SPARK to present 'possibilities' of inclusion
Special Education Parents Accessing Resources and Knowledge (SPARK) will hold its next monthly meeting on Monday, Jan. 23, from 7-8:30 p.m. at Walter R. Sundling Junior High, 1100 N. Smith St. in Palatine.
The meeting will feature a workshop titled “Dwell on the Possibilities,” which will be presented by Nancy Brown, an inclusion consultant with the Illinois State Board of Education, and her daughter, Bridget, who has Down syndrome.
Bridget, who is now a national public speaker and advocate, was the first person with a disability included in her school district. Her inclusion was facilitated and supported by Nancy, who has had the unique experience of working with many different school districts in Illinois helping them develop and sustain inclusive educational programs for students with disabilities. Their workshop will cover person-centered planning, adaptations and accommodations, social and emotional supports for all learners, and teaming for inclusive education.
SPARK is a committee of the Northwest Suburban Council of PTA/PTSA that serves families of children with special needs in District 15. It was formed in response to the growing needs of families whose children learn differently or have special needs. It is comprised of parents who are trying to navigate the special education system who have realized the importance of networking with families of other special needs children and sharing resources related to special education.
SPARK has representatives at each District 15 school, and all parents, educators, and administrators are encouraged to attend its monthly meeting, which feature presentations by special education experts.
For a list of SPARK events scheduled for the 2011-12 school year, visit www.ccsd15.net | For Parents/Students | Parent Resources | SPARK. For more information, e-mail sparkdistrict15@gmail.com, or contact Ani Erickson, SPARK chair, at 847-907-4732 or Jen Kurrie, SPARK co-chair, at 847-963-8087.
-- Story submitted by Community Consolidated School District 15