Parents & Agencies Collaborate to Provide Bright Futures for Students with Disabilities

Last week, the Oakland Schools Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) met with representatives from four district and regional agencies at Oakland Schools to witness the ceremonial signing of a Resolution of Engagement to improve education, employment and adult outcomes for 18-26 year old students with disabilities.

The Resolution of Engagement represents the commitment of education, community mental health, and vocational rehabilitation to work together on behalf of individuals with disabilities and their families. This agreement is a re-authorization of the ongoing commitment previously known as the Declaration of Promise which has provided the foundation of collaboration for the past decade.

The partners signing the Resolution of Engagement include (R to L in image, above):

Willie Brooks, Executive Director- Oakland County Community Mental Health Authority

Venita King, District Manager Department of Health and Human Services- Michigan Rehabilitation Services

Gwendolyn McNeal, East Regional Manager, Consumer Services Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs- Bureau of Services for Blind Persons

Karen Olex, Executive Director Special Populations, Oakland Schools

While each of the partners operates as its own entity, the Resolution acknowledges and provides a framework for: calling on each other; understanding operating structures; collaboration on programs/services; sharing information; challenging and questioning; and, continuing to push each other on behalf of individuals and their families.

Following the signing each representative said few words about their organization, the commitment to collaboration, and their support for individuals with disabilities and their families.

Read more at this link: http://ow.ly/zKQI3075xOv