The NWDSA invites parents and professionals to the upcoming Reciprocal Learning Community to take place on Saturday, December 6, 2008 from 8:45 AM – 1 PM at the Valley Community Presbyterian Church in Portland, Oregon. The topics of the RLC focus on children with Down syndrome, from birth to age five.

Putting the Family back in the IFSP, and the Individual into the IEP

Each family is unique and has its own interests and dreams. This doesn’t change when the family includes a child with a disability. Explore your wishes for your child and your vision for your family, and then create a path with these ideas at the center. Draw from this to bring your voice to the process that happens at Individual Family Service Plan and Individual Education Program meetings.

Early Intervention and the services you receive are organized around reaching the goals set in your meetings. Learn how to be a clear communicator and good partner. Explore ideas on how to use goals and therapy to achieve more balance in your family. Create clear-cut tools that show your child’s strengths and your family’s vision for the future.

Parents – get comfortable being in the driver’s seat when writing goals to ensure that your child’s IFSP and IEP reflects your family and what you want for your child. Staff – learn how to help parents be more active in the process of goal writing. Both parents and staff can achieve more by working together and maximizing the power of partnership.

Please bring a photo of your family and your child for the make and take portion of the session.

Presenters include: Ruth Falco, PhD, PSU. Dave Andrews, SLP, Supervisor, MECP. Dolores McNee Disabilities Coordinator, Community Action Head Start. Joan Medlen, RD, LD, Director, Disability Compass and author of The Down Syndrome Nutrition Handbook.

There is no cost for this session and we always welcome new families!

• Saturday December 6, 2008 8:45 am until 1 pm
• Valley Community Presbyterian Church 8060 SW Brentwood Street, Portland, OR 97225 503-292-3537
• Therapist-run Childcare & Spanish Translation Available
• Morning Beverages & Snack and Family Lunch Provided
• Additional Speakers, Family Story, Resource Table and NWDSA Updates
• Connect with other families and network

Please R.S.V.P. to Jen Brandse at (503) 645-0890 or jennabreeze@verizon.net before Wednesday, December 3. We need to know: how many adults are attending (and their names); how many children for childcare (and their names and ages); and your phone number. As always, childcare may fill up so please register early. Please let us know if you need Spanish Translation services. Para comunicarse en español, llame a Maria O’Harra al 971-570-0942

Download PDF of flyer:
RLC flyer 12.06.08