A2IDEAS Executive Director named Wayne State Instructional Assistant
A2IDEAS is pleased to announce Heather Eckner has been hired as an Instructional Assistant at Wayne State University in the College of Education.
This collaboration will include delivery of a family development program related to special education advocacy to participants in the Healthy Adapted Physical activity Program for Young populations (HAPPY) initiative.
Healthy Adapted Physical activity Programs for Young populations (HAPPY) is a 2-year physical activity program for young children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).
Family Development Advocacy Sessions for the next year will focus on:
- Building a Foundation for Supporting Students with Disabilities
- Special Education Law and Advocacy – overview
- Understanding Evaluations, Document Reviews, Strategy Planning
- Navigating and Negotiating – Your Advocacy for Your Child
Outcomes for the A2IDEAS development program aim to improve families’ ability to understand and communicate the needs of their children with disabilities; provide families with the most relevant information related to the complex concerns in the educational system; increase the knowledge base, competency, and confidence of families advocating on behalf of students with disabilities; instill a strengths-based process and approach with families of children with disabilities; and develop an effective skills-based advocacy framework that will empower families to negotiate educational systems in order to secure the most appropriate services and supports for their child for improved outcomes.
“Navigating the special education system is complex and often very confusing for families,” said Ms. Eckner. “By providing ongoing, high-quality development to families related to best practices in advocacy, we hope to empower families and fortify them on their journey alongside their children.
We believe that strengthening families, strengthens our schools, and strengthens our communities. We hold a deep belief that when opportunity and access is worth advocating for my own children, then we should advocate for these outcomes with all children. We’re excited to extend the education and outreach efforts of A2IDEAS into Wayne County.”
The HAPPY initiative includes year round instruction on gross motor and swimming skills for enrolled children. All sessions are hosted on Wayne State’s campus in the Matthei Center.
A2IDEAS is a nonprofit organization committed to ongoing individual and systemic advocacy efforts, providing guidance and support to families within the challenging process of securing special education services with the goal of ensuring greater access to inclusion and meaningful educational opportunities.
Learn more about the Vision, Mission, and Values of A2IDEAS here.
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