Updates

The Family Network on Disabilities (FND) has created a series of informational webinars to help parents navigate the world of exceptional student education. Below are listed the title, a brief description, and the YouTube link to each of these webinars. If you have any questions or need personal assistance please contact FND directly at 800-825-5736.

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Making Your Case
Whether you are a professional lobbyist or a parent who is simply planning to lobby on an issue to which you are committed, there are certain traits that are essential to functioning successfully in the legislative environment. Without these traits, any other techniques you may have perfected or expertise you may have developed will be quite challenging. This workshop will take you through the steps to be the best advocate you can be for your child.

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Parent and Student’s Rights (Senate Bill 1108/850)
This workshop will discuss two pieces of legislation, Senate Bill 1108 (2013) on exceptional student education and Senate Bill 850 (2014) on persons with disabilities and Florida’s diploma options from 2014 to the present day.

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Substitute to Supported Decision Making
Imagine having your capacity to make decisions, sign contracts, vote, defend your rights in court or choose medical treatments taken away simply because you have a disability. For many persons with disabilities, this is a fact of life, and the consequences can be grave. When individuals lack the legal capacity to act, they are not only robbed of their right to equal recognition before the law, they are also robbed of their ability to defend and enjoy other human rights. Guardians and tutors acting on behalf of persons with disabilities sometimes fail to act in the interests of the individual they are representing; worse, they sometimes abuse their positions of authority, violating the rights of others.

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Parents as Leaders
We provide a framework of where to begin. There are a few different ways of approaching support groups– not all groups are created equal. POPIN will first review a few different models of support groups to consider, and then discuss what aspects may cause each model to be a good fit for interested members. PAL modules include:

1. How to start and sustain a parent support group
2. How to start and sustain on online “virtual” parent support group
3. Parent Advocacy in your parent support group and beyond.

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Your Guide to an IEP that Works
Developing and implementing an IEP (Individual Education Plan) is the equal responsibility of educators, parents, and other members of the IEP team. This workshop explains the IEP process and the importance of parental participation. Learn helpful tips for writing effective IEP goals and strategies.

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Best Practices for Inclusive Education
This presentation educates families on the Best Practices for Inclusive Education (BPIE), a self-assessment tool and process for your school district and local schools to identify and prioritize areas of Need for inclusive practices that enable all students with disabilities to achieve their highest potential.

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Additional Resources

COVID 19 ESE Downloadable Resources

FND PSN Facebook Page

Family Network on Disabilities Facebook Page

Family Network on Disabilities Facebook Page (Spanish)

IEP ESE Downloadable Resource: Understanding IEP Components