Julie Yang, CAPA-JRC Project Advisor
Claire Yu, CAPA-MC Reporter
Dr. Sarah Dababnah from University of Maryland School of Social Work shared resources for Special Education families. In addition, she stressed the importance of data in allocating resources to the Asian American community in terms of Special Education. Data is visibility. Data demonstrates need.
The event was the joint effort of Chinese American Parents Association of Montgomery County and Pan Asian Volunteer Clinic.
Montgomery County Special Olympic Director Shelly Bogasky shared that Special Olympics offered free sports programs for students with special needs. Asian Americans underuse the resource. For information, visit https://somdmontgomery.org/
Village Initiative Lead and director of Pan Asian Volunteer Health Clinic shared resources at the clinic. She emphasized the importance of parent care. It is taxing to take care of a child with special needs. Parents/caretakers need to take breaks. Visit http://en.pavhc-dc.org/
Village Initiative Lead Julie Yang shared the importance of having an open dialogue with school teachers, counselors and other service providers. For the emotional wellbeing of children, it is crucial to create the “team” feeling.
Speech Pathologist Ariel La stressed the importance of play. She suggested that parents keep a block of time to let their children take the lead in play. Special education students and students on the autism spectrum have a lot of restrictions on them. Giving them some time to be in charge and free is important. Contact: Ala@ttlc.org, The Treatment and Learning Center.
This article was provided by Chinese American Parents Association Junior Reporter Club (CAPA JRC) with members who interviewed, audio recorded, wrote, translated, and video recorded. CAPA JRC has 19 Montgomery County middle to high school students. They have created a bilingual platform delivering news and serving the community.
Instagram: @capa_jrc
Blog: https://capajrc.org