UpDate - Vol. 14, No. 18, Page 10
February 2, 1995
Meetings set for parents of children with disabilities

     Parents of children with disabilities are being sought in Kent
and Sussex counties to provide input to a sissue of inclusive schools
and integrated classrooms.
     Parents with a "wish list" of educational needs for children with
disabilities and persons who can share experiences about schooling a
child with disabilities are encouraged to contact the University of
Delaware's University Affiliated Program for Families and
Developmental Disabilities (UDUAP).
     A UDUAP subcommittee on educating children with disabilities has
scheduled five focus group meetings throughout the state during the
month of February. The group is hoping to find parents of children
with disabilities who can commit to attending one of the meetings to
answer three key questions:
       1. What does inclusive schooling mean to you?
       2. What are the benefits of inclusive schools for your child?
       3. What are your fears about inclusive schools?
     Southern Delaware meetings are scheduled on Wednesday, Feb. 8, in
University offices at 4 The Green, Dover, and on Wednesday, Feb. 15,
at Delaware Technical and Community College, Room 540-H, Georgetown.
Both meetings begin at 6 p.m.
     Meetings also are scheduled in New Castle County at 6 p.m. on
Thursday, Feb. 9, in 103 Alison Hall in Newark; on Monday, Feb. 13, at
the Downtown Senior Citizens' Center, 1901 Market St., Wilmington; and
on Wednesday, Feb. 22, in the library lounge of the Jewish Community
Center, 101 Garden of Eden Rd., Wilmington.
     "This is an opportunity for parents to meet other parents,
identify issues concerning their children's education and influence
the system," Theda Ellis, program coordinator for UDUAP, said.
     Information gathered will be provided to the Delaware Department
of Public Instruction and local school districts to use in designing
integrated classroom settings statewide. It also will be used in other
training programs, including the UDUAP's course, "Families and
Developmental Disabilities."
     Parents who wish to participate or who would like more
information may contact Ellis at UDUAP by telephoning  831-4450 or by
fax at 831-4690.