The seed was planted
The seed was planted in ‘2006 so that one day I would like to have a place for parents who had special needs to go to after school. I knew many parents faced this like us. I had a summer activity workshop for 2 years in the spring/summer 2011 and 2012. We had academics first, then arts and crafts, trampoline fun, basketball and a dip in the pool. Oreo the dog provided animal therapy. The program was fun. I knew I wanted to help these children achieve what they possibly Can Do!
The History behind my inspiration
My inspirations comes from the experiences I have had being of mom of twin boys, one of whom is affected by autism and the other falls under the umbrella of special needs. There were many issues, including finding aftercare for them. The Wrap Program, came to an end the summer of ‘2007 ;there were limited resources. My husband and I had to work many hours, somehow we found support for both children with God guiding us.Parents can fight!
In the summer of ‘2007, the Superintendent of Schools informed parents; children in the disabled preschool program will be placed in daycare because the program was ending; we, the parents considered this option unacceptable. I along with 2 other parents met with the Superintendent had a meeting with her and 2 other parents to request the program continue. Failing to change her mind and filed a due process form and got the signatures of all the parents. Petition in hand, I contacted Disability Rights of NJ and they assigned a pro bono attorney to represent the parents. There were also a few articles in the Star Ledger. Two days before the court date, I received a letter from the State of NJ that the disable preschool program will be reinstated.