Oklahoma Parents Center is a statewide project that provides training and information for parents.

Parents of children with disabilities often need specialized information and skills to help them understand and negotiate their way through the special education maze. Oklahoma Parents Center offers parents one on one assistance with educational issues and concerns. They also hold workshops statewide throughout the year. The workshops cover topics such as:

• special education laws that guarantee all children a free and appropriate education
• federal and state laws that guarantee your child's right to receive the help that they need
• your rights and responsibilities as a parent
• the evaluation process and how it helps the school understand the student's needs
• the Individualized Education Program (IEP), how it should be written to meet the child's individual and educational needs
• Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) - what it is and how to write one
• communication skills and strategies, how to communicate more effectively to obtain services for your child
• assertiveness techniques
• advocacy tips

Oklahoma Parents Center has written material available on a variety of disabilities and disability-related issues. Oklahoma Parents Center's publishes a free newsletter, OK Parents Connection that contains information of interest to both parents and professionals. The parent and professional statewide conference is held in September each year.

Oklahoma Parents Center's staff, themselves parents of children with special needs, can be reached at 405/619-0500 or 877/553-4332 (toll free for parents only please) or by e-mail at okparentctr@aol.com for information, resources, training or support.

last modified: March 2001