Community Parent Resource Center (CPRC)
Funded by Department of Education, Office of Special Education Program goal of CPRC is to ensure that families acquire the tools to access better opportunities for their children, with a particular focus on rural and Latino families. F.I.R.S.T. will work directly with families to train and support parents to participate meaningfully in decisions during IEP and about available early invention services and research based programs. Last year, Last year, F I R S T has worked with 243 families, attended 82 school based meetings, provided 4 targeted parent leadership groups and collaborated with mulitple community organizations. The services were deemed to be useful by 90% target audiences improve educational or early intervention practice.
PLAY Autism Intervention, P.L.A.Y. Project
A research based program, trains parents to provide the American Association of Pediatrics recommendation of 25 hours per week of intensive interventions to their young child with autism usually up to the age of 8. FIRST has secured scholarship funds enabling more families to benefit from the yearlong training program. After participating in P.L.A.Y. Project, All parents improved that their forming relationship and two way communication skills and all children improved in their behavioral organization skills. Since starting the program in 2009, 49 families have participated in the parent training program.
Innovation Waiver Services
Individually designed supports for you and your family. Parent, family and other natural supports are the only constant in anyone’s life and many are the last to receive the help they need to support their loved one. F I R S T has created a program that has a goal to do just that. As parents for children, youth and adults with disabilities, we understand your needs and concerns. By using a team approach when appropriate, F I R S T hopes to address your concerns and improve the outcomes for persons with disabilities live the life they want. Contact for Community Guide/Navigator Services, Specialized Consultative Services or Natural Supports Education. We have worked with over 30 individuals to help them need their goals.
Summer programming
Partnering with Asheville Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts, Therapeutic Division to offered to children and youth with all disabilities. The programs are staffed by a therapeutic recreation specialist includes fun activities but also self-advocacy skills training, literacy and public speaking. Last year, 14 actors performed for over 160 people on the stage of Dr. Wesley Grant Southside Center and 17 campers ages 12 to 20 enjoyed summer day camp including crafts, swimming and sports.
Blue Ridge Treks
Provides leadership training, mentoring and outdoor experience for youth within the court system or foster care in Buncombe County. Last year,15 youth completed the summer program as part of two 4 week programs in addition to youth is foster care that this program served.
Call our office with more questions
at (828) 277-1315 or email
