I am forming this group because there is a black hole in our area of advocates for education in the arena of Special Services- and because I wish someone (like the person I am now) could have been there for me to point me in the right direction when my long and sometimes treacherous journey with the Special Services division of our school system started. I know that having a child with special needs in itself can be isolating enough, but add to that trying to obtain the "right" services through a sea of educational bureaucracy, and you may be left physically and emotionally exhausted and possibly broke. I started there- ignorant of the system, believing the school was the authority and allowing them to effectively fail my child. Through years of hard work, research and involvement I have become an effective advocate for my own child who went from social isolation to a happily mainstream classroom kid who participates in mainstream activities. It's not a miracle, it's because I worked my tail off to find a way to obtain what my child needs to be a successful student. I meet so many parents, grandparents, fosters and other relations who struggle in the special education arena because they just don't know what to do to obtain needed services and placements. I often think "Gosh, we sure do need help around here" then I realize heck, WE can BE the help!"

I want this group to help you become the successful and fearless leader of your child's Special Education team. Whether you just received a diagnosis, need help finding or obtaining services, writing letters, a hand-hold/shoulder to cry on or you discovered a technique that was successful that you can share to benefit others, this is our place. Newbies, disaster-stories, hung-out-to-dry types, been there/done thats and folks who just want to know more (all with positive attitudes please) are welcome to share knowledge and ask for advice. A few scenarios to help you decide if this group is for you: Did your child just receive a disability diagnosis and you don't know what to do next? Is your SpecEd child struggling and you don't feel the school is helping? Have you been told "no" when you are certain it should be "yes"? Do you suspect a disability is holding your child back and the school refuses to do an evaluation? Are you paying for outside services to obtain what your child needs to be a successful learner? Have you been through mediation? Hired a lawyer or think you have to? Don't know where to start to find the right resources and information?

Who should join? You, the parent or guardian of a special needs child. Also your mother, grandmother, aunt and anyone who wants to be involved in successfully educating your special needs child.

Once we get started with a few members I'd like to schedule a meet'n'greet at a convenient location in town (Cosner's or Central Park). I foresee daytime/weekday meetups with the occasional weekend or weeknight. Folks in surrounding counties (King George, Stafford, etc) are welcome too, so long as you're willing to drive to meet us.