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About New Albany Special Connections
New Albany Special Connections is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to helping children with special needs reach their full potential through education, resources and support. Our organization serves the diverse, growing population of families with children within the New Albany- Plain Local School district eligible for special education services. By strengthening the links between home, school and community, New Albany Special Connections is working to improve the lives of children with special needs and their families.
Our board of trustees and supporters include parents, educators, business leaders and other professionals. Together, we are addressing the unique concerns that face families with children of various ages and a broad range of special needs.
New Albany Special Connections relies on grants, private donations and professionals donating their time to allow us to reach our goals and to achieve our mission.
New Albany Special Connections has been fulfilling its mission by:
- Providing a series of educational programs for parents, educators and health care professionals featuring local and national experts discussing a variety of vital issues from special education law to coping with stress in parenting a child with special needs.
- Providing a formal structure for parents and their children to connect with one another for support and to lesson feelings of isolation.
- Hosting social events, ranging from pizza dinners to family outings, that provide opportunities to socialize, network and lend support.
- Publishing a local resource guide that contains helpful information regarding local organizations, web sites and contacts within the New Albany – Plain Local Schools.
- Partnering with the New Albany Branch of the Columbus Public Library to develop a collection of books and materials on learning disabilities, developmental disabilities, mental health and physical health issues currently available at the library branch.
- Offering summer arts camp opportunities through a collaborative effort with the Impact Program of the New Albany – Plain Local Schools for children with special needs and their siblings.
Making A Difference:
The New Albany community is focused on advancing the Arts in our schools and in our community. New Albany Special Connections has researched models from across the country using the Arts to help children with special needs. Our goal is to bring similar opportunities to our community and the population we serve. Programs have already been designed using these models. The programs will integrate with school curriculum as well as moving beyond the classroom to the proposed Performing Arts Center and local museums. Funding is necessary for this initiative to advance to the implementation phase.
New Albany Special Connections has completed research into programs to advance the socialization of children with special needs with their peers known as peer/buddy programs. Current research from universities as well as models from surrounding school systems has been investigated. A program for our school community has been implemented. We are proud to announce that we have received the Adam Stuart Linhart Memorial Fund Grant from the Columbus Foundation that provides funding for our Peer Buddy Program
New Albany Special Connections has met with the New Albany Counseling Team regarding the exceptional issues pertaining to the support of siblings of children with special needs. The New Albany Counseling Team recognizes children who experience stresses related to having a family member with special education needs. These siblings may have social/emotional concerns related to their unique family structure. For additional information for siblings in grades K-5, please go to the link below. We anticipate a similar program being implemented at the NA Middle School soon.
- Super Sibs Club with NA Counselors Kelley Schubert (K-2) and Ronda Anderson (3-5)
New Albany Special Connections would also like to continue offering educational evenings and workshops facilitated by experts. Support for these educational events allows us to offer these informative sessions at no or reduced cost to families.
- Middle School Sibling Support Group
If you feel your child could benefit from participating in a group consisting of middle school students who have a family member with a disability, please contact Dr. Vicki Gartner, Middle School Counselor at 413-8514 or vgartner at new-albany.k12.oh.us if you would like your middle-schooler to participate.
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