People are busy, we all know that. Getting their attention is harder and harder all the time. That's especially true for member organizations and advocacy groups. The National PTA is both and has adapted some social media practices to reach out and maintain contact with more than 5 million volunteers in 25,000 local units. James Martinez, senior…

It has been estimated that 9 to 13% of children and adolescents have a mental disorder that causes significant functioning impairment and that only one fifth of those who need mental health services actually receive them. The majority of children and adolescents are enrolled in schools, where they spend a considerable amount of time, and this is…

The directory lists approximately 70 parent training and information centers funded via P.L. 98-199 by the Department of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (U.S. Department of Education). Drawn from telephone interviews with directors and/or staff members, the information for each listing includes name, address, telephone, director,…

The characteristics of Prader-Willi syndrome, which include obesity, short stature, and mental retardation, are explained; and the history and activities of the Prader-Willi Syndrome Parents and Friends organization, whose primary purpose is to act as a vehicle of communication for sharing experiences on how to cope with the syndrome, are…

Author, national president of Canada's Home and School, describes the association's history and activities. (MB)

Part of a 10 booklet series on talented and gifted education, the booklet discusses organizing a support group for parents of talented and gifted children. Aspects described include making the contacts, developing the structure of the group, possible group projects and activities, and suggested program topics. Techniques for insuring group success…

Intended for organizations serving the hearing impaired, guidelines are presented for organizing a coalition. (CL)

Lessons learned over 26 years about parent power by the Gifted Child Society in New Jersey are recounted, including the importance of respecting the group that holds the power, adopting a constitution, and identifying leaders. (CL)

The National Tay-Sachs and Allied Diseases Association is involved in education, research, and prevention of Tay-Sachs, an inherited metabolic disorder which destroys the central nervous system, and over 30 related disorders. The group features a parent peer group network and a support group for carrier couples. (CL)

Intended for parents of handicapped children in rural areas, the directory lists a variety of resources available to families. A section on general information lists materials for parents; academic programs for handicapped and gifted children; prevocational and vocational training programs; physical, recreational, and social/emotional programs;…

The author provides information on organizing a parent support group for parents of gifted children to share problems and plan appropriate educational opportunities for their children. Suggestions are made for making contacts, developing the group structure, and ensuring the group's success. (SBH)

The handbook focuses on ways in which local Association for Retarded Citizens (ARC) groups can meet the needs of young parents with retarded children. The importance of recruiting young parents is stressed, and perceptions of these parents toward the ARC are considered. Local ARC units are advised about ways to find young parents in the community,…

A national survey of parent/educator advocacy associations for gifted and talented education found membership ranging from 50 to 6000, with most being organized, led, and managed by volunteers. Associations produce publications and state associations hold annual state-wide conferences. (Author/DB)

The booklet is intended to develop advocacy skills in those concerned with the education of gifted and talented children in California. Sample chapters have the following titles: "As an Advocate How Do You Measure Up?""Why Is Advocacy Important?""What Are the Goals of Advocacy in California?""Where and How Does…