$200K grant to help parents connect families with resources

Posted 9/30/14

In an effort to support parents and families who have children with special needs, Rhode Island’s Congressional Delegation announced last week a $200,000 federal grant has been awarded to the Rhode …

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$200K grant to help parents connect families with resources

Posted

In an effort to support parents and families who have children with special needs, Rhode Island’s Congressional Delegation announced last week a $200,000 federal grant has been awarded to the Rhode Island Parent Information Network (RIPIN). The grant will enable RIPIN to conduct workshops and trainings, support and connect families with resources, provide technical assistance, including best practice information for families in order to empower parents to improve educational and life outcomes for their children with disabilities.

The Rhode Island Parent Information Network (RIPIN), based in Cranston, is Rhode Island’s federally designated Parent Training and Information Center (PTIC). The federal grant, which is administered by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs, will help RIPIN to implement effective parental involvement policies, programs and activities that lead to improvements in student academic achievement and strengthen partnerships among parents, teachers and other school personnel in meeting the educational needs of children.

“RIPIN is an important resource that offers training and support for children with disabilities and their families. They have a strong network with years of experience that helps parents communicate with each other about what they are going through and share successful strategies. This federal funding will help them continue to expand their reach, help more families and provide children with the special education services they need,” U.S. Senator Jack Reed said in a statement.

“Parents and guardians are the first and fiercest advocates for their loved ones with special needs. The Rhode Island Parent Information Network empowers those caregivers to do what is best for their child and connects them with the resources necessary to ensure their needs are met,” said Congressman Jim Langevin. Many of RIPIN’s services are available to families and consumers at no cost across the state. RIPIN was selected along with 22 other agencies nationwide to receive a state Parent Training and Information Center (PTIC) federal grant under this program. PTI Centers provide parents with the training and information they need to work in collaboration with professionals in meeting the early intervening needs of children with disabilities as well as the preparation for life after high school.

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