Community workshops to address COVID-19 and its impact on students with special needs
May 21, 2020: Taconic Resources for Independence, Inc. (TRI) will host a virtual workshop entitled: “Ask the Advocate” on June 3rd from 9:30 – 10:30 am to provide information to parents, family members and guardians of students with special needs and community providers during this time of extended school closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Upcoming monthly workshop topics and dates to be announced.
TRI Special Education Advocates Karen Lynch and Jennifer O’Neill will answer questions from participants and provide information regarding modifications to Individual Education Plans (IEP), understanding the CSE (Committee on Special Education) process, and transition services available to students with disabilities.
“The workshops are designed to address the concerns we are hearing at CSE meetings from parents and guardians about protracted school closures and the challenges that virtual educational platforms pose to students with disabilities,” says Lynch. Lynch and O’Neill maintain their advocacy services are especially crucial during this difficult time. “We assist parents and students to navigate the school system, which now includes virtual or teleconference meetings and helping parents and students to be more effective self-advocates,” says O’Neill.
To register, contact: Karen Lynch k.lynch@taconicresources.org / 845-249-8293 or Jennifer O’Neill j.oneill@taconicresources.org / 845-214-7893. Participants will receive a confirmation email for a Zoom link upon registration.
Anyone requiring a Sign Language Interpreter in order to participate in this meeting should contact j.oneill@taconicresoures.org by May 27, 2020 by 5:00pm
Funding for TRI’s Special Education Advocacy program is provided by OPWDD Family Support Program, ACCES-VR and Dutchess County Agency Partner Grant.
Taconic Resources for Independence, Inc. (TRI) was founded in 1986 and is Dutchess County’s leading disability advocacy organization, dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities to lead self-directed lives. TRI works within the community to provide disability awareness and advocacy for the removal of barriers.