At Positive Choices we want to help all teens in every situation.
Mark Smaw
is one of our educators for special needs students. We believe
in working
with each child individually and as group members.
If your child has special needs and you want to enter your
child in our
program, please call (419) 251-2057 and ask for Mark. He will
be happy to
answer your questions and give you an overview of our classes.
If you would
prefer to send an email, you can reach him at Mark_Smaw@mhsnr.org
All children are a valuable resource for the future of our
community. We are
dedicated to providing the important information your child
needs to meet their
potential and achieve their goals.
Children with developmental disabilities face unique barriers
to learning about
sexuality and pregnancy prevention. There is a reluctance
to discuss sexuality
with children with developmental disabilities because the
focus is typically on
the child's disability. These special children experience
typical needs for
affection and acceptance as adolescents. The children that
participate in the
Positive Choices program represent a variety of strengths
and limitations.
The interest and need for this programming for special needs
youth has grown
considerably in the last several years. Teachers and parents
have shared their
gratitude with us. They feel that finally someone has been
willing to take the
risk discussing sexuality with their children. Additionally,
Positive Choices
provides opportunities for social activities and extracurricular
involvement
that these children were often unable to take part in.
These special teens are whole and complete individuals full
of talents and
abilities. They have the same hopes and dreams as any teenager
and are worthy
of the same expectations, information and guidance that we
offer other teens.
