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Cheryl's Way:
Why I am involved with Children's Apraxia Network and Cherab Foundation?

If you attend our meetings, you may have seen a familiar face on TV commercials recently. We are all very proud of Cherab's new Executive Vice President and Educational Consultant Cheryl Johnson, SLS/MA, who was one of the 800 teachers nominated for the New Jersey Award of Excellence, and then selected as one of the only three out of the 800 as the "Best of the Best". Cheryl was asked to be filmed for TV commercials to represent the "The Award Of Excellence In Teaching"! Cheryl is a gifted educator and New Jersey's "Pride in Education" Teacher Representative. As Cheryl has held that prestigious title for two years, you may have also seen her in one of the two television commercials representing New Jersey education. Cherab is truly fortunate to have Cheryl as part of its executive board, as she brings much experience and enthusiasm to this position. Cheryl has been with us for awhile. This is a picture of Cheryl receiving the, Children's Apraxia Network's "Award of Excellence" from all of us! (Children's Apraxia Network was formed August of 1999) Thanks Cheryl, for helping so many, and never asking for anything in return. - Lisa Geng

Every night, for about two weeks, I surfed the Net, specifically searching for information concerning children and apraxia of speech. I had a current public school speech caseload that included four kindergarten children who presented with severe delays in the areas of oral motor skill development, unintelligible articulation, and expressive language delay. None of the children had received speech therapy services prior to entering Kindergarten. The parents of the children had never heard of apraxia; they thought their children were late talkers or were stubbornly refusing to "talk correctly".

My parents wanted to find out as much information as they could about apraxia of speech. When I found the website for The Children's Apraxia Network (CAN), I was thrilled. I immediately emailed the CAN founder, Lisa Geng. My first meeting was amazing. Seeing over 40 parents and professionals meeting to support one another in understanding Apraxia of speech was empowering. At the conclusion of the meeting, I called each of my four kindergarten parents to give them the CAN website. They continue to thank me for going that extra mile in helping them understand how they could help their children become successful talkers.

Three out of four of my kindergarten parents indicated that they wished they had enrolled their children in an early intervention speech therapy program, or were at least informed that one existed that would help their child. Although, my parents have not attended a CAN meeting, they continue to visit the website.

At the second meeting I attended, many questions were raised regarding parental rights and educational issues. I found myself providing the answers to many of the questions.

I am a New Jersey certificated Elementary Education Teacher, Nursery School Teacher, Teacher of the Handicap, and a Speech Language Specialist with B.S. and M.A. degrees from Trenton State College (now called The College of New Jersey) Trenton, New Jersey; In addition, I am a voice for the special needs children I encounter each day in my public school work setting and private educational consultation firm, "A Voice for the Children". The American With Disabilities Act empowers me by recognizing me as a supporter of wanting the best for the special needs population. I have given written and public testimony to the New Jersey Department of Education regarding Special Education Code changes.

My philosophy for special education is one that coincides with Federal law which states, "in accordance with an IEP, related services must be provided based on an individual need, not administrative convenience or the availability of qualified personnel".

I empower parents in understanding the 14th amendment to the constitution, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Individuals With Disabilities Act (IDEA) in order that their children receive the interventions and supports needed to satisfy the federal requirement of a "free and appropriate public education". when parents understand the federal and state special education laws and codes, they become the power source for their children, allowing the children to receive all necessary services to succeed in the home, school, and community.

My involvement with the Children's Apraxia Network allows me the opportunity to help parents on a pro bono basis. It's my way of giving back to a community of dedicated parents who are seeking support in getting the best services for their children.

"I have no special gift. I am only passionately curious." Albert Einstein.

Cheryl Bennett-Johnson
Speech/Language Specialist, M.A.
Vice President, Children's Apraxia Network