All families get overwhelmed, feel lost, or worry that they are not doing everything that they can for their children. RAMP’s Youth Education Advocate’s (YEA) assist parents of children with disabilities to realize that there are no limits to what they can do. This program exists to give children with disabilities, and their parents, the skills and information they need to ensure that they receive a fair and equitable education as do their peers without disabilities. We accomplish this through a multi-faceted approach that includes:
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Negotiating the special education and transition maze in public education |
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Providing public education rights information to these youth and their families, as well as to the general public, about inclusion, IDEA, the ADA, etc. |
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Providing educational advocacy to the youth and their families, to assist them in their advocacy efforts with the schools and other organizations in the community |
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Providing the youth with independent living skills training that will aid them in their future endeavors and goals of independent living |
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Providing peer counseling and any other support that the youth and their families need to assist them through the educational process and their transition to adult life |
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The program also works with school district personnel and teachers to help them understand their responsibilities to students with disabilities and how best to accommodate their educational needs.
For more information about youth education and advocacy please contact RAMP or visit the Illinois State Board of Education website. |