It looks

like this could be a special summer for some of Coweta's

special needs children.

County

Administrator Theron Gay said this week that the

possibility of the county securing a $7,700 grant for its

special needs programs is looking favorable. The money

would help provide a recreation program for 15 students

with autism this year.

For the

past month, the Coweta County Commission has been

besieged by parents asking for their help in starting a

program.

During the

most recent commission meeting, the commissioners

emphasized their support of the program, but said they

had questions surrounding the possible grant.

Michael

Shaw from the Department of Human Resources had appeared

before the commissioners May 9, but could not answer

questions the commissioners had about possible

certification for counselors to help the children with

their special needs.

Sandy Smith

brought her autistic daughter to the commission meeting

and asked the board to help find a solution.

"This

is what we're working for," she said, nodding to her

daughter.

Commissioner

Robert Wood was adamant in his support of the program and

said the county needed to commit to it, but Chairman

Vernon "Mutt" Hunter asked the commission to

slow down.

Hunter

supported the program, but said the county couldn't fully

support it until its liability is known.

Gay said

the county has received information about the grant this

week and said County Attorney Mitch Powell is closely

evaluating it.

The funds

would be used as scholarships for some of the children to

attend the program, but gay said many of the parents have

said they would gladly pay if a program is available.

He expects

the commission to decide on the issue in early June.