers Regional Centers State and Local PTA’s Center for Parent Information & Resources

RESOURCES FOR PARENTS & PTAs 15

Questions? Concerns? 16

Together We Can Help Each Other Take the Time to Enjoy the Good Moments Savor Every Smile Every Hug and Every moment of Each Triumph Catherine RomanoEnrique EscallonCorinne Sanfilippo New York State PTANational PT Board MemberNPTA DIO Committee Education Thanks For Attending Next General Session Will Resume 9:00 a.m. 17

Thanks For Attending Next General Session Will Resume 9am