THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, February 8, 1996 TAG: 9602070137
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
COLUMN: THUMBS UP
SOURCE: BY SHIRLEY BRINKLEY, STAFF WRITER SUFFOLK
LENGTH: Medium: 98 lines
HELP AND UNDERSTANDING for parents of students with special needs are only a phone call away.
Debra Bagley, resource coordinator at the Special Education Parent Resource Center, 121 Forest Glen Drive, is on hand five days weekly to offer information and support for families, educators and anyone in the community who is interested in or concerned about the education of children with learning disabilities.
Bagley has special empathy for parents who are experiencing difficulties. She is the mother of three sons, and 18-year-old David has been in Special Education in Suffolk Public Schools since he was 2.
``A parent can call and I can say, `I know how you feel,' '' Bagley said. ``We can learn from one another. I've learned so much from parents.''
When their son did not begin to talk at an early age, Bagley and her husband, Louis, were told by a doctor that David's IQ would be limited. However, it wasn't until he started classes at Mt. Zion Elementary that the Bagleys learned their son was mentally retarded.
``They put a label on my son, and I could see myself not being able to handle it,'' she said. ``My husband and I had the best cry we've ever had.''
David, who does not speak but is trainable mentally retarded, has been in self-contained classes with other students at the same level and now is learning sign language at Nansemond River High School.
Ann Bunch, an educator and transition specialist based at Nansemond River High, works with Bagley at the Resource Center Wednesdays and Friday afternoons to schedule workshops for parents. She also assists in writing newsletters concerning current issues in special education and resources available locally.
Among the Center's primary goals are encouraging active parental involvement and promoting partnership between parents and educators.
``Families have special concerns and often need information about the disability of their child, and about the school system and services, therapy, local policies, funding sources, transportation and medical facilities,'' said Bagley.
Recently, Bagley and Bunch were given permission to organize a monthly support group for parents to be held at 10 a.m. Saturdays beginning in March. The February meeting was canceled due to inclement weather.
``The support group was the `brain child' of Debbie,'' Bunch said. ``We feel there's a need out there. It's not a workshop but a talk group. Parents go through so many feelings, and some go through denial.''
Siblings, as well as entire families, are invited to attend the group or to drop by the Center for information during operating hours.
``We have resources that cover the whole spectrum . . . videos, books and medical dictionaries,'' Bunch said. ``We've been so fortunate to have the school system behind us. We couldn't ask for better support. They refer parents to us.''
Learning disabled is the largest population in Special Education within the Suffolk Public Schools, Bunch said. In addition to trainable mental retardation, disabilities may include speech and language impairment, hearing impairment, and those who are emotionally disturbed, as well as children with Attention Deficit Disorder.
``Special education was mandated by law in 1973 so that students with disabilities might have a free and appropriate education,'' Bunch said. ``Parents pushed for that law, and I've seen a lot of progress over the years.''
``Students receive an individualized education and are mainstreamed to the extent that it will benefit them,'' she continued. ``Through a brochure, we have had doctors at King's Daughters refer parents to us.''
Bagley, who has been with the Resource Center for 14 months, first sought help for herself through a parent's group held at Obici Hospital.
``I had to go,'' she said. ``I needed someone to talk to. Now, we just take one day at a time. Later, I found out about the position at the Center through a note in my son's notebook.
``Ann and I are going to be there on Saturdays with bells on. Parents are emotional, and we're there to guide them to the right resources to fight the battle. If we can help just one family, we feel it's worth it.'' MEMO: The Resource Center is open from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday and Wednesday; 3 to
5 p.m. Wednesday; 9 a.m. to noon Tuesday and Thursday; 3 to 5 p.m.
Friday. For information, call 925-5579. There is a 24-hour answering
service.
ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by MICHAEL KESTNER
Ann Bunch, left, an educator and transition specialist, works with
Debra Bagley, coordinator at the Special Education Parent Resource
Center.
AT A GLANCE
What: Support group for families of students with learning
disabilities.
When: 10 a.m. Saturdays, beginning in March. Date to be
announced.
Where: Special Education Parent Resource Center, 121 Forest Glen
Drive, Suffolk, next to school bus garage.
Information: Call 925-5579.
by CNB