Navigating the Course: Finding Your Way Through Indiana’s Special Education System

family-youth-services-bureau-logoThe Family & Youth Services Bureau presents a Family Life Series Workshop, titled “Navigating the Course: Finding Your Way Through Indiana’s Special Education System,” held on Tuesday, September 24, from 6:00 to 7:30 pm, at the FYSB downtown Valparaiso office at 253 W. Lincolnway, Valparaiso.

The workshop is led by BeLinda Georgeff, MS, LSC , who has worked with individuals with disabilities and chronic mental health issues in rehabilitative, mental health, and educational settings. The majority of her work has been providing therapeutic and counseling services for children with emotional and behavior disorders. BeLinda coordinated a therapeutic day program for children receiving special education services for over 10 years. She is currently the Director of the Family & Youth Services Bureau’s Risk Management Program which serves high risk juvenile offenders, many of whom have exceptional needs.

Issues presented and discussed will be: A general overview helping parents understand Indiana’s special education rules (known as Article 7) and a guide to practical resources;

Identifying the core principles under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) and the requirements schools must provide to students with disabilities; Determining eligibility, the evaluation process, and related services; Implementing positive behavioral interventions, strategies, and supports in the school setting; Addressing student discipline issues and additional protections for students with disabilities; Understanding the components of an Individualized Educational Plan and the implementation of related services and accommodations; and understanding parental rights and procedural safeguards.

The workshop is free and open to all community members. Seating is limited; please RSVP with your name and contact information by Monday, September 23 to 219-464-9585 or to kunderwood@fysb.org.

Additional Family Life Workshops that are scheduled for this year include Understanding Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, November 19.

The Family & Youth Services Bureau has been providing an opportunity for families and kids to create a new, responsible path for their lives since 1972. Offering seventeen different programs and services, the agency has over 20,000 contacts per year with more than 3,100 clients throughout Porter County.

For more general information about the agency, information about volunteering, or to make a tax-deductible donation to the Family & Youth Services Bureau, call 219-464-9585 or visit www.fysb.org.