November is Family Engagement in Education Month
As the calendar gets ready to change from November to December, we've provided a few activities that you and your family can use to celebrate and recognize Family Engagement in Education Month.
November 26: Plan how to support and be involved with the school's parental involvement organization. If the school doesn't have one, start one!
November 27: Help your child write a thank-you note to his/her teacher(s), detailing specific things for which he/she is thankful.
November 28: Visit the FL PIRC of FND's website (www.floridapirc.org) for resources on what schools can do to promote parental involvement.
November 29: Talk to your child about his/her dream job, then research and discuss the education requirements.
November 30: Volunteer to help develop a school newsletter to be sent home and put on the school's website. For free resources and support, contact the FL PIRC of FND: www.floridapirc.orgpirc@fndfl.org800-825-5736
"When parents are involved in children's learning, at school and at home, schools work better and students learn more." -Project Appleseed
25th Anniversary Celebration - Naples, FL
FND's next 25th Anniversary Celebration will be from 11:00am - 3:00pm on Sunday, December 5, at Golden Gate Community Center (4701 Golden Gate Parkway, Naples, FL34116). Join us for FREE fun, food, information, games, and kid's activities.
People First Language
At FND, we believe that it is very important to use People First Language. People First Language puts the person before the disability, and describes what a person has, not what a person is.
Take the PEOPLE FIRST LANGUAGE PLEDGE:
Words matter! For too long, hurtful words have been used about people who have disabilities. So I pledge to make changes in how I think and talk, and will use People First Language, to put the person first, not the disability. The examples below will be my guide. Using People First Language is about having respect and following the Golden Rule.
I WILL SAY: INSTEAD OF:
People with disabilities Handicapped/disabled
Cognitive disability Mental retardation
Mike has autism Mike is autistic
JoAnn uses a wheelchair JoAnn is wheelchair bound
Steve has a physical disability Steve is crippled
Maria has a mental health condition Maria is mentally ill
Tyrone communicates with . . . Tyrone is non-verbal
Accessible Parking Handicapped Parking
I also pledge not to use the "R-Word" or terms like idiot, imbecile, moron, psycho, lame, sped kid, special needs, and other disability labels that are used as insults or that may be hurtful. I will treat others as I want to be treated.
Visit www.disabilityisnatural.com to see People First Language articles and bookmarks, and for printable copies of this Pledge.
Happy Thanksgiving
We at FND hope that you have a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with family, friends, love, and whatever fulfills your life and makes you happy!