2014 Director's Creativity Showcase

The Missouri Mental Health Foundation, in collaboration with the Missouri Department of Mental Health, are sponsoring the 2014 Director's Creativity Showcase.  The showcase helps to acquaint the general public with the talents of the people it serves.  These are individuals receiving services through the Missouri Department of Mental Health with mental illness, developmental disabilities or addictions to alcohol, other drugs and gambling.  The artwork created is not only for the Showcase, but is sometimes used as a means of therapy.  This therapy provides an outlet for the artist to express his or her feelings - feelings they may not be able to verbally communicate.  The art show also has encouraged people to try something they may previously have never considered possible, only to find they have a true creative talent.

The guidelines, entry form, release form, timeline of activities and the volunteer collection sites for the 2014 Director's Creativity Showcase can be found on the Missouri Mental Heath Foundation website.  

The Director's Creativity Showcase gives monetary prizes to the top five artwork pieces judged in each of the three categories (CPS - mental illness, DD - developmental disabilities, and ADA - addictions disorder).  In addition, a professional category is included and an award provided to the "best of show". 

 

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The Story Share Writing Contest to Benefit Teen & Adult Beginning Readers 

Parent Technical Assistance Center Awards Announced

The U.S. Department of Education has announced the following five-year grant awards for Parent Technical Assistance Centers:

 

Region 1: Statewide Parent Advocacy Network (NJ)

Region 2: Exceptional Children's Assistance Center (NC)

Region 3: Parent to Parent of Georgia (GA)

Region 4: Wisconsin FACETS (WI)

Region 5: PEAK Parent Center (CO)

Region 6: Matrix Parent Network & Resource Center (CA)

Center for Parent Information and Resources: Statewide Parent Advocacy Network (NJ)

Native American Parent Technical Assistance Center: Education for Parents of Indian Children with Special Needs (NM)

 

Congratulations!

 

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Proposed Changes to State Plan for Part B

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.