Jacob's Puzzle Foundation Digital Resource Guide

PARENT RESOURCE GUIDE A resource guide for our Special Education & Exceptional students.

For Parents, Educators, and Community Members

TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction

Jacob’s Puzzle:

Why This Guide

Who We Are & What We Do

Organizations

By Resource

Contact

JACOB’S PUZZLE FOUNDATION: WHO ARE WE & WHAT WE DO WHO ARE WE? Jacob Puzzle Foundation was created to empower and educate Black and Brown students of color who have learning difficulties and receive special education services.

We provide targeted intervention strategies in math, reading, and social-emotional learning opportunities to foster growth. Our programs focus on preparing students for success through internship and career pathway opportunities, post-secondary transitions to two-year and four-year colleges, vocational training, and military options.

We achieve this by offering project-based learning and intervention strategies designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in their academic and professional journeys.

WHAT WE DO The Jacob Puzzle Foundation is dedicated to supporting and educating students of color, particularly Black and Brown students with learning challenges who are receiving special education services. We aim to offer intervention strategies in math and reading and social-emotional learning opportunities. Our mission includes providing pathways for career internships, post-secondary success through exposure to both two-year and four-year college options, and vocational or military opportunities. We achieve this through project-based learning and intervention strategies that enhance social learning and practical skills.

WHY THIS RESOURCE GUIDE? This guide was created to strengthen the connection between families and organizations by offering resources that help students thrive both academically and personally. While there are many support groups and resources for students with disabilities, families in low-income urban areas often face barriers to accessing them. As a nation, we are making strides in supporting special education and providing the necessary tools for student success. However, some of the legislation designed to help may not be fully implemented in every classroom.

That’s where this guide comes in. It’s designed to offer families additional opportunities to bridge the gap, especially where the school system may fall short due to its own limitations. Students of color with learning disabilities face unique challenges, and breaking down these barriers is crucial for their growth. By offering access to academic resources, career exploration, training, and more, this guide aims to empower families across the country to support their students in meaningful ways

RESOURCES BY ORGANIZATION The Jacob’s Puzzle Foundation’s dedication to the empowerment of Black and Brown students of color with learning disabilities amplifies other organizations that promote similar missions is vital to the quality of education for all students and by providing equitable and reasonable pathways towards independent living and success.

RESOURCES BY CATEGORIES

COMMUNITY SUPPORT & SERVICES

COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES ARE DESIGNED TO CREATE A NETWORK OF RESOURCES THAT FAMILIES AND STUDENTS CAN RELY ON OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL. THESE SERVICES OFTEN INCLUDE LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS THAT OFFER SUPPORT GROUPS, MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES, AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES TAILORED FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS. PROGRAMS MAY INCLUDE AFTER-SCHOOL CARE, TRANSPORTATION ASSISTANCE, AND SOCIAL SKILL DEVELOPMENT.

ORGANIZATIONS THAT OFFER THIS SERVICE:

COUNSEL ACADEMY POWERFUL BEYOND MEASURE

RESOURCES BY CATEGORIES

EDUCATION TEACHING TUTORING

SPECIALIZED EDUCATION AND TUTORING SERVICES FOCUS ON PROVIDING ACADEMIC SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS WITH LEARNING DIFFICULTIES. TUTORS MAY OFFER ONE-ON-ONE ASSISTANCE TAILORED TO THE STUDENT’S INDIVIDUALIZED EDUCATION PROGRAM (IEP) GOALS, ENSURING THAT ACADEMIC INTERVENTIONS ALIGN WITH SCHOOL INSTRUCTION. THIS CAN INCLUDE HELP IN SUBJECTS SUCH AS MATH, READING, AND WRITING, WITH STRATEGIES DESIGNED TO ADDRESS SPECIFIC LEARNING CHALLENGES.

ORGANIZATIONS THAT OFFER THIS SERVICE: COUNSEL ACADEMY POWERFUL BEYOND MEASURE REALIZED CURRICULUM SOLUTIONS

RESOURCES BY CATEGORIES

I.E.P. CONSULTING

ORGANIZATIONS THAT OFFER THIS SERVICE: DESTINY HUFF CONSULTING, LLC REALIZED CURRICULUM SOLUTIONS S.O.A.R. EDUCATIONAL SERVICES

IEP CONSULTATION SERVICES GUIDE PARENTS THROUGH THE COMPLEX PROCESS OF CREATING, REVIEWING, AND REVISING AN INDIVIDUALIZED EDUCATION PROGRAM. PROFESSIONALS HELP INTERPRET EDUCATIONAL EVALUATIONS, SET APPROPRIATE GOALS, AND MONITOR PROGRESS. CONSULTANTS MAY ATTEND IEP MEETINGS WITH PARENTS TO ADVOCATE FOR THE NECESSARY ACCOMMODATIONS AND SERVICES THAT BEST SERVE THE CHILD’S UNIQUE LEARNING NEEDS.

