|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
Parent to Parent Tina Beauparlant The following link(s) will open in one new tab or window. Should you have any questions regarding this article, please follow the specific contact information provided.
Capital Region Educational Specialist / Program Assistant: Tina Beauparlant
Tina can be contacted at: Web page: www.parenttoparentnys.org/Regional/capital.htm
What characterizes me that I would like to make sure other people know about me and remember me by? I am a kind, compassionate person who is always willing to help others in any way I can, day or night. I was born in Albany and grew up in the town of Colonie. I currently live in Schenectady County with Ron, my husband, and two sons, David who is 23 and Ronald 17. My family is the strength that keeps me going each and everyday. David was born with Down Syndrome and he is the light of my life. David loves life itself and he challenges himself everyday. He love music, dancing, walking and his favorite is going to the movies. My sons have taught me the true meaning of life and what the real meaning of LOVE is! I am on the Planning Committee for the Annual Special Education Advocacy Training Conference and I am a member of the OMRDD Commissioner’s Advisory Council Educational Subcommittee Why is Parent to Parent important to you? Parent to Parent means the world to me for many reasons. We employee parents of children with disabilities and I feel they are an extension to my family. We all have a passion for what we do and what we offer to others. I can always ask for help. Most importantly we empower parents in many different aspects of their lives. Did you contact Parent to Parent when your son was younger? I did make contact with Parent to Parent when my son was younger. I was a mess on the phone and the person on the other end (I will never forget the person’s voice) said in a kind and compassionate voice “It’s okay, you’re not alone. Let it out. I am here for you.” I will never forget that day! How does the opportunity to connect with other parents benefit families? They learn from each other by sharing their experiences. Why is it important that parents understand the special education process? Family members need to understand they have laws that must be followed for their children while they are in school. Parents must learn how to advocate so all children receive a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). What happens when a parent speaks with another parent and receives support from another parent? How does this work in the realm of special education services? When a parent calls, they learn that I am a parent who has a child that has been through the educational system. I let them know I do understand what they are experiencing. There is a connection right away. We discuss their concerns, answer their questions and prepare them to attend meetings. By the end of the call, they tell me they wish they had called sooner and they feel more empowered and now have the tools to advocate for their child in school. How does the opportunity to connect with other parents benefit families? They learn they are not alone and Parent to Parent is here to support them. What qualities do I look for when recruiting lay advocates as supporting parents? I look for a base knowledge of the laws. I look for a drive and passion to help other people. What kind of information, referrals, or community connections are families looking for? Information: Educational resources, websites, agencies that can help, DDSO, respite, child care providers, after school programs. They are looking for other parents to connect with in their own school district. Was there a time when someone went above and beyond all expectations to help you with your child? When I started out there was one person, Marilyn Wessels, who went well above what she needed to do for me. She saw a passion in me and took me under her wing to mentor me to become a strong advocate for my son and other parents.
January 2010
|
August 2010 Contact Us
Phone: 1-800-395-3372 Upcoming DDPC Meetings August 2010:
8/9/10 - Chilodrens Issues Committee Meeting *Notice* Open Government and the New York State Developmental Disabilities Planning Council (DDPC). All DDPC meetings are held in Albany, NY unless otherwise noted. Under law, the New York State Developmental Disabilities Planning Council (DDPC) meetings and DDPC Standing Committee meetings are open meetings. If the public wants to attend, they can attend as observers. Participants may be asked to leave during breaks in the deliberations and when the meeting goes into executive session. If more information, please contact the DDPC directly.
People First Language The DDPC strictly adheres to and encourages the use of people first language. However you may note that in some articles/stories appearing in the E-Bulletin the language used is not always entirely people first. Articles submitted to the DDPC are taken verbatim from the source and are therefore not edited by the DDPC for correct people first language due to copyright restrictions. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
