Advocacy and Support

Family Support Network provides information and resources about:

• Services and supports available in our local community.
• Assistance for families and providers needing coordination of resources in education, employment and quality of life through Person Centered Planning.
• Ways to promote independence, respect, and dignity of people with developmental disabilities to be active members of their community.
• Policy and legislation action on issues involving people with developmental disabilities.
• Opportunities to be educated and to be active in the legislative process at a local, state and federal level.

Other activities of the Family Support Network include:

• Identifying concerns of people with disabilities and their families in Lewis County.
• Advocate for the collective concerns of families.
• Present a family perspective on policy issues.
• Provide presentations/workshops on issues important to families.
• Advisor for local People First Chapter, a self-advocacy organization of, for and by people with developmental and other disabilities.

Parent to Parent is available to provide:

• Emotional support for parents of children with special needs.
• Information and referrals to community resources.
• Trained Helping parents whose parenting experiences match yours as closely as possible.
• Lending Library at In-Tot Developmental Center( Books/Videos for checkout)
• Social and recreational events.
• Training for parents who would like to become Volunteer Helping Parents.
• Public awareness and outreach to the community regarding people with special needs and/or disabilities.