Sep 19
9
FASD Awareness Day 9/9 at 9:09 AM
Sept. 9, 2019 is International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Awareness Day.
FASD awareness day started on 9/9/99 to remind everyone that a woman can remain alcohol fee for all nine months of pregnancy.
At 9:09 AM, on 9/9, is the time and date FASD is recognized throughout the world. The time is today for everyone to take part in a cultural change to prevent FASD, and to remember the importance, at the school level, of understanding the impact of this invisible disability. The CDC estimates that 2% to 5% of the total population is impacted by FASD. Clayton Holland, Director of Student Support Services said, “If we apply that percentage to the KPBSD we would have close to 400 students who are impacted, with many of them not being identified with FASD, but likely having significant struggles in the classroom and at home.”
“The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District is a leader in schools throughout North America to address FASD, and we are steadily working to increase our capacity to successfully address the many challenges faced by students with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). To date, over 600 KPBSD staff members in the last 10 years have participated in trainings with FASD expert, and Homer resident, Deb Evensen. Our long term goal is that every staff member is trained to understand the impact that FASD has on a student, how FASD impacts academics, behavior, and social-emotional health, and for staff to learn what will help students with FASD be successful at school. We also want to educate our students on the danger of prenatal exposer to alcohol and provide supports for families.” –Clayton Holland, Director of Student Support Services
Everyone is encouraged to learn more about FASD by going to The National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome website. This is an excellent resource for all KPSBD staff who work with students experiencing FASD. www.nofas.org
