Navigating World of Special Education Made Easy in New Workshop

“It was devastating,” says Emily DeLuca of Portland, holding back tears as she recalls the moment she heard her son was diagnosed with autism. “I felt like my whole world was falling apart and I went through so many mixed emotions.  I blamed myself and was desperate to find information but there was so much out there and it was all so overwhelming.”

Autism, a mental condition characterized by difficulty in communicating and forming relationships, is becoming increasingly prevalent with recent statistics showing that 1 in 88 children have it. Talk About Curing Autism reports that more children will be diagnosed with autism this year than aids, diabetes and cancer combined.  This number has increased dramatically from 1 in 10,000 in the 1970s.

The growth in autism has raised awareness to an increased urgency for education advocacy among parents of children with special needs. 

“There is a great need for resources. I’ve learned a lot through my experiences and want to share that with parents who are just starting to navigate the process,” says DeLuca. She sites this as the reason she and friend Karen Renner co-founded the organization, Special Hearts of Portland, a support group network for parents of children with special needs that provides emotional support as well as resources and education.

“There is a special camaraderie and understanding between people who’ve shared your experiences.  It’s comforting to know you’re not alone,” she says.  

“Special Hearts of Portland” has teamed up with the Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center, a state-wide non-profit organization who offers information and support to parents of children ages birth to 26 with any disability or chronic illness. Together they will be hosting a free workshop on Aug. 2, called “The Nuts and Bolts of Special Education," which is open to all local residents.

It will take place from 6-8pm at the Portland Senior Center, 7 Waverly Ave., Portland. “Parents of children with special needs are encouraged to attend this workshop to learn how to become more active participants in their children’s education. The workshop will include information on laws relating to special education, preparing for meetings at school and the special education referral process.”

Navigating the confusing world of special education can often be difficult, especially when you’re trying to go at it alone. It’s important to make connections with other parents, share information and have somewhere to turn when you’ve exhausted your resources. 

“We want to empower parents to know their rights, get educated and support from each other,” says Emily.

For information, contact the Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center by calling (800) 445-2722 or emailing cpac@cpacinc.org. Registration is required to attend. To register, visit www.cpacinc.org/workshop-registration. For information about Special Hearts of Portland, email specialheartsofportland@gmail.com.