Family Resource Fair links special needs students with support

COLLABORATIVE EFFORT: Staffing the Northern Rhode Island Collaborative booth at the event were, from left, Jane DeMelo, Lori Facha, Mary Torres, and Brenda Storti.

Sun Rise photos by Pete Fontaine

AN ARRAY OF INFO: This is an example of the many informational display boards that participating agencies brought to Ferri Middle School in Johnston for last Thursday night’s event.

PROVIDING SUPPORT: Among the many people who helped make the Johnston Special Education Advisory Committee’s workshop for families with special needs a success last week were Laura Blecharczyk, Gina Marciano, Lorraine Tammelleo, Sabra Integlia, Robet Rocchio Jr., Dr. Sally Mitchell, Lori La Terra Bellina, and Michelle Smith.

Posted Thursday, May 19, 2016 10:41 am

By Pete Fontaine

Nicholas A. Ferri Middle School’s main lobby and first-floor corridor were lined with a number of well-done displays for some two hours last Thursday evening.

As is commonplace with such public forums and workshops, each display was manned by skilled educators who came with plenty of informational literature.

“This is one of the best events like this I’ve ever seen,” Johnston Deputy Police Chief Daniel O. Parrillo said. “This is well presented, and there’s plenty of information for people who have children with special needs.”

Last Thursday’s free Family Resource Fair, which featured a host of exhibits from educational agencies throughout the state, was generously hosted by the Johnston Special Education Advisory Committee (JSEAC).

“We’re thrilled with the turnout and number of agencies that participated tonight,” said Lori La Terra Bellina, a parent leader and member of the JSEAC Advisory Committee. “Many parents who have children with special needs picked up lots of information from our various participating agencies.”

The night’s program was bolstered by such people as Dr. Sally Mitchell, director of special education for the Johnston School Department, and Robert Rocchio Jr., who also works with the local school district on special education.

Parents and families of children with special needs and learning differences also enjoyed what La Terra Bellina pointed out were nearly 30 booths for information on support and resources available through organizations based in Rhode Island.

Last Thursday night’s event also included the Unified Panthers of Johnston putting on a basketball demonstration inside the Ferri gymnasium.

“This is a great night,” Rocchio offered of the evening, which also included on-site childcare, various raffles, and refreshments. “Amazing things are possible with the right building blocks. Let us help.”

La Terra Bellina added: “We invited people to come and learn about programs and providers available for Johnston children and families with special needs. Working together we can build a better future for Johnston students with special needs.”

Among the agencies and non-profits that participated in last Thursday’s event were Special Olympics Rhode Island, The Autism Project, Rhode Island Disability Law Center, Friends Way, Bradley Hospital, Neighborhood Health, the Johnston Recreation Mental Health Association, and the Northern Rhode Island Collaborative.