Connections

Giedt works to expand outreach program

By Tara Opdahl

After 32 years as a special education teacher in Jamestown, Dean Giedt has begun a new career as the outreach specialist for Anne Carlsen Center for Children (ACCC).

"I always thought it would be fun to do something different even though I loved what I did for all those years,” Giedt said. “I started subbing at ACCC and really enjoyed it. When this job was listed and I looked at the job description, everything just fit me.”

Giedt’s main focus is coordinating the services outside ACCC’s building. He coordinates assessments, evaluations, professional development and education opportunities, camps, employment opportunities, and more. Answering questions, forwarding information, and informing the public of ACCC services also fall in his job description.

ACCC gets many calls from families and educators all over the country seeking information and help from experts here, Giedt said. He works to answer the questions but also to connect people with resources, workshops and speakers, therapy services, and specific ACCC staff.

“There’s a lot of education that needs to be done with the public about what we offer here so people know the services we have,” Giedt said. “Communication is a big thing, someone needs to be going in between and that’s what I do.”

Giedt plans to meet with special education units and developmental disability case managers statewide. Through these meetings and other networking, Giedt is working to help the public become aware of ACCC services.

One advantage Giedt has in this position is his knowledge of the public school system. Many of his contacts and meetings are with former co-workers or contacts from his job as a special education teacher.

"It has helped me immensely to know procedures [of the public school system], how they do things, and to know the staff," Giedt said. "They are more willing to share things about their perceptions of ACCC and what we can do to better help them."

Through many different channels, Giedt is working to increase public knowledge and find ways ACCC can help.

“My first goal is to saturate this region and let people know about our services,” Giedt said. His second goal is to learn from the people in this region how to get in touch with people in other areas to find out what services are needed.
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There are so many more out there that we could help--parents, children, and professionals. That’s what I want to do, find out where they are and what they need, and help them,” Giedt said.

“I’m a real believer in Anne Carlsen Center for Children. I see what a wonderful place it is and how everyone is treated in a wonderful way. I am really able to talk from the heart when I talk to others about the Center. I’m not just selling the place, I know how dedicated and caring the staff is."