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THE VOICE

Volume 6, Issue 2

Page 7

Parent Advocate Training Program


As we previously announced in our June newsletter, The Parents' Place of Maryland is developing a new program to train parents affiliated with support/advocacy groups who want to become parent advocates.  This training would prepare you to become a parent advocate, which involves working with families to help them better understand the IEP process and to help them prepare for IEP meetings.

The training program, which is currently scheduled to begin in late fall (November), will involve several 2 - 3 hour sessions on the following subjects:

* IDEA 97 regulations: Parts I and II
* Writing successful IEPs and focus on goals and objectives
* Extended School Year services
* Challenging behavior: Understanding functional behavioral analysis
* When advocacy is not enough

If you are interested in participating in this program, please complete and mail the form below by October 15th. If you have questions about the program, contact Linda Carter-Ferrier at (410) 551-0655.

The Ten Commandments for
Parents of Disabled Children

[From the Children's Special Health Care Needs
Mailing List, sponsored by the University of Florida's
Institute for Child Study]


1.  Take one day at a time, and take that day positively.   You don't have control over the future, over today, or over any other day, and neither does anyone else. Other  people just think they do.

2.  Never underestimate your child's potential. Allow him,   encourage him, and expect him to develop to the best of   his abilities.

3.  Find and allow positive mentors: parents and profes- sionals who can share with you their experience, advice, and support.

4.  Provide and be involved with the most appropriate educational and learning environments for your child  from infancy on.

5.  Keep in mind the feelings and needs of your spouse and  your other children. Remind them that this child does  not get more of your love just because he gets more of  your time.

6.  Answer only to your conscience: then you'll be able to  answer to your child. You need not justify your actions  to your friends or the public.

7.  Be honest with your feelings. You can't be a super- parent 24 hours a day. Allow yourself jealousy, anger,  pity, frustration, and depression in small amounts  whenever necessary.

8.  Be kind to yourself. Don't focus continually on what  needs to be done. Remember to look at what you have  accomplished.

9.  Stop and smell the roses. Take advantage of the fact  that you have gained a special appreciation for the little  miracles in life that others take for granted.

10.  Keep and use a sense of humor. Cracking up with  laughter can keep you from cracking up from stress.

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