Advocacy Network formed to meet special needs

Parents in the Churchville-Chili School District who have children with disabilities have started a Communication and Advocacy Network. This group is open to all parents within the district who have children birth to 21 years of age with special needs.

The group was formed to provide support, education and help make positive changes within the school district. The group's next meeting is Monday, August 2 at 7 p.m. at the Chili Library, Common Meeting Room, 3333 Chili Avenue.

This month, Kathy McCarthy-Proulx from the Advocacy Center in Rochester will be the guest speaker. The topic is Hands On Advocacy. This workshop will provide parents with the skills, knowledge and resources to maintain documentation and records that they will need to be effective advocates for their children with disabilities. Participants will learn how to plan and prepare for CPSE/CSE/IEP meetings, organize records and communicate effectively with their school district.

Next month, the meeting will be Monday, September 27, and will feature Questions and Answers with Karen Donahue, Regional Associate for the State Education Department.

For information contact Terri Abrams, 594-2531 or Karyn Audycki, 594-3081.