RESOURCES BY CATEGORIES

SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES ORGANIZATIONS THAT OFFER THIS SERVICE: DC CENTER FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING DESTINY HUFF CONSULTING, LLC FLOREO NEXT STEPS EDUCATION S.O.A.R. EDUCATIONAL SERVICES

SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES ENCOMPASS A RANGE OF INDIVIDUALIZED INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES AND SUPPORT DESIGNED FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES. THESE SERVICES ARE TYPICALLY DELIVERED BY CERTIFIED SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHERS AND SUPPORT STAFF WHO WORK TO MEET EACH STUDENT’S UNIQUE EDUCATIONAL NEEDS. THIS MAY INCLUDE SPEECH THERAPY, OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY, BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTIONS, AND TAILORED CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION.

RESOURCES BY CATEGORIES

PARENT ADVOCACY

PARENT ADVOCACY SERVICES EMPOWER FAMILIES TO NAVIGATE THE SPECIAL EDUCATION SYSTEM AND ADVOCATE EFFECTIVELY FOR THEIR CHILDREN’S RIGHTS. ADVOCATES HELP PARENTS UNDERSTAND THE LEGAL PROTECTIONS THEIR CHILD IS ENTITLED TO, ASSIST IN PREPARING FOR IEP MEETINGS, AND PROVIDE GUIDANCE ON HOW TO ADDRESS ANY CHALLENGES WITH SCHOOLS OR DISTRICTS. THEY ALSO HELP FAMILIES STAY INFORMED ABOUT CHANGES IN SPECIAL EDUCATION LAWS AND POLICIES.

ORGANIZATIONS THAT OFFER THIS SERVICE: ADVOCATES FOR JUSTICE AND EDUCATION DC CENTER FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING NATIONAL PARENTS UNION NEXT STEPS EDUCATION REALIZED CURRICULUM SOLUTIONS

ADVOCATES FOR JUSTICE AND EDUCATION

MISSION

VISION

Advocates for Justice and Education (AJE) seeks to empower families, youth, and the community to be effective advocates to ensure that children and youth, particularly those who have special needs, receive access to appropriate education and health services.

AJE implements a multi-strategy approach to carry out our mission. One-on-one assistance to immediately address a family’s issue and to identify systemic problems; Training to educate families, youth (and the community who works with families) about their rights to increase their knowledge and their capacity to self-advocate, to be peer advocates in support of each other, and engage in collective action; and Systemic Advocacy in partnership with families and other stakeholder partners to bring about systemic changes through power building, community education, policy, legislation, and litigation. Our services are free to DC families, youth, and the community.

ADVOCATES FOR JUSTICE AND EDUCATION

CONTACT (202) 678 8060 information@aje-dc.org www.Aje-DC.org

COUNSEL ACADEMY

MISSION Counsel Academy is dedicated to providing live online STE(A)M focused educational services, customized to the learning styles of each student (Grades 3-12) irrespective of their needs and challenges. We believe in a head start and planning in STEM education and related careers, with a strong focus on development of communication/writing skills and test preparation.

VISION Their goal, along with their strong network of collaborators, is to develop into a one-stop resource for all educational needs of the children.

COUNSEL ACADEMY

OTHER SERVICES

CONTACT (617) 510-8966

The Counsel Academy also provide services in:

Community Support & Services Career Counseling

counselacademy2021@gmail.com www.Counsel-Academy.com

DC CENTER FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING MISSION The District of Columbia Center for Independent Living (DCCIL), Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) established in 1981 as a community-based, consumer-controlled, cross-disability center designed to promote independent lifestyles for persons with significant disabilities in the District of Columbia.

VISION DCCIL serves people with various disabilities and continues to help individuals live independently in their homes by providing training on safety techniques for cooking, travel, budgeting, and household maintenance. In addition, peer counseling and advocacy are provided to assist people in achieving their personal goals. This includes youth/transition.

