A great opportunity!

February 24, 2008

Hello everyone,

Last summer, Carver's case manager e-mailed me information and an

application for a unique program. I knew right away I would apply, but I was

very surprised when Mike said he too wanted to apply (he feels like he just

does not get much opportunity to be involved with Carver's therapies,

appts., insurance issues, or fighting with the school system). We both heard

back in late December that we were accepted, well..

Mike and I have just returned from our very first Partners In Policymaking

(PIP) weekend, we are so excited about this program, I wanted to pass some

preliminary information on to you guys to see if it is something you may

want to do in your state (or across the pond). This program can be found in

most states and in some European countries (sorry, I am not sure which ones,

the website will probably have the answer), and is open to individuals with

disabilities and parents of children with disabilities.

Here in NC, the program consists of one weekend a month, for eight months.

They teach you to be better advocates for not only your child, but also all

persons with a disability. I cannot even tell you all how much we have

learned in just this first session. They give you the tools to stand up for

your child and fight for services, they give you the knowledge to face the

school and not be bullied into making uninformed decision, you are even

prepared to go before government officials and testify so we can effect

better change. It is a big undertaking, but one both Mike and I are ready

for.

Did I mention there is absolutely no cost to us? Funding provides for

transportation (training is held three hours away), hotel room, meals, and

even respite care for Carver the whole weekend! I have listed the general

website below if any of you would like to check it out. Please feel free to

ask me any questions, just remember, we are just getting started too.

The North Carolina link for PIP

Hickory, NC

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