Raising Special Kids, ADE merge parent training

As of July 1, 2013, Raising Special Kids and the Arizona Department of Education Parent Information Network (PIN) will merge their parent training activities to create a “one-stop shop” for parents to increase their knowledge and skills for participation and decision-making in special education.

The resources currently provided by the PIN, including documents, trainings, and the lending library, will be available through Raising Special Kids.

The July 1 merger will feature the following for parents, school districts and other professionals:

• Statewide parent information and training on various topics to assist parents in:

– understanding the special education process
– working with professionals to understand and support their child
– learning advocacy skills to appropriately participate in meetings

• Special Education resource documents on a variety of topics

• A local, regional, and national disability resource directory

• Access to a DVD lending library featuring special education and disability topics

• Regional support teams in Northern Arizona, Central Arizona, Southern Arizona

• A toll-free help line for parents staffed by trained and knowledgeable specialists

• All information, training and support provided in English and in Spanish