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Foundation, UCP (United Cerebral Palsy), National Down Syndrome Society, National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD), and many others.

CONNECT WITH OTHER SPECIAL EDUCATION PARENTS

For parents whose children are school age, public schools can be an excellent avenue for making friends with other parents, and getting connected to local support networks. Of course, some school districts are more involved than others, but schools are often a locus of interaction for parents of children with special needs.

Not all parents will have the time and energy to get involved with their local Community Advisory Committee (which we have in California) or similar parent advisory groups, but doing so can be a great way to learn about local community support, and engage with others who share your concerns and can identify with your family challenges.

ASK SERVICE PROVIDERS FOR RECOMMENDATIONS

Professionals who work with your child, whether in therapy or other programs, are among the most knowledgeable about community supports. Most are also very caring individuals who will welcome the opportunity to share their knowledge about community resources, support groups, social and recreational outlets and the like.

REACH OUT TO FAITH AND SPIRITUAL COMMUNITIES

While you may find that not all faith and spiritual communities are as inclusive as we might like, many do have active programs or ministries specifically focused on the needs and interests of peo

ple with disabilities. For example, where my organization operates, in Southern California's Orange County, our local Catholic diocese operates several active ministries serving deaf and hard of hearing individuals, as well as those with developmental and physical disabilities.

SEARCH FACEBOOK GROUPS

While some of the options above likely offer mostly in-person support, many of the families have successfully used Facebook and other social media platforms to connect with other parents and interest groups. Sometimes these groups are strictly online forums for sharing and mutual support, but many are also conduits for events and activities for families to engage with one another and build friendships.

Another online resource many parents have found helpful is the Center for Parent Information and Resources (parentcenter- hub.org/rptacs). It's an online resource library (offered in English and Spanish) that provides locations of local Parent Training and Information Centers, which can be an excellent place for parents to connect with each other. •

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Larry Landauer is Executive Director for Regional Center of Orange County, the private, nonprofit organization contracted by the State of California to coordinate lifelong services and supports for more than 25,000 Orange County residents with developmental disabilities and their families. The Regional Center is the first stop for those seeking to obtain local services and supports to help them live safely and with dignity in the community. Developmental disabilities include intellectual disabilities, autism, epilepsy and cerebral palsy. Learn more at www.rcocdd.com

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Travis has been producing Oscar Mike Radio for almost eight years. The podcast focuses on themes of resilience, leadership, and adapting to different challenges in life.

Travis' interview with Faye Simon, Exceptional Parent Magazine's Editor in Chief, will air January 2024. They continue to support each other's work.

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