By: Nora Berumen, Head Start Health Liaison

More than 500 Early Head Start and Head Start staff got a lesson in disability awareness and serving the needs of children with disabilities during the program’s County-Wide All Staff In-Service. Guest speakers included Barbara Ransom – Senior Attorney at Disability Rights California in Sacramento – and MaryAnn Riojas – a disabled Fresno woman who recently had her home rebuilt and customized by the television show Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.

Ms. Ransom praised and encouraged efforts by Early Head Start and Head Start’s efforts to include all children in their programs while Ms. Riojas shared how all of her life’s experiences have enabled her to lead a life of service and be an example to others.

Other topics covered during the In-Service included federal monitoring review for disabilities services, the inclusion of infants and toddlers with disabilities in Early Head Start, and discussion regarding the H1N1 virus.

The In-Service also served as the backdrop for Team 21’s first fundraiser. The group raffled off a basket filled with goodies valued at more than $175; proceeds from the fundraiser will help Team 21 offset the cost for activities held throughout the year. The winner of the basket was Head Start’s Rose Puente.