The NEF Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center builds positive futures for Jamaica's children by working collaboratively with families, schools and communities in order to improve opportunities for excellence in education and success in school and community life. Our special focus is children with disabilities and other exceptional learning needs. We do this by providing:

• Services and support for families and professionals;
• Easy-to-understand, research-based information and training; and
• Opportunities for strategic partnerships and advocacy for systemic improvement.

Introduction to Parent Advocacy

When an infant or a young child is diagnosed with a disability, the family's lives are changed forever. Confronting and living with the challenges brought about by disability requires families to draw upon strengths within themselves that they often did not think existed.

Parents and families have to adjust to a life different than they imagined. The ability of the family to meet these challenges id determined, in large part, by the support that is available from immediate family members, grandparents, relatives, friends and coworkers. Equally important are the supports and services that the family and child receive from the educational and other social service agencies.

This section of our website is a guide for parents and families to help create a sense of order and maintain control over their lives as they care for their child and prepare him or her for adulthood.