AMP

Achieving Maximum Potential

The federal law called the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (or IDEA) ensures that all children between the ages of 3 and 22 receive a Free and Appropriate Public Education (or FAPE).  For decades, parents and school districts have been at odds over what is deemed an “appropriate” education.  In 1982, the Supreme Court ruled that school districts only need to provide a “basic floor of opportunity” to disabled students.  (Board of Ed. of Hendrick Hudson Central School Dist. v. Rowley 458 U.S. 176). 

Most parents want their children to reach their maximum potential.  Most parents of non-disabled children would not be satisfied if their school system provided only a “basic floor of opportunity” for their children.  This would mean eliminating GATE programs, Advanced Placement courses, College Prep courses and many other programs currently in use today.  Parents of disabled children want no different.   

In 2008, Gabby and Linda Devilbiss, parent and grandparent of two autistic children, brought the idea of AMP to SNAFU.  AMP is one of Special Needs Advocates for Understanding (SNAFU’s) programs that furthers SNAFU’s mission and purpose:  to support special-needs children and their families.  AMP is a program parents can enroll and actively participate in to help their children Achieve Maximum Potential.  Communities can get involved by supporting local children and improving the lives of its citizens.  School districts and other agencies can sponsor children and watch their efforts create change right in front of their eyes. 

AMP is open to any child or adult that has a disability and requires services and/or treatments that are not currently being paid for by private insurance, school districts, regional centers or other agencies.  For more information on AMP, please send an email to shirley@valleysnafu.com and include your name, who the AMP account would be for (you, your child, your grandchild, etc) and that person's disability.  You will receive a prompt response.