October is National Dyslexia Awareness Month!

This October organizations across the country are celebrating National Dyslexia Awareness month.  In Missouri, the perfect way to promote awareness about dyslexia is to join Decoding Dyslexia-MO.  Decoding Dyslexia- MO is a grassroots movement driven by MO families concerned with the limited access to educational interventions for dyslexia and other language-based learning disabilities within our public schools. We aim to raise dyslexia awareness, empower families to support their children and inform policy-makers on best practices to identify, remediate and support students with dyslexia in MO schools.

 

Most people are surprised to learn that Dyslexia effects between 10 and 20 percent of the population. Chances are that every classroom in the State has at least one child with dyslexia.  It is the most common cause of difficulty with reading.  Dyslexia is not simply mixing up letters or writing words backwards.  It's not an indication that someone isn't smart.  It's a language based learning difference that prevents a student from reading fluently. 

 

Ben Foss, an author and advocate with dyslexia,  said that "Having dyslexia is like having a bad cell phone connection to the page."   Appropriate, research based instruction, such as Orton Gillingham based curriculums, along with the provision of assistive technology can help make a dyslexic child's connection to the page as clear as a landline.

 

To learn more about dyslexia, find resources and get involved, visit  www.decodingdyslexia-mo.org.    

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As of October 1, 2013, Missouri is one of only 16 states that have been approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to participate in the Balancing Incentive Program. The goal of the program is to shift spending for long term care from institutions to the community where individuals can lead fuller, happier and healthier lives. For more information about Missouri Community Options and Resources (MOCOR), call 1-855-834-855 or visit their website,  http://mocor.mo.gov/

 

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The Office of Special Education, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, is proposing changes to the state regulations implementing Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).  The proposed changes and a summary chart are available for inspection until November 30, 2013, in the office of the Assistant Commissioner, Office of Special Education, Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, 205 Jefferson Street, 4th floor Jefferson Building, Jefferson City, MO 65102 during regular office hours and are also available on the office website.

 

Written public comments on the proposed changes are being solicited and should be directed as follows no later than the close of business on November 7, 2013, to: 

 

Special Education Compliance

Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

P.O. Box 480

Jefferson City, MO 65102-0480

Fax: 573-526-5946

Email: Idea.Comments@dese.mo.gov

 

Public hearings will be held by webinar on:

 

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

1:30 - 3:30 p.m. http://dese.mo.gov/webinar/Webinar10-15-13-SE.htm

 

Friday, November 1, 2013

1:30 - 3:30 p.m. http://dese.mo.gov/webinar/Webinar11-01-13-SE.htm

 

To participate in a webinar, type in or click on the corresponding link above on a computer with internet access and follow the directions.  During the webinar, you will have the opportunity to type in and submit your comments to Department staff.  The webinars will remain open to receive public comment for a minimum of one hour or until all comments have been received.

 

Individuals who require special accommodations to participate in the public hearing, need to contact the Office of Special Education at the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education at least 72 hours prior to the event at 573-751-5739.

 

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The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Office of Special Education is proposing changes to the state regulations implementing Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).  These are the regulations that govern the First Steps Early Intervention Program for children, birth to three years, and their families.  These regulations also include requirements for transition from Part C (First Steps) to Part B (Early Childhood Special Education), including services to children with summer third birthdays.

The proposed changes are available for inspection until November 12, 2013, in the Office of Special Education, Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, 205 Jefferson Street, Jefferson City, MO 65102 during regular office hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  The proposed changes are also available on the Office of Special Education website.   A chart identifying the content changes is also available.

Before adopting any proposed changes necessary to comply with Part C of the IDEA Act, the state must hold hearings for public review and comment on the proposed changes to regulations.  Two public hearings on these proposed changes will be held by webinar during October 2013.  The webinar dates, times, and access links are listed below:

Proposed State Plan Changes for Part C - 1st Public Hearing Thursday, October 24, 2013, 1:30 p.m.

Proposed State Plan Changes for Part C - 2nd Public Hearing Tuesday, October 29, 2013, 1:30 p.m.

Written public comments on the proposed changes in state regulations may be submitted during the webinars or through the following methods until close of business on November 12, 2013.

By mail: Office of Special Education, Attn: Pam Schroeder, P.O. Box 480, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0480
By email: Idea.Comments@dese.mo.gov, Attn: Pam Schroeder, Part C State Plan Comments
By fax: Attn: Pam Schroeder, (573) 526-4404 

 

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MPACT Parent Mentors are available to offer support and guidance to parents of children with disabilities throughout the IEP process.  Parent Mentors are volunteers who receive 24 hours of initial training, ongoing monthly training, and technical assistance from MPACT staff with regard to special education law, the IEP process, conflict resolution, and effective communication.  Their goal is to help parents build a collaborative partnership with the school district so their child may receive an appropriate education. Click here to view the list of current MPACT Parent Mentors.

 

 

 

MPACT welcomes donations in any amount and will acknowledge all donors in our Annual Report and on our MPACT Facebook page. Agency, organization and business donors making a contribution of $200.00 or more will be recognized by placing their name and logo on our website's donation page. Individual donations of $50.00 or more will be added to our Friends of MPACT list. Donations may be made by credit card through PayPal on our website or by sending a check to the state office: MPACT, 8301 State Line Rd., Ste. 204, Kansas City MO, 64114. Every donation will receive a receipt for tax purposes.