PARENT ADVOCACY AND EDUCATION PROGRAM
OBJECTIVE(S): The mission of Parent Advocacy and Education Program to empower Asian Deaf parents with skills and a working knowledge in child-rearing practices that would strengthen and enrich the family.
SHORT-TERM GOAL: Through local community forums and a national Forum, parents would have an opportunity to create a collective voice to be heard at home, school, in their communities and our nation’s capital.
LONG-TERM GOAL: Since NADC does not have an office, PAEP activities will be conducted at selected locations in the USA and through the website. Through a supportive network system and mentoring coordinated by NADC, parents will learn to improve the standards of their home life, to advocate for adequate laws for the care and protection of children and youth, to develop a better understanding and the skills needed to work together with teachers on behalf of their children’s education.
- The program will be a very useful resource for Asian deaf parents who face overwhelming barriers and challenges during their child rearing years.
- This program would serve foreign-born and American-born parents of deaf, hard of hearing and hearing children and their siblings.
- This program will teach parents skills of assertiveness, communication, problem solving, a working knowledge of IDEA and the ADA, leadership, teamwork, and conflict resolution / alternative dispute resolution (ADR).
- During the 2007 NADC Conference, there will be a Parent Forum during the Family Program (Sunday, July 1 from 1pm to 3pm). This will be an excellent opportunity for us to collect data for PAEP when seeking funding and prospective corporation sponsorships.
- Training and/or workshops provided on learning differences, advocacy, transition planning, etc. Parents will be given an opportunity to learn about and discuss different philosophies with the goal of teaching parents positive parenting practices.
- In the future, compile a clearinghouse of information of books, videos, periodicals, and other reference materials
- One-to-one consultation or mentoring to assist parents on problem-solving and/or to provide emotional support
- During National Conferences, provide a support group or special interest group (SIG) for parents
BUDGET: Initial: $2,500; Annual: $2,000
POST-CONFERENCE ACTIVITIES:
Pending approval from the NADC Executive Board, additional Forums and/or Parent Workshops will be held at selected cities. - Ongoing support will be provided through the website resources and referrals.
- Encourage Chapters to start support groups for parents.
- Start a regular feature in the Newsletter re parenting issues and events.
- Contact schools / educational institutions for referrals to Asian Deaf parents
- Encourage parents to start volunteering for a yearly Summer Youth Leadership Camp in 2009, and 2010 (NADC Conference at NY).
Chinese Proverb:
“Giving your son a skill is better than giving him one thousand pieces of gold.”
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