Options for Independence has added a new advocate to our staff to support the education of individuals with disabilities. Sara Douglass has joined our team as our new education advocate. While advocating for equal access to education for individuals with disabilities, Douglass will also provide administrative assistance to our office.

The education advocate will assist parents and caregivers in finding educational services for students with physical, emotional, behavioral or learning disabilities. Many times families become frustrated with the special education programs, unaware of services available to their child with special needs. Resources are limited and special educational services are intensive and expensive. Questions regarding accommodations, placement and accessibility are important and vital to receiving an equal education.

Obstacles and barriers such as negative attitudes, stereotypes and limited funding often limit the effectiveness of successful inclusion. Change must occur to overcome these challenges. Understanding the nature of a disability and how to handle the disability in the classroom is a priority. Along with changing our educational system, we, as a society, may want to look at modifying our views and stereotypes of children with disabilities.

As the education advocate, Douglass will work closely with parents of children with disabilities and with children who have disabilities to ensure that the children's needs are being met. She will also work with our local school districts and local, state, and federal agencies to help ensure that students with disabilities receive a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment.

Douglass comes to Options after two years as a lead teacher for the Cayuga/Seneca Community Action Agency's Head Start Program. She has also been a substitute teacher for the Auburn Enlarged School District for many years. She has a bachelor's degree in elementary education as well as a bachelor's degree in English writing from SUNY Potsdam. She is looking forward to completing her master's in English or math adolescent education.

Originally from Saranac Lake in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains, Douglass moved to Auburn about five years ago. She enjoys reading and playing with her dog, Lola.

Douglass says she has met so many great people at Options, and she looks forward to learning more about the agency and advocating for those who may need assistance. She feels there is a constant need to support and advocate for students with disabilities. She will help give a voice to those who can't be heard.

If you need education advocacy, please contact Sara Douglass at Options for Independence's office at 255-3447.

Quote of the day:

“A good education is the next best thing to a pushy mother.”

- Charles Shultz, cartoonist

Amanda Derby is the housing advocate for Options for Independence, located at 75 Genesee St., Auburn.