FIRST : Families' Information Resources Support & Technology

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

FIRST is a community parent resource center offering unique education and support for families of children with disabilities for all the stages of life, from preschool to school age to young adult to adult. Through a variety of programs we offer these services:

Free family/individual training related to educational issues and rights under IDEA and section 504 and accessing state and federal supports for persons with all disabilities

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
Support and connections to community resources for persons with disabilities
Resource materials available in our Lending Library 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

FIRST celebrates serving families in Western North Carolina for 10 years

Local: 828-277-1315 Fax: 828-277-1321
Toll-Free: 877-633-3178