About Us - History
Take a moment to imagine that you are not able to communicate. You can’t speak. You can’t write. Your gestures and signs are misunderstood attempts. Since birth, everyone around you tries to determine your wants and needs, yet often they guess incorrectly. You can’t tell them when you’re happy or mad or simply want to be left alone. A world of feelings swirl inside your head - you feel imprisoned, discounted, misunderstood, ignored, a non-participant, treated like a baby. As you mature, your body’s abilities do not.
Unfortunately, this very real story of desperation occurs every day in communities across our state. As you read this report, nearly 300 kids and families in the Triangle are trying to be heard. These are our neighbors and co-workers - average families struggling to cope with the unimaginable, and without support and tools. Our public schools struggle to help these kids realize their potential, but simply do not have the resources.
In 2005, local leaders declared what many in our community now clearly understand – these kids deserve better. A group of 36 professionals and community leaders from education, health, and business formed The Triangle New School Planning Council to address the needs of children with severe communication and mobility problems. Their goal - provide families and schools with much needed hope and expertise. The New Voices initiative began with a blank slate and asked the simple question: “What is the most efficient and effective way to help these kids reach their potential?”
The Planning Council realized early that a new vision is needed. Quite simply, no comprehensive assessment or education program to support these kids and families exists in North Carolina. Few operate in the country. Their vision would be guided by a commitment to inclusion for all children, regardless of the limits of their bodies. They would seek to create inclusion in all aspects of life - at home, at school, in the community. An innovative, next-generation assessment program and day school soon became the focus of the group.
Taking advantage of the unique breadth of talent and expertise in the Research Triangle Park area, New Voices Assessment Program and School will provide children a transitional education experience that will impact them for life. Referred by schools, the medical community, parents, and other professionals, children will experience a unique environment designed to maximize their communication and learning potential.
To ensure sustainability, New Voices is developing an innovative public/private business model working closely with many partners. Our collaboration will include five initial school districts (Wake, Durham, Orange, Chapel Hill/Carrboro, and Chatham), UNC-Chapel Hill (through the Center for Literacy and Disability Studies and the Center for Development and Learning), Duke University and NC State University.
In summary, New Voices will increase independence in daily activities, enhance social skills and interactions for these children, and facilitate their success at home, school, and in the community. As children are given the means to communicate effectively, parents and care providers will gain more effective communication skills with their children and reduce the burden in care-taking responsibilities with their children as they play, communicate and learn more independently. Of special significance, families will have access to resources that provide them an understanding of their child’s capabilities and needs.