Pyramid Community Parent Resource Center

The Pyramid Community Parent Resource Center was established in 1991 by parents of children with disabilities. The program is designed to support, assist and provide expertise to parents in traditionally underserved areas of New Orleans.

Underserved communities are those communities that have become isolated due to racial and/or cultural discrimination, language barriers, geographic locations (both urban and rural) and socio-economic factors.

The Pyramid Community Parent Resource Center’s Founders, D.J. and Ursula Markey, are the parents of two young adults with disabilities. The Markeys have over 20 years experience in all aspects of special education and related services. Working with the Markeys is a team of experienced parents and advocates of children with disabilities.

The program provides information and training on special education and disability legislation, through workshops, newsletters, referrals, and one-to-one assistance.

Information:
• On understanding your rights as a parent as they relate to special education laws and regulations
Workshops:
• On special education
• On disability laws
One-to-one assistance: 
• With Individualized Education Programs (I.E.P.), Individualized Transition Programs (I.T.P) and meeting preparation
• On understanding education and agency language
• With mediation
• With linkage to support services available in the New Orleans community

Support Groups
Information and support are two of the things parents need the most. Pyramid offers both in our Parent Support Groups. Here, parents whose children have the same disability gather in sessions facilitated by our Parent Associates. Parents who have similar information needs and educational issues can support each other while they learn about research-based bet practices specific to their children’s disability.

Vietnamese Support Group
Parents who have difficulty communication in English face and added barrier when seeking services for their children with disabilities. Pyramid sponsors a Vietnamese Parent Support Group. Parents receive training in special education law, issues of concern are discussed, and follow-up services, including interpreter services, are planned around the needs of individual families.

Latino Support Group
Latino Support Group parents receive training in special education law, issues of concern are discussed, and follow-up services, including interpreter services, are planned around the needs of individual families.

Autism Support Group
An informal meeting of parents of children with Autism. Parents learn from each other and support each other in these meetings.

Male Support Group
Designed to help men feel more comfortable in their role in the lives of children with disabilities.

Positive Behavior Support Group
Provides ongoing instruction and support for parents who are implementing Positive Behavior Support interventions in their homes.

keywords: spanish