News Release

ETTA presents free parent training in West Valley
for parents and caregivers of young adults with disabilities

CALABASAS — ETTA, a nonprofit organization that provides programs and services that enable people with disabilities to live fully, independent and enriched lives, and County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl’s office will co-sponsor “Transition Planning Parent Training,” a panel discussion for parents and caregivers of young adults with special needs. The group discussion will be held on Wed., Sept. 21, 7:00-9:00 p.m. at Congregation Or Ami, 26115 Mureau Road, Calabasas. Experts in the special needs community will offer guidance and training on life after high school, self-determination, rights and entitlements, and how to effectively move through the transition process.

The children who were diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the early 1990s are now “aging-out” of school-aged services. Parents describe this experience as, “falling off a cliff.” While numerous programs and services support children with developmental disabilities, the transition to assessing and accessing adult services is daunting. In 1990, one in 10,000 children were diagnosed with Autism, the fastest growing serious developmental disability. Today, one in 68 children are diagnosed with Autism. “This is a crisis in the autism community, and it’s growing. We need to help prepare families and inform our communities,” said Cathy Gott, Parent Advocate and Transitions Consultant to ETTA.

The Panelists include:

Dina Kaplan, an Attorney with more than 35 years of litigation experience and has been protecting the rights of children with disabilities for the past 20 years. Ms. Kaplan has an adult son with autism; Suad Bisogno. who heads up ETTA’s newest program, “Transitions,” that helps families find the services and emotional support needed as a person moves from adolescence to greater independence as a young adult; Lori Waldinger, M.A. who has served as an Advocate and Educational Consultant in Southern California since 1980.

Cathy Gott, Parent Advocate and President of Education Spectrum and Danny’s Farm, will moderate the panel.

ETTA provides a full spectrum of services for people with disabilities including residential housing, case management, employment training and placement, educational services and social services.

ETTA is a proud affiliate of OHEL Children’s Home and Family Services.

The event is free but reservations are required. For additional information, contact Suad Bisogno: suad@etta.org/ (424) 249-3300 x 245.

Contact: Harvey Farr 310-470-3644