PARENT TRAINING AND ADVOCACY PROGRAM (P-TAP)
P-Tap is a comprehensive program that identifies underserved families of children diagnosed
with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities and provides them with
training, legal and technical assistance, skills development and networking that enables
them to obtain resources and assist their children to obtain necessary life skills for
a successful level of independence as adults. This umbrella program provides parents,
educators and stakeholders comprehensive training in advocacy, family supportive
services and interventions strategies for adults and children with autism spectrum
disorder and other developmental disorders. The current program consists of a one-day
conference and a series of workshops held through out the year at various sites in
Los Angeles County and neighboring communities. At all events, parents are provided
with transportation stipends, free meals and free childcare.
ADVOCACY and LEADERSHIP TRAINING SERIES
The Advocacy and Leadership Training Series is a collaborative program
between SNN and the Legislative Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. Through
this program, grassroots community leaders, parents of children with
disabilities and health activists are provided technical leadership
training. This multi-week program is lead by experienced parents,
consultants, professionals and focuses on community organizing, fund
raising, public speaking and systems/policy advocacy. Participants
have an opportunity to develop strategies to impact health, education
and other related legislation at the local, state and federal level.
Participants are trained on how to serve as non-profit board members,
local and state commissioners, organizational leaders and community
liasons. The course culminates with a field trip to the State Capitol
in Sacramento where participants are provided an opportunity to meet
with key legislators and policy makers.
ANNUAL EVENTS
"Community Connections: A Back-to-School Inclusion Event" unites
special needs families with families of typically-developing children, vested
community partners and local civic leaders for a day of outdoor fun, information
and rejuvenation. SNN provides free backpacks and other school supplies to at
least 400 children ages 3-15 years of age. Resource booths keep families updated
on available services in the community; and therapists trained in encouraging
inclusive play facilitate specially designed games for the children.
"Evening under the Stars" is SNN's annual fundraiser to support our Parent Training
and Advocacy Program (P-TAP). The event gathers individuals for a relaxing and enjoyable
evening that includes sponsorship opportunities, a silent auction and celebrity guest
performances.
Legislative Breakfast
Meet Your Elected Officials. Every year, SNN sponsors a legislature breakfast in which it brings together national and local elected officials to provide parents and stakeholders the latest information on pending and proposed legislature that impacts the disability community. Participants are provided an opportunity to meet face-to-face with those leaders who are shaping policies which impact them, their loved ones and their communities. After a series of presentations, participants are given an opportunity to ask questions and to provide comments.
Tools for Transformation
Building Confidence and Capacity is SNN's signature conference. This conference brings together top experts from around the nation to provide information and workshops on topics ranging from advocacy to employment opportunities for parents of disabled children. The conference begins with a breakfast and offers nine interactive workshops facilitated by experienced professionals. Participants are given handouts, brochures and other pertinent information. The conference includes a massive resource fair where participants can meet service providers, authors, doctors, therapists, advocates and other professionals who work in the disability community. This one of a kind conference is free and open to the public.
Parent Care Speakers Series
Through a series of four workshops, parents and stakeholders are provided with information on how to address issues of accessing services, utilizing private insurance coverage, dealing with transitions from elementary to secondary school and beyond, finding affordable housing, and much much more. These interactive workshops are facilitated by trained professionals and parent representatives.
