Ana quickly found out that many parents were feeling the same way she felt. Therefore, she started a support group for Latinos with children with all types of disabilities. The parent group became "Discapacitados Abriendose Caminos" which means "People with Disabilities, Opening Paths in Life." Prior their incorporation as a 501(c) (3), the ARC of Minnesota was the organization sponsoring this parent group. With funding provided through community foundations and the help of parents and other individuals from the community, "Discapacitados" has worked independently from ARC since 1995. The organization was granted with the Community Resource Parent Center (CPRC) causing the agency to shift its focus and concentrate more on the law and what parents can do to support their children with disabilities in the school system.

Discapacitados Abriendose Caminos, or DAC, is located in South St. Paul in Minnesota. The agency continues to host support groups and provides training to Latino families on all topics related to IDEA. The agency acts as a liaison between the parents and other community organizations. DAC educates and connects families with other social services and disability resources like SSI, medical plans, Independent Living Centers, etc. They receive referrals from hospitals, schools and several community agencies. With the help of other mini-grants, DAC is able to extend its information and referral services to some counties outside the Minneapolis/St. Paul area.

In addition to administrating the Center, Ana Pérez de Pérez works extensively one-to-one with Spanish-speaking families. Kevin Perez is the Sub-Director of DAC. He provides training to the employees and implements programs. He also seeks new resources and represents DAC on stakeholders' activities related to changes in Federal and State law.  Elbia Valentín is the Administrative Assistant of DAC. She has worked for the agency for 12 years. María Teresa Chavarría Villanueva is DAC's Community Worker/Family Coordinator. She does intakes, answers I&R calls, fills out any paperwork and sets up 1:1 appointments with the families. DAC is very fortunate to have help from five wonderful parent volunteers: Carolina Vásquez, who updates the organization's website; Margarita Santos, who arranges the support group meetings and children's activities; Marlyn Jiménez, who assists with the phones and office work; and Parent Volunteer, Tania Villalobos, who coordinates holiday parties and other special events. Last but not least, board member, Lucía Ramirez, volunteers speaking to the families who attend the support group. She provides skillful training on topics related to self-esteem of the parents, discipline with love and the stress of dealing with special needs.

DAC provides unique services to the community. They work with the families on all levels. The agency's principle is to ensure that any family walking in their door is being helped. DAC's Director, Ana, believes that families of her community need to address their basic needs first in order to concentrate in the child's disability. DAC's staff assists families not only addressing disability and school issues but also finding diapers, food, clothing and housing. They connect parents with other parents for mutual support in improving the quality of their children's education, health and future. "It is in their best interest to stabilize their lives first so they can fully understand all aspects of having a child with a disability," says Ana, who loves helping families with prioritizing those necessities.

FYI

 More details will follow at the Region 4 Conference. 

TECHNOLOGY

                                           

                                           

 

Special Education Technology Practice 

 

Dave L. Edyburn, PhD is a Professor in the Department of Exceptional Education at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and the highest rated presenter at our 2009 conference!

Dr. Edyburn's teaching and research interests focus on the use of technology to enhance teaching, learning and performance. Check out his magazine:

http://www.setp.net

 

 

Teachers and families frequently report difficulties associated with funding assistive technology. Visit the following web sites to explore free or inexpensive assistive technology software solutions.

    Assistive Technology-Shareware, freeware, and demos
    http://www.disabilityresources.org/AT-SHAREWARE.html   

 

    Free Assistive Technology Software
    http://at4us.org/details.htm   

 

    Inclusive Technologies - Free Downloads
    http://www.inclusive.co.uk/downloads/downloads.shtml   

 

    Portable Apps
    http://portableapps.com/ 

 

 

The paper cites research about the significant impact that music has on emotional and physical wellbeing-sound waves orchestrate patterns in the brain that facilitate learning. Rhythmic movement competence can be learned, and it is strongly correlated with improvements in academic achievement and related abilities. (Taub and McGrew 2004).  The greatest benefits, according to the white paper, come from a combination of physical activity and mental focus or "purposeful activity" at the same time. 

The research grounds MeMoves, a program initially developed by a parent for her daughter with learning differences. MeMoves is a multimedia program featuring patented combinations of music and movement using 3-dimensional shapes organized in 3 groups (joy, calm, focus) that can be used to decrease stress, improve mood, and enhance the ability focus. It is interesting that no language is used.  Designed as an early childhood program for children as young as 3, MeMoves appeals to a wide range of ages and abilities. MeMovesis particularly helpful for children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder, Sensory Integration Disorder, ADD/ADHD, anxiety and or depression.

MULTICULTURAL PERSPECTIVE

T A & D NETWORK

IMPORTANT DATES