Family Resources
The Florida Inclusion Network (FIN) provides services to schools and districts to increase and improve inclusive educational practices for students with disabilities in general education classrooms and other natural settings. FIN services are provided by a number of facilitators who have experience and expertise in planning and implementing best practices for inclusive education at the school and district levels.
FIN facilitators are organized into seven regions and work in partnership with districts and schools within a specified geographic area: Region 1, Region 2, Region 3, Region 4, Region 5, Region 6 and Region 7. FIN facilitators serve districts and schools by developing and increasing opportunities for students with disabilities in their least restrictive environment. Services provided to schools and districts are identified through a collaborative, problem solving process focused on increasing outcomes for ALL students with disabilities.
When contacted for support and assistance, FIN can provide families with a variety of information and resources and may, upon request, contact the district’s exceptional student education (ESE) office or school to discuss concerns on behalf of the family. Family concerns and needs are always carefully considered as part of FIN’s planning and problem-solving with districts and/or schools.
While FIN facilitators do not attend IEP meetings, they can provide information about the following: effective inclusive practices, family-school collaboration and communication, opportunities for networking with other families, and ways to access local resources and support. For information about your child’s educational program or Individual Education Plan (IEP), please contact your child’s teacher or school administrator.
Following is a list of FIN resources that are available, at no cost, to families and educators. For more information, please click on the links provided or contact your local FIN facilitator.
Family Presentations
Communication Tips for Families of Children with Disabilities
This resource, also provided in Spanish & Haitian-Creole, provides communication tips on working and communicating positively with school staff about ways that your child/student can benefit from inclusive education. This resource is divided into four communication topics that include samples of what it may look like and sound like during positive discussions. The topics include:
- Knowing your child and your child’s disability
- Knowing that your child with a disability has a right to a free, appropriate public education
- Working and communicating positively with your school staff
- Believing that your voice and your child’s voice are important!
Family FACT Folios
This resource is a series of colorful, four-page booklets with “Inclusion Tips” for families of students with disabilities. Each volume is available in English, Spanish and Haitian-Creole provides families with information and strategies to form partnerships with school personnel and collaboratively plan, develop, implement, and enhance inclusive opportunities for students with disabilities. The series includes:
7 Back-To-School-Tips for Parents: Start the Year Off Right
This resource, also provided in Spanish & Haitian-Creole, has been adapted and reprinted with permission from PEAK Parent Center. It provides several tips for families of students with disabilities to begin a positive and collaborative partnership with your child’s school staff.
