frcd.org - A Coalition of Parents and Professional Organizations

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  • Sep 6, 2008: IDEA Rehab Act Now = A Partnership for Success
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Who We Are

The Family Resource Center on Disabilities (FRCD) was a pioneer as a coalition that covered all disabilities. FRCD was formerly known as the Coordinating Council for Handicapped Children.

FRCD was organized in 1969 by parents, professionals, and volunteers who sought to improve services for all children with disabilities. A new Illinois law mandating the education of all children with disabilities by 1969 was the original impetus for their coming together - to inform and activate parents on their newly won rights. New legislation - P.L. 94-142 in 1975; P.L. 99-457 in 1986; P.L. 101-476 (IDEA) in 1990; P.L.101-336 (ADA) in 1990; and P.L. 105-17, (IDEA Amendments) in 1997; currently, P.L. 108-446 (IDEA Amendments) in 2004; and P.L. 107-110 (the No Child Left Behind Act) - intensified the Center's efforts to educate and train parents, professionals, and volunteers.

What We Do

In one year, from its four projects, FRCD answers more then 8,000 telephone and mail requests for information, assistance, and support. During its 37-year existence, FRCD has answered more than 200,000 requests for assistance from parents, persons with disabilities, and professionals.

Training for Your Organization (Speaker Request form)

The Family Resource Center on Disabilities provides information and training on the special education rights of children with disabilities, at community locations throughout the Chicago Metropolitan area. To make a request for a speaker, complete our Speaker Request form.

Special Education Rights Seminars

FRCD conducts free seminars on the special education rights of children with disabilities, in English and Spanish, at its ADA accessible central office, in Chicago, and at locations selected by requesting organizations. Interpreters services are available with two weeks notice for persons with hearing impairments, and on diskette for persons with visual impairments.

Trained speakers are available to conduct training activities at meetings and conferences on:

• The special education rights and responsibilities of parents of children with disabilities from birth through age 26.
• How to participate effectively in the IEP process.
• How to participate effectively in the early intervention process.
• How to participate effectively in the Section 504 process.
• How to prepare for successful conflict resolution meetings.
• How to train effective advocates.
• How to communicate effectively with parents and professionals.
• How to organize an effective parent advocacy group and move bureaucracies.
• How to get services by being assertive.
• Transition and future planning.
• The No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB).
• How to implement effective school reform.
• How to reach out to the underserved.
• Other requested topics.

Training of Parent Leaders

The Parent Training Project offers opportunities for parent leaders to become effective trainers in their own communities. This training is also available in Spanish for Spanish speaking participants. Participants learn to:

• Provide information, referral, linkage, and individual assistance.
• Become effective advocates and problem solvers.
• Conduct training seminars on special education rights.
• Conduct outreach and publicity activities to publicize their services.
• Become effective communicators and presenters.
• Interpreters' services are available with two weeks notice for persons with hearing impairments, and on diskette for persons with visual impairments.

All partcipants in the Parent-to-Parent Training Project receive a free manual that includes state and federal special education regulations, and FRCD publications.

Special Education Rights Training Seminar

Advanced registration and confirmation is required for the seminars. FRCD cannot provide accommodations for children.

• Every Saturday (except holidays and days of special conferences), 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
• The first Tuesday of each month (except holidays), 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM.
• In Spanish only, the second Wednesday of the month (except holidays), 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Family Support Project

The Family Support Project provides individualized support services for low-income Chicago families. This Project is funded by the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Developmental Disabilities. Services include:

• Individualized family service plans
• Linkage to needed services
• Support groups and advocacy
• Direct financial assistance

Youth Advocacy Project

The Youth Advocacy Project (YAP) prepares Chicago youth for adulthood, using a family-centered approach. The project is funded by the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Rehabilitation Services. YAP provides the following services:

• Individualized transition planning using a family centered approach.
• Transition workshops.
• Linkage to needed services.
• Advocacy and networking.

WIN-MILL Project

FRCD conducts free training workshops on the Rehabilitation Act for parents, persons with disabilities, advocates and professionals in their own communities. Participants also learn to:

• Provide information/referral/linkage and individual assistance.
• Become effective advocates.
• Conduct training seminars on the Rehabilitation Act.
• Conduct outreach and publicity activities to publicize their services.
• Become effective communicators and presenters.

All participants will receive a free training manual on the Rehabilitation Act and other FRCD publications.

Photograph courtesy Philip Greenspun