ST. PAUL - An afternoon dedicated to connecting families with necessary services and resources helped parents and guardians re-imagine the future for their children. The Re-Imagine Your Future - Empowering Student Success fair was held specifically for families who have children with significant disabilities.
The event, which took place on May 26, was a partnership between St. Paul Education and the Town of St. Paul Regional FCSS, along with a long list of community partners. The fair offered an opportunity for caregivers to discuss supports and resources, aimed at easing the challenges that exist while navigating their child's future.
"When a family is provided a diagnosis for their child, caregivers often need to re-imagine their child's future," reads a letter from the Inclusive Education Team at St. Paul Education, speaking about the event. "We believe we have a tool to empower these students' success with an... event that will bring the resources to them, where questions and concerns related to their future and success can be addressed."
On Thursday, tables were set up in the St. Paul Rec Centre, and guest speakers such as a local lawyer, a financial representative, and representation from Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) were on hand to take part in sharing circles.
After two years navigating through a pandemic, those involved in organizing the event say they noticed a bit of a disconnect between families and the many services that are available in the community. And, the event was meant to bring those agencies and families back together.
The Inclusive Education Team looked at its student population and identified students who are receiving supports within the school system, Then, they sent out invitations to those families.
Angele Lamontagne Looy is a speech language pathologist that is part of the Inclusive Education Team, while Voon You Ten is a registered occupational therapist with the team. Both believe the vision behind the event goes back to the belief that it takes a community of people to raise a child.
Topics included in the day ranged from post-secondary education, to housing, employment, specialized equipment needs, medical needs, and recreation.
Many parents may have thoughts and worries about how to proceed once their children finished high school, and the afternoon fair, along with the many representatives on hand, were hoping to provide information to answer those tough questions.
While those working within the education system can't go into the home to help families, they can create connections with organizations that can provide those additional supports.
Also part of the Inclusive Education Team is Sha Tichkowsky, associate superintendent of student supports, and Michelle Duffy, program assistant.
With plenty of experience working in the community in past roles and employment, Duffy has been helping create connections and acting as a liaison. She acknowledged that there is sometimes a gap between community services and education, and the fair was one step to bridging that gap.
"This is a really nice start," said Duffy.
As a first-time event, the team was happy to have 35 families registered to take part. The event is expected to take place on an annual basis.
