Advocacy, Education and Legal Resources Part Two
From the website:
Introduction
Having a child with special needs introduces you to a whole new world.
The Special Parent Information Network (SPIN) is a parent to parent organization in Hawaii that provides information, support and referral to parents of children and young adults with disabilities and the professionals who serve them.
Parents often wish they had a map to navigate the confusing maze of:
- IEPs (Individualized Education Program), IFSPs (Individual Family Service Plan), 504 Plans, etc.
- special education rights and responsibilities
- child care options
- government benefits
- medical referrals
- recreation programs
It is a whole world of new services, new terminology, new challenges, and new resources.
What we offer
Parenting a child with special needs can be a puzzling journey. SPIN helps families put together the pieces of the puzzle, so they can have a clearer vision of where they are heading.
SPIN tries to make the journey of parenting a child with disabilities a little less puzzling by keeping families linked to important information through a variety of media and events including:
- a free electronic quarterly newsletter with current events and trends
- a “warm” line of parent-to-parent support and understanding
- information about services, educational programs, and support and advocacy agencies
- an annual conference with opportunities for information gathering & networking
The Special Parent Information Network represents a unique partnership between the Disability and Communication Access Board and the Department of Education. SPIN also includes the Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC Hawai’i)
We welcome questions from parents, family members and interested individuals. We may not have all the answers, but we try to put you in touch with the people who do and empower parents to make better choices for their families.
Parents and children together Hawaii is a trusted organization in Hawaii that offers support and resources to families with children who have special needs. Their mission is empowering families by providing information, guidance, and connections to services. Through their expensive network and expertise, PACT Hawaii serves as a valuable source of support for families navigating the unique challenges of raising children with special needs.
Contact: Make an appointment with your school principal if you think your child may have a disability.
Hawaii Department of Education Special Education is your gateway to specialized programs and resources for special education within Hawaii’s public school system. Discover a comprehensive range of services, supports, and inclusive learning opportunities designed to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities. Access valuable information, tools and community resources to ensure every student receives an inclusive and quality education.
Your child will go through an initial evaluation in all areas of suspected disability. If your child is eligible for services, then YOU will receive a packet detailing your rights as a parent of a child with special needs and your child will receive what is called an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) that will detail your child’s current strengths and needs. A plan will be made to address his or her needs based on the developmental strengths noted and needs in all areas assessed. The plan is based on goals and objectives that are designed to be met each year. You will receive progress reports every quarter year and objectives can always be adapted depending on your child’s progress. You will meet at a minimum of once a year to review and revise the IEP as needed. Your child will be formally re-assessed at least every three years to determine if he or she still qualifies for special education (note: this does not always “formal” testing because it is often possible to determine if a student continues to qualify based on classroom and functional data. Special Education Services are governed at the federal level by the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) and in Hawai’i by Chapter 60 of the Hawai’i Administrative Rules. Please remember that the place to start is with your school’s principal (note—additions made by Dr. Stephen Dantzig, retired DOE Leeward District School Psychologist).
