Habitat for Humanity

Applicants will buy their homes from Habitat for Humanity.  They must have the ability to a 30 year, 0% interest rate mortgage.  The mortgage payment includes principal, property taxes and homeowner’s insurance.  The requirements are:  read more…

Talisman programs

Talisman programs provide exceptional ADHD, Autism, and Asperger camp opportunities for young people, ages 6-22 with Autism Spectrum disorders, ADHD and other learning differences.  There are several activities that consist of for this camp.  They are:  read more

Stellar Therapy Services

At Stellar Therapy Services we put the “FUN” in functional, offering individual therapy, groups,  and summer camps!  TennCare and most insurance plans accepted! Stellar Therapy is based in Chattanooga, Tennessee. We offer Therapy Staffing Services and School Medicaid Reimbursement nationwide; in the Southeast Tennessee and North Georgia areas we are the largest independent therapy employs. …

What is GLAD?

GLAD stands for Glenwood Learning Adventure Days.  GLAD is a mentoring program ministry of New City that is designed to reach out to the children of the surrounding community. GLAD stands for “Glenwood Learning Adventure Days”. Academically GLAD focuses on math and reading. GLAD also shares the Gospel with the children involved in the program.…

Alstrom Angels

Alstrom Syndrome is a very rare genetic disease that affects children by causing complete blindness, deafness, type 2 diabetes, dilated cardiomyopathy, congestive heart failure, COPD, kidney and liver failure.  It is one of the most brutal diseases there is, as it touches every organ in the body. Most children are lost in their late teens…

Addressing Behavior in the IEP

This month the United States Department of Education Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services published a Dear Colleague Letter intended to help clarify the use of Positive Behavior Interventions & Supports in the IEP.  A copy of the guidance can be found here: Dear Colleague Letter-on-PBIS-in-IEPs–08-01-2016  Of course, as a governmental document, it was a little…

Key Elements of Inclusion

“What is Inclusion?The term inclusion implies a certain educational placement philosophy, interdisciplinary team planning approach, instructional method and attitude.” “Inclusion DOES NOT necessarily mean that a student never leaves the class and is never paired with another student who receives special education services. Rather, it means that the student is truly a member of a…

Questions & Answers on Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) Requirements of IDEA

When discussion of placement arises in an IEP meeting, often how much “inclusion” will be accessible for a student becomes a topic of conversation.  Where is “inclusion” in IDEA?  Is that term actually there?  Or is it a concept?  Least Restrictive Environment is the term IDEA uses to define placements.  The United States Department of Education,…

Is Inclusion Possible for Students with Disabilities in Hamilton County?

Chattanooga Inclusive Ed recently provided a requested white paper to Chattanooga 2.0 outlining current deficiencies in inclusive best practices in the Hamilton County Department of Education, a summary of evidence on the benefits of inclusion for children with and without exceptional needs, and concrete recommendations for reform. Here’s an excerpt from the white paper on…