Resource fair offered for parents of special needs youth

The Batavia Special-Education Parent Network will hold its fifth annual Parent Resource Fair from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22, at Batavia High School, 1201 Main St., Batavia.

The free event provides members of the community the opportunity to meet representatives from local organizations and businesses that serve individuals with special needs and their families. Parents from all cities surrounding Batavia are invited and encouraged to come.

"At the fair, families can learn about unique local recreational opportunities, therapy providers, educational consultants, transition planning, advocacy, and support for students from early childhood through age 22," said Rudi Gandy, founder of BSPN and parent of children with special needs. "Parenting a child with special needs can be overwhelming, but there is so much help out there. We're hoping to connect the dots."

BSPN is an organization of parents, teachers and administrators in Batavia Unit District 101. Dedicated to providing opportunities that enrich the educational experience and quality of life for students and their families, the organization educates families about the resources available to them. For information about the Batavia Special-Education Parent Network, visit bspn-batavia.org.