DC CENTER FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING

OTHER SERVICES The DC Center for Independent Living also provide services in:

Parent Advocacy Workforce Development Secondary Transition Services

CONTACT (617) 510-8966 counselacademy2021@gmail.com www.Counsel-Academy.com

DESTINY HUFF CONSULTING, LLC

MISSION Purpose of Destiny Huff Consulting is to help parents advocate for their neurodivergent learner at the IEP table and to train schools, organizations, and parents on how to support neurodivergent learners in their educational setting.

DESTINY HUFF CONSULTING, LLC

OTHER SERVICES Destiny Huff Consulting, LLC also provide services in:

Special Education Services

CONTACT (915) 539-1764 destinyhuffconsulting@gmail.com Hwww.DestinyHuffConsulting.com

FLOREO MISSION Floreo VR is a virtual reality-based therapy platform designed to help neurodiverse individuals develop social, communication, behavioral, and life skills.

VISION Floreo utilizes immersive VR experiences to create engaging, safe, and supportive digital environments. These environments allow users to practice critical skills at their own pace without the constraints of a physical location. The VR sessions are guided by a coach using an iPad, enabling realtime interaction and feedback.

FLOREO OTHER SERVICES Floreo also provide services in:

Nuerodivergent Testing and Services

CONTACT (240) 244-9473 Info@floreovr.com www.Floreovr.com

NATIONAL PARENTS UNION

MISSION The National Parents Union acts as the modern voice of American working parents and families, amplifying their voices in advocacy, organizing, and policy spaces to gain better outcomes for kids.

NATIONAL PARENTS UNION

CONTACT (404) 759-9863 jason@npunion.org www.nationalparentsunion.org

NEXT STEPS EDUCATION

MISSION Next Steps Education offers KIDS Discs, an online assessment students take and learn a deeper understand of who they are.

They learn their behavior style, personality and how unique they truly are.

The assessment comes with a full report that shows them how to be their very best in school and home.

NEXT STEPS EDUCATION OTHER SERVICES Next Steps Education also provide services in:

SEL Parent Advocacy

CONTACT (202) 540-0283 ebonnie@nextstepsedconsult.com www.NextStepsEdConsult.com

POWERFUL BEYOND MEASURE

MISSION PBM’s mission is to be an inclusive organization that provide youth with the resources, role models, self-esteem, opportunities and skills to shape them positively. PBM integrates the influential fields of the arts, entertainment, and sports into our programming, to attract, engage and motivate adolescents.

VISION To utilize influential fields in the arts, sports, entertainment, and media industries to reach our targeted youth’s urban communities through multi-dimensional services that will help positively shape young people and empower the adults around them to become active leaders and contributors.

POWERFUL BEYOND MEASURE OTHER SERVICES Floreo also provide services in:

Community Support & Services

CONTACT (202) 631-7331 tracypress@powerfulbeyondmeasure-cape.org www.WeArePowerfulBeyondMeasure.org

REALIZED CURRICULUM SOLUTIONS

MISSION To equip families and educational organizations with skills and resources to help Black boys with disabilities realize endless possibilities.

VISION To ensure all Black boys with disabilities are successful and empowered within their communities and schools.

REALIZED CURRICULUM SOLUTIONS OTHER SERVICES Realized Curriculum Solutions also provide services in:

IEP Consulting Parent Advocacy

Curriculum Development

CONTACT (410) 498-6853 info@realizedsolutionsllc.com www.RealizedSolutionsllc.com

S.O.A.R. EDUCATIONAL SERVICES MISSION S.O.A.R. Educational Services empowers families to transform "Chaos to Collaboration℠" in their special education journey, equipping them with the tools and strategies to champion their child's success within an inclusive, stigma-free learning environment.

VISION S.O.A.R. Educational Services envision a world where every child thrives, reaching their full potential in inclusive communities free from stigma, fostered by seamless collaboration between families and educators, and ensuring culturally responsive advocacy that celebrates the unique strengths and needs of each child.

S.O.A.R. EDUCATIONAL SERVICES OTHER SERVICES S.O.A.R. Educational Services also provide services in:

Special Education Services

CONTACT (407) 593-4487 info@soareduservices.com www.SOAReduServices.com

GOT QUESTIONS? CONTACT US! (301) 433-5955 A.Minor@JacobsPuzzleFoundation.org www.JacobsPuzzleFoundation.org

THANK YOU