FLORENCE – The University of North Alabama will have an advocacy workshop for parents, caregivers, and families on Thursday, Sept. 17, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in Room 330 of the Wendell W. Gunn University Commons building.
The focus of the workshop will be to provide tools, information, and skills necessary for advocates and people living with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The UNA Office of Disability Support Services, Arc of the Shoals, Alabama Lifespan Respite, and the UNA Mitchell-West Center for Social Inclusion are all sponsors of the event.
“In keeping in line with the University’s mission of engaging, it is extremely important to pass our knowledge and advocacy to our community partners,” said Jeremy Martin, director of UNA Disability Support Services. “We hope our parent advocacy workshop will help inform parents of their rights and responsibilities for their children with disabilities and help bridge the gap between high school and the very scary unknown after graduation.”
There is a large deficit of resources for families and caregivers of those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, according to Amanda Rye-Couch, a case manager for Arc of the Shoals.
“We have to come together as a community to fill these needs, and we are grateful to UNA for partnering with us to start making this change,” she said.
Those who plan to attend and require respire care can RSVP by Sept. 5 to Rye-Couch at 256383-1472, ext. 118, or by emailing acouch@arcoftheshoals.com.
Media Release/Michelle Eubanks
Interim Associate Director
University Communications & Marketing/UNA
