NH/NAPVI Letter of IntroductionDear Reader: It is with much pride and enthusiasm that we write this letter of introduction to the "New Hampshire Agenda". The effort of the NH task force, comprised of professionals and parents, was a response to families like ours who struggle to gain comprehensive educational services for their vision impaired and blind children. Like the group who collaborated to write the National Agenda in 1996, our committee recognized that throughout New Hampshire, many blind and vision impaired students had limited access to highly specialized yet necessary services within their local school districts, and that this restriction placed our students at a terrible disadvantage, not only during their tenure in school, but also upon graduation and entry into the work force. We believe that the goals contained in the curriculum of the NH Agenda will go far to comprehensively address the unique needs of our children. In our children's school experiences thus far, we feel fortunate to have encountered so many caring and competent processionals who've been committed to making a positive difference in their students' lives. But, until now, a comprehensive, well-defined blueprint has never been available to spell out specifically what goals and objectives must be met to ensure our children's full participation in their school programs. Family and professional demands in parents' lives today are extraordinary, and this document does much to ease the burden placed on those of us who far too often feel we are taking a piecemeal approach to enriching our children's futures, we feel most assured that if school curriculums address the goals contained in the NH Agenda, and better prepare our students for rewarding professional experiences, we can breathe a sigh of relief and turn our efforts to supporting, nurturing and just loving and enjoying our kids. Finally, we'd like to take this opportunity t express our gratitude in being encouraged by committee members to act as full participants in the development of this document. All too often, parents feel their participation in special education is fraught with conflict and uncomfortable compromise. It was most rewarding to share our children's unmet needs, curriculum gaps, fears about their future, etc., with such a knowledgeable and supportive group who welcomed our input. We hope that all our children will directly benefit from the work contained herein, and that you, too, feel encouraged t contact tash force members to share your impressions of this NH Agenda. Sincerely, Cynthia Lynch & Nancy Feole |