I spent a chunk of yesterday working with a group which is focused on providing services to Parents with Cognitive Limitations (PWCL). The UConn A. J. Pappanikou Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research and Service received a planning grant to work on a "one-stop" center for this population.
Inspired by Kathleen de la Pena McCook (A Librarian at Every Table), I started attending the meetings something over a year ago. This was a service group which I had never thought of. I imagine it is a group that most of us have never thought of. These are the folks who have one or another kind of learning issue, or problem who are now parents. We know that having successful children requires parenting skills. As a society, how are we going to ensure the success of the next generation? Part of it involves helping current parents.
PWCL have many issues. If individuals have not been identified prior to the age of 18, the State of Connecticut does not provide any services -- unless there has been traumatic brain injury. Also, these are the folks who are least likely to have had good school experiences (so reaching out through the schools is usually not successful). Many have various reading issues, which means that notices sent are often unanswered. It is a challenge.
I don't have the official notes, but we had a very spirited discussion on values, vision, and mission. I am looking forward to continuing to work with this group as we craft a grant proposal to provide more seamless services to a part of the community.
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