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Family Advocacy Coaching Supports for families of neurodivergent children in the Bronx

Jill Moses

23/10/2023 11:12

In which borough should your idea take place?: Bronx
Do you have a specific neighborhood(s) in mind?: All families of neurodivergent children of the Bronx
Which audience(s) does your idea help? Select as many as apply.: Youth

Parents

Limited English proficient individuals

Low income individuals

Black, Indigenous, and POC

Immigrants and/or migrants

People with disabilities
Describe the challenge you want to address:: The challenges facing families of neurodivergent children in the Bronx are both systemic and pervasive. Time constraints, interpersonal barriers, and bureaucratic hurdles all impede successful advocacy within the special education system. Families in the Bronx face unique challenges that prevent them from seeking and obtaining support for their neurodivergent children starting at even the youngest age. These challenges include lower income and underemployment, which lead to longer work hours and multiple jobs. The unreliable public transportation system in the Bronx which results in longer commutes, further limiting families' available time for evaluations, consultations and seeking support. Cultural barriers also prevent families from seeking support, as many are immigrants who may not speak English fluently. Some families may also be hesitant to seek help due to the fear of being judged or misunderstood by others, as well as the social and cultural implications of having a child with a developmental delay or disability.
Describe your idea and approach to address the challenge:: The Inspired Community Project's Family Advocacy Coaching Supports (FACS) program was developed based on over 15 years of experience supporting neurodiverse children and their families across New York City. As an organization led by neurodiverse individuals, family members, caregivers, career educators, and allies, we are uniquely situated to understand the challenges families face in navigating the special education landscape from early intervention to adulthood. Our primary objective is to equip families with the tools and information needed to advocate for their child's needs in an accessible, actionable, and culturally responsive way. Our FACS curriculum provides families who are historically underserved and under-resourced with a clear roadmap to understand their child's current educational options and supports, as well as a long-term overview of what to expect and how to best prepare for the future. To overcome these challenges, FACS program offers various resources to meet the diverse needs of the community. We provide in-person training at our Bronx location that are recorded for later viewing, as well as transcribing and translating all resources for those who prefer to read on their own time. We also offer printed materials and packets for families who want to refer back to information over time. Our FACS program provides peer mentor-families who are paid for their time and matched with new families based on demographics and primary language. These mentors provide firsthand knowledge of what to expect and offer support throughout the process. Their experience and expertise are invaluable, and we compensate them accordingly. This program serves as a hub and central resource for families, providing information on local resources and government contacts that can be difficult to find and keep up with. By fostering a community of shared resources and support, we aim to uplift the entire community and provide the best possible care for neurodivergent children in the Bronx.
Write the zipcode that best represents your New York City community:: 10461