July 17, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Julia Zerull | 952-838-9000 or [email protected]
New PACER Center project will support Latino and Somali families with children on the autism spectrum
PACER Center’s new project will support families from Latino and Somali communities in Minnesota with children on the autism spectrum. It is supported by a 16-month grant from the Minnesota Department of Human Services and will provide more robust and culturally appropriate support for these families who often face barriers accessing services.
In partnership with Family Voices of Minnesota, this project will create two new parent support groups led by Latino and Somali staff that will be conducted in each language and provide support for families of children with disabilities, such as autism spectrum disorder and others. It will also include training for Latino and Somali parent volunteers, who will help with resource navigation and provide culturally and linguistically appropriate support for families.
Content created for this project will include a series of tip sheets and videos in English, Spanish, and Somali with information for families on how to advocate for their children and navigate complex special education and healthcare systems. These resources will be made available to the project’s participants and published online by PACER Center, Family Voices of Minnesota, and the Department of Human Services.
The project is currently accepting new participants and parent volunteers, referrals welcome. More information coming soon to PACER.org.
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