Learning the language

Parents are often faced with learning a whole new language when their child is diagnosed with a disability. Professionals, in particular, tend to speak in acronyms and abbreviations. Don't be afraid to ask them what they mean. There is a list of common acronyms at IIDC (Indiana Institute on Disability and Community). It has been my experience that even professionals don’t know what all the acronyms mean. By asking, you may be helping to make sure all the people working with your child are understanding each other's language.

IIDC also maintains a library of videos, publications, podcasts, and books on various disability topics. You can borrow them for free through your local library-just ask the library for an interlibrary loan.

Once you feel you have a grasp on the basics, you might be interested in additional training to learn more about different topics. There are several trainings offered every year. A list of early childhood (0-6 years old) events here. You can find online archived trainings at the Family to Family Library - Online Training Topics:

1) An Introduction to Special Education

2) Turning 3 - Ready, Set, Transition!

3) Behavior as Communication: What is my Child Saying?

4) Locating & Navigating Community Resources

5) Medicaid Waivers: What You Need to Know

You can find statewide trainings on IEPs and Healthcare Financing at ASK. There are trainings on special education topics listed at IN*Source. State and local listservs and support groups are often a source for conferences and local training opportunities.

For help with paying for these trainings, you can apply for the Family Involvement Fund, the Consumer Investment Fund, or request funding from your child's school under parent training in the IEP.

We'll look at other training opportunities in future posts.......