F.I.R.S.T. is a nonprofit, family driven organization dedicated to helping persons with disabilities to live included, productive lives as members of the community by supporting and educating their families to be their child's best advocate and the youth to adults to be self-advocates.
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community parent resource center sunshine project
access lending library
summer camps training and events

Although some projects are county specific due to funding, F.I.R.S.T. is able to share information and ideas from all projects to families in Western North Carolina.

F.I.R.S.T. offers:

  • Free family/individual training related to educational issues and rights under IDEA and section 504 and accessing state and federal supports for persons with disabilities
 
  • Staff available to attend school and team meetings - including Spanish speakers
  • Advanced training for parents to become better advocates
  • Training for educators and agency staff related to educational issues, inclusion of preschoolers and students with disabilities and community supports.
  • Resource materials related to specific disabilities, inclusion, special education law and transitions
  • Website with 24 hour access to information and resources to help support families
  • Staff is trained in a variety of areas including early intervention, special education law and procedures, community supports and specific disability issues including mental and developmental
   
PO Box 802, Asheville, NC 28802
© FIRST, 501(c)3 organization		 Local: 828-277-1315   Fax: 828-277-1321
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