FIRST provides persons with disabilities or at risk and their families with programs and advocacy to support and foster healthy, inclusive and self-determined lives. Through a variety of programs we offer these services: Free family/individual training related to educational issues and rights under IDEA and section 504 and accessing state and federal supports for persons with all disabilities Advanced training for parents to become better advocates Autism resources for parents in the Asheville, North Carolina area Training for educators and agency staff related to educational issues, inclusion of preschoolers and students with disabilities and community supports Support and connections to community resources for persons with disabilities Resource materials available in our Lending Library related to specific disabilities, inclusion, special education law and transitions Website with 24 hour access to information and resources to help support families Staff is trained in a variety of areas including early intervention, special education law and procedures, community supports and specific disability issues including mental and developmental