Start a Support Group

Support is essential for families and children with special needs.  Start your own support group.

Difficulty Level: Medium      Time Required: Varies--one month

Here's How:

1. Identify the area of needs or support for special children and their families.
2. Contact area disability chapters for information and/or referrals.
3. Begin recruiting families by:
4. Advertising your support group in local shopping newspapers.
5. Contacting your local news and radio stations.
6. Putting up flyers on bulletin boards in public places, such as; grocery stores.
7. Leaving flyers at your local schools, public library, doctor's offices, and hospitals.
8. Locate a meeting place, then begin with an informational meeting.
9. Define your goals and objectives.
10. Decide if your meetings will include parents only or families.
11. As a group, designate committees to plan events.
    
    

Tips:

1. If children are to be included, look for education majors at your local college to play with the children while the parents meet.
2. Keep in mind that children's activities must fit the special needs of the child.
3. Balance activities, remember parents need a break too.