Special Need Students

By Debra Vinson

I have professional clinical expertise that is not represented on the AUSD Board. I have a background and experience that will serve families of children with special needs.

I am aware of the support that many families with "special needs" students need for their children to be successful in the public school setting of AUSD because I have served these families in other Districts in the Bay Area.

Parents with limited English needs should be given clearer information so they know how to support their child's education. Bilingual services must be provided to support parents with special needs students.

I will focus on bringing more Clinical Therapist and Social Workers to each school so that families can have a resource for IEP's, and students can receive the emotional and academic support they need to be successful in the classroom based on their needs of a "least restrictive academic environment".

We need to reach our children at a younger age to develop their interests that lead to career pathways. We can do this with more hands-on experiences outside the classroom, mentoring, and apprenticeships. Students with special needs can be assisted in developing a career identity that can be nurtured and formed even before high school and carried through college.

I will focus on improving educational outcomes for ALL students with real world experiences that relate to strong careers and employment.

I respectfully ask for your vote On November 4, 2014!

Debra Vinson, Candidate for Antioch Unified School District Trustee