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From the CEO

I am not a fan of recognition days. National Nurse’s Day. (May 5) National Pi Day (3.14 of course) and National Get over it Day (March 9 th)…someone has way too much time on their hands.

In 1987 Congress passed a resolution declaring March as National Women’s History Month. March is also Disability Awareness month albeit by designation a year later in 1988. I started to wonder if we could combine the two.

When I have thought of inspirational individuals related to disability in the past, they were primarily male. Matisse or Stephen Hawking and President Bush. I did write once about Harriet Tubman (March 2017), but looking through history and literature, the stories of men seem to be a little more prevalent.

Grantee Spotlight: GiGi's Playhouse

It’s hard to find someone who doesn’t already know this organization, but for those that don’t, GiGi’s Playhouse Fort Wayne is a Down syndrome achievement center. The Fort Wayne Playhouse opened in January of 2016 with the support of community members and grants. With their free programming, individuals with Down syndrome are supported from birth through adulthood. Thursday, March 21st is World Down Syndrome Day, so we thought that March would be the best time to put the spotlight on this fantastic grantee.

In the three short years since their doors opened, GiGi’s Playhouse Fort Wayne has shown immense growth. Their 2019 participation numbers are doubling from that of last year at the same time. They have also been able to add additional programing such as a preschool and under playgroup, GiGiFIT, Drums Alive and additional days for Cooking Club. With the opening of GiGi’s Genesis Health Bar they continue enhancing skill building and promoting awareness in our community.

Education Series Part 5

For a special education student to succeed, educators and caregivers must effectively communicate and do their part. In this five-part series, you will see the perspectives of both an educator and a parent on how to keep a positive relationship to benefit the student. This series will also give advice on how to prepare and work for each student’s success. In part 5 of this series you will read about setting expectations and settling disputes. You can find parts 1 -4 of the series on our website.

Educator Perspective

By: Jenny Snyder

In this final newsletter of the case conference series, I’d like to dive into the 90/10 rule. The rule is fairly simple – 90% of your communication with parents should be focused on positive goals, solutions to problems, and acknowledging progress, while 10% of your communication should be focused on problems or issues. Where things get more complicated is when you begin to think of all the 90/10 rule can apply. Without getting overwhelmed let’s break it down into two categories, case conferences and general communication.

Parent Perspective

By: Risé Taylor

Even when everyone prepares well and does what they feel is best for your child, case conferences do not always go as you had hoped. The good news is you have rights and other avenues. Whether you feel that your child’s IEP is not addressing all of his/her needs or you feel that the school is not following through on the plan, you can request a meeting with the Special Education Director or another central office administrator. If you are still dissatisfied after this meeting, your next best step is to reach out to an advocacy agency to request further guidance and direction on how best to navigate your complaint or concern. Being able to work it out with the parent and the school team is best, but sometimes mediation is necessary. If mediation fails, a due process hearing can be requested, but this should be the last resort. Additional information can be found in the Notice of Procedural Safeguards which is offered to parents at case conferences.

For a complete guide on due process requests, go to http://bit.ly/2Ciwboi.

Priority Initiatives

8515 Bluffton Road | Fort Wayne, IN 46809
Office: 260.222.5005 | Toll Free: 877.799.5656

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8515 Bluffton Road
Fort Wayne, IN | 46809 US

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