Parent to Parent of NYS is currently seeking applications from family members of individuals with disabilities to participate in an Intensive Lay Advocacy Training. 

The training is designed to provide knowledge about special education regulations and policies related to disabilities.  Participants will develop advocacy skills and become more competent in advocating for their child and other children.  The overall intent is to teach ways to become a more effective advocate and to give participants a better knowledge base of the laws and to improve communication skills.

There is a commitment required from each person who attends.  If requested by Parent to Parent, participants will assist up to three families in their county over the course of one year.  Examples of this are talking to another parent about education advocacy, helping another parent problem-solve about their child's education and learning about special education laws.  It is not an expectation to attend CSE meetings.

Participants are required to attend all training sessions, with each session being five hours long.  Each session is devoted to specific topics such as:

• Parent to Parent Overview
• Laws, Regulations, Policies
• Section 504
• State Complaints
• Mediation
• Resolution Session
• Impartial Hearing
• Resources

Participants must reside in one of the counties served by the Parent to Parent office (Albany, Columbia, Fulton, Greene, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, and Washington).  Selection will be based on the replies to questions in the application.  There is no charge for this training and all training materials will be provided.  A light breakfast will be provided each day.  Please plan to bring a bag lunch.

Sessions will be held at the Parent to Parent office located at OD Heck Developmental Disabilities Services Office at Balltown and Consaul Roads in Schenectady.  Sessions will be held on Saturdays beginning at 9:00 am and end no later than 2:00 pm.  The dates of the trainings are: 

• August 29
• September 12
• September 19
• September 26
  
  

Attendance at all sessions is mandatory.  Stipends will be paid to parents who attend all sessions.

Applications must be received by August 10, 2009. 

To apply to this program, contact Tina Beauparlant or Holly Bartczak, Education Specialists, at (518) 381-4370