Your tax-deductible contribution will improve the quality of life for Vermont children. Please take a moment and send your donation today.


Dear Friends,

We all know the value of a good education. When you have a child with a disability, a good education is even more critical to the child's success in school and in the future. For almost 13 years, the Vermont Parent Information Center (VPIC) has helped thousands of families advocate on behalf of their children with special needs as they transition into school and onto adult life. But let's hear directly from a parent about how essential the work is that VPIC does.

For months, you've watched your child with concern. Something doesn't seem quite right. Friends tell you that children all develop at different rates. Family members relate stories of long-gone relatives who were different and who turned out just fine. Some will tell you that you are a nervous mother, to relax and enjoy your children. Professionals may tell you to wait and see. You want so much to believe them, but still you worry.

In my case, I called the local school and requested an evaluation. While I was waiting for the school representative to visit my home, I cleaned everything from top to bottom, as though having a clean home would make a difference in her perception of my son. You fantasize that this will be a one-time quick meeting; that she will say, "Of course he doesn't need help, he is the smartest child I have ever seen."

But that doesn't happen. You spend time together and you notice that she watches your child very closely. In the end, she says he qualifies for services and hands you some papers to sign. At the top it says "Special Education". You are now the parent of a special education/special needs child.

After I signed those papers that winter morning, I was confused, angry, frustrated with everything and everyone. I was obsessed with finding out everything I could about my child's diagnosis. The two things that saved me in all of the angst and turmoil was finding people to talk to who had been through these experiences and becoming an advocate for my son. Learning about the process and advocating gave me the power to fight for him.

Being the parent of a special needs child is not how I envisioned my life would turn out, but I am starting to see it as a blessing. I am a different person now than I was two years ago. I am more forgiving, more understanding. I am stronger. Una Connelly

Helping families build on their strengths is what VPIC is all about. VPIC is proud that we were there for Una's family when they needed support. When I started this organization in 1992, I had a dream that parents would have a place to go for encouragement and information when their child was struggling to learn, make friends, or feel included in school.

With your support, we move closer to creating long-lasting financial security that enables us to continue to be there for families. Please be our partner in helping families improve their children's education and quality of life. Your donation is tax-deductible and invaluable to thousands of Vermont children with disabilities. Please send your donation today in the enclosed envelope. And please visit our web site at www.vtpic.com or contact us at (802) 876-5315 to learn more about where your contribution goes.

With heartfelt thanks,

Connie Curtin

Executive Director

Donate to VPIC through the United Way!

Did you know that your United Way donation can help VPIC? You can earmark your donation to the United Way so that it benefits VPIC by writing "Vermont Parent Information Center" under "Other" when making your selection on the campaign pledge card.

Think of VPIC when making your United Way donation this year!

Other ways you can support the Vermont Parent Information Center:

• Give to the Family Scholarship Program
• Give in memory or tribute to a loved one
• Give equipment or software to the Assistive Technology Center
• Become a VPIC volunteer

For more information about ways to help, please contact us.

Your donation to VPIC stays in Vermont! Thank you so much.