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Schafer Education Consulting
Helping Parents Navigate the Special Education Arena
Few things impact a parent
like their child
struggling in school.
Reducing the time spent to secure solutions geared toward school success remains the only focus.
Debra I. Schafer, B.A.
Special Education coaching, advocacy, and consulting experience spanning 14 years specializing in
autism spectrum disorders, ADD/ADHD, learning differences, and "hidden disabilities."
Particular areas of expertise include Asperger's Syndrome, IEP development and goals,
specially-designed instruction, evaluations, behavioral supports, and executive functioning.
Extensive advanced training in special education, autism spectrum disorders, learning
differences, behavior, social skills, and evaluations.
Twenty years of senior-level experience in Human Resources and Communications.
Expertise in work/life integration, employee relations, diversity, organizational development,
training, coaching, and writing/editorial development.
Former Director of Human Resources Development, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP;
Principal of Work/Family Management, Ltd. and Professional Mothers;
Internal and External Human Resources and Communications Consultant.
Recent Presentations/Trainings:
- West Pharmaceuticals (May 2010)
- Credit Suisse (April 2010)
- Bucks County Support Coalition Annual Conference (March 2010)
- New Jersey Society for Human Resource Management Conference (November 2009)
- Education Law Center Alternative Dispute Resolution statewide training (2009)
~ North Penn Special Education Counsel
~ Parents of Supported Children in Central Bucks
~ Special Education Advisory Council of Upper Dublin School District
~ Philadelphia School District Special Education Forum
Other:
- HRIQ - "No Longer Flying Under The Radar" (August 2011)
- Co-Facilitator, Annual AutismSpeaks/CBS-3 Phone Bank
~ Recognized by AutismSpeaks for contributions the autism community
Affliations:
Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA);
Pennsylvania Autism Taskforce, Information and Advocacy Subcommittee;
Autism Society of Greater Philadelphia; AutismSpeaks Public Relations Committee
Former Monthly Columnist, "Parents Express"
Personally Speaking...
For over a decade, it has been my privilege to have collaborated with so many parents at all stages of the special education process. Imparting knowledge, teaching strategies and approaches, and demonstrating to parents how they can be effective parent advocates for their children is what I do. Helping to ensure that all children with autism spectrum disorders, ADD/ADHD, learning differences, and "hidden disabilities" make and sustain measurable progress in school (and in life) is why I do it.
From parents with a newly-diagnosed child to *veteran* parents, the rewards of helping mothers and fathers navigate through the challenges and complexities of the special education arena have been and continue to be immeasurable.
If there is one key learning to share, it is this ... ask questions and keep asking questions. This continuous learning process enables parents to prepare for change, the hallmark of raising a child with any academic, social, or behavioral difference.
Debra Schafer
20 Mystic Lane, Suite A
Malvern, PA 19355
484.887.8373
Autismspedsupport@comcast.net
ASPEDAdvocate@aol.com
