For Immediate Release

Contact: Cathy Brennan, Public Information Officer

772-219-1200, extension 30444

August 22, 2007

Martin County School District

Special Workshop for Parents of Children with Disabilities

Parents of children with disabilities, teachers and administrators are invited to a special meeting hosted by State Representative Gayle Harrell on Thursday, September 6th from 6:30 P.M. - 8:30 P.M. in the Jensen Beach High School Auditorium.

During this informative session, representatives from the Agency for Persons with Disabilities in Tallahassee will provide an overview of the agency's programs and services, including changes to the Medicaid Waiver program that will be implemented as a result of the 2007 Legislative Session. There is currently a very large waiting list for Medicaid Waiver services. Many of the legislative changes will directly impact families in Martin, Indian River, Okeechobee, and St. Lucie counties whose children are developmentally disabled, have autism, Spina Bifida, Prader-Willi Syndrome, or cerebral palsy.

The September 6th workshop is open to all Treasure Coast residents who are interested in learning more information about the vital services that children and adults with disabilities need and the funding sources that provide these services. Also present will be staff from the Martin County School District's Exceptional Student Education Department who will assist with facilitating the event.

For more information, or to pre-register, please contact Donna Hosang, ESE Parent Liaison for the Martin County School District, at (772)-219-1200, Extension 30476 or email hosangd@martin.k12.fl.us .

Jensen Beach High School is located at 2875 NW Goldenrod Avenue in Jensen Beach.