It included a picnic, clowns, child's carnival, and door prizes, and it drew 200 people. Part of the Connection's grant specifies that the subcommittee collaborate with other area resources to let families know what services are available. It also gives parents a voice to ask the state for what isn't there, Rehling added. Cory Woosley heads the Special Families Discussion Group in Carver County, another example of a group funded by a family support subcommittee. The group has met twice a month since February 1995.
Child care is available for a nominal fee.
In addition to offering information, social events, and networking opportunities for families, the subcommittees can be conduits to other resources and services for parents and children. Woosley, for example, learned that some of the discussion group's grant money could be used to cover expenses for parents wishing to attend conferences about children with disabilities. Families may cite several reasons for participating in subcommittees, but often the motivation comes down to a personal level. But we've been able to help a lot of people. Part H funds state multidisciplinary systems for children from birth to age three, who have a disability and meet the state criteria for early intervention services.