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 families to be their child's best advocate and youth to be self-advocates.

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

• Free parent training related to educational issues and rights under IDEA and section 504
• Staff available to attend school meetings - including Spanish-speaking
• Advanced training for parents to become better advocates
• Training for educators and agency staff related to educational issues
• Resource materials related to specific abilities
• Website with 24 hour access to information and evening phone hours to help serve families

F.I.R.S.T. grew out of conversations between parents and special education providers.  During the usual comparisons of ideas and information, the idea for an information and support center for families was born.  With this diversity of viewpoints is a strength that serves F.I.R.S.T. well.  We remain the same parent organization with the same purposes:

• Provide unique support for families of children with disabilities by focusing on the functioning of the family unit.
• Provide information and guidance as parents seek appropriate assistance from a wide array of public and private services and community resources.
• Aid families in becoming effective self-advocates through training and consistent follow-up.
• Focus on the family as a whole, rather that isolating the child with a disability from the general functioning of the family unit.

F.I.R.S.T. has directed families to resources and given them information on education issues and other disability issues.  Monthly information meetings/workshops have been held on the following topics:  Inclusion, Positive Behavior Supports, Transition with Medicare and DD Services, and Writing Individualized Education Plan (IEP).  A "Welcome" packet was designed and is distributed to families, especially those new to the special education process.

Our Mission

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 families to be their child's best advocate and youth to be self-advocates.