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About Us
History, Staff, Board of Directors,  Mission, Values and Philosophy

Services   
Early Intervention
Adult Programs
Individual Therapy
Therapeutic Recreation
Family Support
Down Syndrome Support
Technology
Summer Program
Dance with Jay
Our Chance to Dance

Calendar
Find FRA, TechConnection & Other Workshops, Support Groups and Events Here

Registration
Online Registration
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Resources
Ann's Corner--Advice on how to advocate for your child
Links to Web Sites and other Resource Information

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Volunteers

News/Events
~What's happening at FRA?
~Photo Gallery

 Contact Us
Staff Directory, Directions/
Public Transportation Info

Newsletters
For Siblings Only and Sibling Forum
 

Family Support

At FRA, the entire family matters!
FRA offers workshops, support groups and a newsletter for parents of children with disabilities.  Siblings can participate in support groups of their own.  We also offer two sibling newsletters.

Workshops for Parents
Click here to view the Calendar for dates.

Effectively Managing Your Child's Behavior
This workshop is designed to assist parents in dealing more effectively with their children.  Although the focus will be on parenting children with developmental delays or disabilities, suggestions will be given to address the needs of all children in the family. The workshop emphasizes: understanding the causes of problem behavior, the reinforcements for behavior, communication styles and valuable strategies for successful parenting.  If both parents in the family are able to attend, the chances for
successful implementation of these ideas multiply!

Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Toilet Training--Working Toward a Painless and Successful Transition from Diapers to Toilet
This informative workshop will provide you with insight into the toilet training process and equip you with the skills to achieve success. We will specifically discuss toilet training for children with special needs, although the information is applicable to any child.

Transition to Preschool Workshop
This workshop is most appropriate for parents of children who will be turning 3 years old within the next 12 months, but all are welcome. Topics to be discussed include the identification and evaluation process, creating an IEP, parental rights and obligations and procedural safeguards. Handouts will be provided and questions are welcome.

Support Groups for Parents
Click here to view the Calendar for dates.

Down Syndrome Parent Support Group
Quarterly meetings held in host family homes throughout Monmouth County. Each meeting has information, support and socializing and a guest speaker. Topics include: medical issues, social relationships, behavior, long-term goals, inclusion, housing, NDSS conference reviews, and much more. This group is an affiliate of the National Down Syndrome Society.  If you would like to be added to the mailing list for this group, please call 732-747-5310.

The Meeting of the Moms
This group provides parents with the opportunity to discuss issues of importance to families with young children, such as coping with the diagnosis of Down syndrome, and dealing with family members, friends and the community. Questions regarding medical concerns and developmental milestones are answered as well. Parents share ideas, parenting successes and community resources that have been helpful. The group meets monthly in a host family's home. Information, support and play time for the kids are part of each meeting.  If you would like to be added to the mailing list for this group, please call 732-747-5310.

Support Group for Parents of Children with PDD/Autism
Receiving a diagnosis of PDD for your child can be overwhelming and frightening. Finding your way through the maze of information and services is difficult to negotiate alone. To address the many concerns of parents of young children on the Autism spectrum, FRA hosts a quarterly meeting at the FRA office. At each meeting, a particular topic is discussed, often with a guest speaker. If you would like to be added to the mailing list for this group, please call 732-747-5310.

Parents of Children with Multiple Impairments
FRA offers a monthly support group for parents of children of all ages with multiple disabilities (including medical issues, seizures, visual impairments, etc.). The group combines discussion and peer support for a valuable experience. Meetings are on the last Tuesday of every month from 7:30 pm to 9:00pm at FRA.

Mom's Night Out
A self-support group designed for mothers of children with disabilities.  The meetings are held at a parent's home.  FUN, food and friendships abound!  Staff does not attend this social group.

FRA Newsletter
The newsletter contains program, workshop, event and resource information.

Support Groups for Siblings
Click here to view the Calendar for dates.

Sibling Support Group for Ages 4-10
At FRA every family member counts! We offer support groups for brothers and sisters of children with special needs. These fun activity sessions combine art, stories, and role playing. There’s also a discussion to answer questions, talk about differences, and solve problems.  Children are welcome to attend monthly or just occasionally as their schedule allows.

Sibling Support Group for Ages 10-15
This sibling group for older brothers and sisters of children with disabilities features pizza, bowling, discussion and fun!  Please join us for an interesting meeting designed to answer questions and explore feelings related to having a brother or sister with special needs. If you would rather not bowl, just come for the pizza and fun anyway!

Newsletters for Siblings

FRA publishes two newsletters written especially for brothers and sisters of children with developmental delays and disabilities.
Both are printed quarterly and mailed directly to interested children and agencies throughout the United States. Thanks to funding from the Monmouth County Board of Freeholders, these newsletters are free to all Monmouth County residents.  Please call the office at 732-747-5310 to receive a sample newsletter or to get your child a subscription. Outside of Monmouth County, children/families may subscribe for $12.00 a year. Agencies and professionals may subscribe for $20.00 annually.