The MDA is presenting a free webinar for members on the subject of Educational Advocacy scheduled for  Wednesday, November 2 2 p.m. Eastern; 11 a.m. Pacific online.  Registration is required before the start of the program. Leading the program will be Marie Ritzo and Jill Castle  who will discuss information for families with school-age children affected by neuromuscular disease.

Marie J. Ritzo is a clinical social worker at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Ritzo provides social work services for the MDA clinic and the Surgical Care, Trauma and Burn Unit at Children’s.

Ritzo received her master’s degree in social work from the University of Maryland School of Social Work and Community Planning, with a concentration in clinical work with children and families. She has been a member of the Institutional Review Board and has received awards for her professional contributions, including the Dorothy Scallan Award for Excellence in Social Work (1998) and the award for Best Practice in Negotiating Systems from the Society for Social Work Leadership in Healthcare (2003).

Jill Anne Castle is a parent specialist for the Arizona Department of Education, where she helps parents navigate the special education process. Castle is currently finishing her master’s degree in educational psychology and is a candidate for BCBA (board-certified behavioral analyst).

Castle has a son who is affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). She has dedicated her career to helping children with special needs receive the support they deserve.

Program Topics will include:

• The difference between IEP and Section 504 laws
• How to support your child in the school system
• The importance of forming a partnership with your child’s school
• Resources

Information for this post provided by the MDA.