What are “Special Needs” ?

Children and youth with special needs may require specialized medical, educational, or psychological care, or a combination of these.The term  ”special needs”  describes a range of situations which can include:

  • Behavioral and emotional challenges
  • Difficulties learning, hearing, seeing, moving or speaking
  • Chronic illnesses
  • High risk or premature infants
  • Grief due to the loss of a child or infant

 

What services do we offer?

Parent to Parent High Country Family Support Network provides specific services to families and the community in caring for children with special needs including:

  • Trained, volunteer family emotional support in dealing with diagnoses, transitions, and challenges.
  • Support groups for families of children with special needs
  • Workshops and educational opportunities for families and service providers
  • Family-friendly resources about diagnoses, treatment options, service agencies, and school considerations
  • Newsletters on special needs issues and a lending library
  • Service learning and internship opportunities for college students
  • Liaison assistance for families whose children are hospitalized outside their home county

Our personable staff is here to help:

Want to talk to a trained Support Parent who has a child with special needs? Need help finding information, resources,or services? Want to know more about a special need, disability, or diagnosis?  Please contact us!  All services are free and confidential.Our central office is located in Boone at 2359 Highway 105 in the Children’s Developmental Services Agency of the Blue Ridge.


Kaaren Hayes, Program Director and Outreach Coordinator for Avery & Watauga Counties.
hayeskl@appstate.edu 828-262-6089 or toll-free 866-812-3122

 


Norma Bouchard,
Outreach Coordinator: Alleghany, Ashe & Wilkes
bouchardnj@appstate.edu
 336-246-3222 or toll-free 866-8112-3122

 


Teresa Emory,
Outreach Coordinator: Mitchell & Yancey
emorytd@appstate.edu
 828-682-4772 or toll-free 866-448-5781

 

“Our deep belief that all children have abilities and a gift to give is a core foundation of our program. We provide information to help families see the possibilities for their children, and tools so that they can turn that potential into reality. We provide connections and hope.”