Workshops & Training | Upcoming Workshops

The Art of Advocacy for Parents of Children with Special Needs
Clair Schuman, E.D., ACT - Autism Community Training
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Many parents are confused and frustrated by the complexities of systems they must navigate to find help for their child with special needs. These systems include: the Ministry of Health for diagno­sis, Community Living BC, the Ministry of Children and Family Development for early intervention and out-of-school services, and the school system for services for their school-age children.

This workshop offers parents an overview of how to develop skills they need to navigate successfully through the hurdles they may sometimes encounter. Using the school system as an example, parents are guided through the components of empowerment necessary to become an effective advocate for their child. Specific guidelines and tips will be provided in this positive, practical, user-friendly and interactive seminar. This workshop is not disability-specific, but will be especially helpful for ­parents of children with “invisible” disabilities.

Topics will include:

• Knowing your rights and responsibilities
• Understanding roles and responsibilities of players in the system
• Decision-making and problem-solving
• Managing your choice of words, temperament and body­language
• Learning the jargon
• Making a plan
• Documentation and the paper trail
• Collaboration and negotiation
• How to make a complaint
• A handout on contracting with service providers will be distributed.

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