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Welcome to the Learning Disabilities Association of Washington Website
Spot Light
December 2008
Online Discussion - Parent Advocacy and Family-School Partnership
http://www.fctd.info/webboard/index.phpWith the school year in full swing, issues surrounding assistive and instructional technology (AT/IT) abound. If a child has an IEP (Individualized Education Program) was assistive technology considered in a meaningful way? Have General Education teachers been given access to technology tools for the range of learning needs they must address?
With funds tighter than ever, both in school systems and within homes, it is understandable that tensions can mount. Parents may press for costly AT, targeted to their child's individual needs, while schools may look for efficiencies, trying to meet individual needs with existing equipment inventories, and needing to take a "big picture" view. It is a delicate balance which can erupt at times in poor school-family relations.
Some schools, and some parents, do it better than others. Highly effective partnerships can be forged, but not without thoughtful efforts.
The Family Center is pleased to host a month-long discussion of effective family-school partnerships that result in successful use of technology. Our discussion will be moderated by long-time AT/IT technologist Lon Thornburg and highly effective parent advocate Charles DiPietro. Please join use throughout the month of December to share your insights, questions, strategies, and challenges. We look forward to seeing you online!
Organization
The Learning Disabilities Association (LDA) of Washington was establised in 1964 and incorporated in 1978 as a nonprofit corporation. The LDA of Washington has a strong, state-wide membership base and services. Membership is open to anyone who lives with, serves other poeple, or is concerned with learning disabilities and/or Attention Deficit Disorder. The Learning Disabilities Association (LDA) of Washington is a state affiliate of the Learning Disabilities Association of America. The LDA of Washington is staffed by a group of professionals who have training and experience in this specialized field. A voluntary Board of Directors provides programmatic and financial oversight. The Internal Revenue Service has recognized the LDA of Washington as a 501c(3) nonprofit corporation; donations are therefore tax exempt.
"What do we live for, if not to make the world less difficult for each other?" Mary Ann Evans
