Ways that PEAK Parent Center can help

PEAK Parent Center is the Colorado State “hub” for parents on current disability laws, resources and community providers. By federal law, each state has at least one Parent Training and Information Center (PTI), so parents of children with disabilities can receive good and accurate knowledge of the law for practical problem-solving. PEAK Parent is the PTI for the State of Colorado and equips families with strategies to advocate successfully for their children since 1986.

As such, PEAK Parent is the host of the parent public library, which delivers a wide variety of subjects directly into the parent’s hands. Additionally, it holds trainings in person across the state on various topics. More information can be found at www.peakparent.org, where you can also access online webinars for additional information. PEAK Parent caters to Spanish speaking clientele and assists many military families, many of whom are new to Colorado.

The main reason parents reach out is for help with the public school system. PEAK Parent is a place to find help for your child with a disability when it is time for your annual Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting. It also makes referrals to professionals in the area and focuses heavily on transitioning into adulthood from adolescence. With a whole-life approach, it may have solutions for whatever stage your family is currently experiencing. Although personnel are not attorneys, PEAK Parent can make the law accessible to parents. PEAK Parent strives to be a resource for families of children with special needs and the professionals that serve them on a daily basis in the private and public sectors.

One way that PEAK Parent brings together the families and the experts is through its growing National Conference. PEAK Parent Center will be hosting its annual Conference on Inclusive Education February 12-13, 2015. Registration and more information can be found at conference.peakparent.org. Families report that they are re-energized by being around like-minded people. Also, families can take this unique opportunity to bring together a child’s educational team. PEAK Parent encourages families to invite school personnel to attend and learn together.

PEAK Parent also provides a Person-Centered Planning Project. This is different from an IEP, which is only used for educational purposes. Person-Centered Planning provides an individual with disabilities the unique opportunity to make a whole plan for life with skilled facilitators who develop a personal support circle. Young people with disabilities have reported that they were very excited to speak about their wants and develop a plan with goals to help them achieve their dreams. The planning involves the whole family, friends, and/or other supporters, which makes the outcome stronger, while building up the person’s team and the person.

If you are a family needing resources for school or an IEP, PEAK Parent can help navigate through this confusing process. It reports that this is the most important thing that it does, as this is what most people are looking for. It can also refer you to a professional advocate or attorney who can help. Having a professional attend can change the outcome and tone of the meetings. Also, PEAK Parent believes that each child needs some support whether in general or special education.

PEAK Parent Center is here to help you find the answers to questions so you can do your best for your special needs child.

PEAK Parent Center -611 North Weber Street, Suite 200 Colorado Springs, CO 80903 Phone: 719-531-9400 Hotline: 1-800-284-0251 Fax: 719-531-9452 e-mail: info@peakparent.org