Services

UWS provides individualized services based on the problems or issues presented by each family. This may include students’ Individualized Educational Programs (IEPs), mediation sessions and other essential meetings and proceedings. Often, parents accompanied to meetings require translation into Spanish. Some have extremely limited literacy skills, and require assistance understanding written evaluations, reports, forms, correspondence, etc.

Service may also include detailed consultation and information provision on a range of issues, including education, housing, immigration, disability and medical benefits, referrals for support services such as respite, summer camp and family support, MSC and a host of other issues. Referrals may be made to service providers, government agencies and other resources. In most cases, there are multiple needs, and services will include more than one of these components.

UWS also provides parent training to groups, covering topics including, but not limited to, the following:
 

• Assessment and evaluation;
• Special Education Support Services – with an emphasis on culturally competent best practices and modifications for the delivery of special education services in the least restrictive environment;
• Pre-referral interventions and safeguards to reduce inappropriate classification of children and youth;
• Transition Processes throughout the life of students with disabilities, from Early Intervention to Pre-School, Pre-School to School age and school age to adult life;
• Positive Behavior Support referrals and procedural safeguards of students with disabilities or those suspected of having a disability during discipline proceedings;
• Due Process Rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act, No Child Left Behind Act and other pertinent federal, state and local regulations;
• Rights of English Language Learners (ELL);
• Alternative Dispute Resolution through the use of Special Education Mediation;
• Referrals to Support and Contact information pertaining to issues regarding immigration, child daycare services, domestic violence, housing, health care and income support;
• Section 504/Americans with Disabilities Act;
• Leadership/Empowerment – parent and Educators as equal partners
• Positive behavior Supports – Assistance can be offered with regard to referral process. Training for individuals interested in becoming trainers can be made available with certain restrictions that may apply. (for information please call or email us)
• Cultural Diversity – What role can it play in education?
• All services, workshops/trainings are provided in English and Spanish
• Community organizing – Assist in the development of community based groups that can work as a Network on improving education and community life for children and youth with disabilities.
• All of our services are available to parents and professionals.

Support groups
Training and information provision is combined and enhanced with peer support and socialization, often desperately needed by families in crisis or dealing with an issue that could give rise to a crisis. This component includes bimonthly peer discussion and support groups for parents, and a monthly women’s group. Childcare is provided to enable parents to participate in training and support activities that they might otherwise have to forego. Training and support activities are provided in English and Spanish.

Other Key Services Individual Advocacy Service ensure the implementation of children and youth’s Individual Education Program (IEP), as mandated under IDEIA. Ensure the appropriate identification of children and youth at risk.
 

 

Promote Inclusive Recreational Programs/Services
Information and Referrals – May also be made for the following:
• Other Resources
• Internet Access
• Assistive Technology Evaluations
• Independent Evaluations
• Counseling Services
• Respite Services
• Recreational Services
• Shelters
• Food Pantries
• Family Reimbursements
• Summer Camps