FCSN's mission
is to help children and adults with special needs and their families
to find love, hope, and respect through community involvement. Our
program is unique for its emphasis on family involvement and integration
of special-need children and adults with their regular peers. We
train our young volunteers to understand people with disabilities
and develop their leadership skills.
Our family support gatherings are designed for the whole family. Special-need children,
their families, volunteers, and friends are gathered together for
fun activities. Family Support Gatherings are held every Saturday alternatively in Fremont and in Saratoga.
While adults attend a seminar the children are divided by age groups and participate in four 30-min
classes: Dancercise, Drama/ Pretend Play, Arts & Crafts,
and Games.After the Seminar/Children activities, there is a family dinner.
Ann Mcdonald-Cacho Disability Rights Advocate, DREDF
Feb 27
The issue of identification, gold standard assessment and medical comorbidities
Pilar Bernal, MD
Northern CA kaiser Permanente Autism Clinic Director
Mar 13
Understanding Inclusion in School and Community
Susan Larkin
Inclusion Warm Line Specialist, Inclusion Collaborative
Mar 27
TBD
TBD
Apr 10
TBD
Phyllis Kaplan, Ph.D
Professor, former director of Cal. State East Bay Special Ed Department, FCSN advisor, Foundation of HATCH (social, recreation, program for Regional Center clients), and mother of 10 adopted special needs children
Apr 24
TBD
TBD
May 8
TBD
TBD
May 22
TBD
Rocio De Mateo Smith
Executive Director
Area Board 5
