The Governor's Council on Disability's annual Inclusion Award program recognizes and honors a Missouri resident, organization or business that illustrates excellence in leadership for best inclusion practices. Innovative universal design and assistive technology concepts that incorporate people with disabilities also may be submitted. The winning award and honorable mention are presented annually at the Power Up assistive technology conference.

The deadline for submitting nominations is December 2, 2013.   Click here for more information.

 

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Partners in Policy 2013 Class Application

The Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council is currently accepting applications from interested people for the 20th Partners in Policy class! The program is open to a limited number of people. If selected, the Council willpay for lodging and meals and reimburse participants for travel. Depending upon individual needs, respite and attendant care may also be reimbursed. Participants will be expected to:

•  make a commitment to attend eight two-day sessions between February and September 2014.
• complete all  homework assignments, to include one major project designed to meet competencies.

 

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Funding is available for school districts to help support readers for students who are legally blind.  The FY14 Readers for the Blind application and manual can be found on the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's  website.    

  

Applications and supporting documentation for services provided to eligible students during the 2013-14 school year should be submitted electronically to  spedfunding@dese.mo.gov prior to serving the child but no later than November 30, 2013.  Electronic copies of current eye reports are required as supporting documentation for all new student applicants, as well as for students with eye reports older than three years on file with Rehabilitation Services for the Blind. 

 

The Special Education Finance Section will forward applications to Rehabilitation Services for the Blind for certification and, if approved, notify the school district of the student's eligibility and the requirements for reporting reader services.  If you have questions, please contact Special Education Finance at (573) 751-0622 or by email at spedfunding@dese.mo.gov. 

 

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Differentiating Instruction

Many general educators believe that they need specialized strategies to teach students with disabilities. While it can be beneficial to know about certain types of disabilities before teaching students with labels, often teachers are effective when they are accepting, look for strengths in their students, provide personal attention when necessary, and allow for differences in the ways students approach tasks and complete classroom work.

 

Teachers can also support the learners in diverse classrooms by differentiating instruction. But what exactly is differentiating instruction? To put it simply, differentiating instruction involves providing instruction that is accessible and challenging to all.  Tips and resources for creating inclusive classrooms can be found on the Paula Kuth, Forward Inclusive Classrooms and Communities website. 

 

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Introducton to Special Education web training

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has launched a new web based training.  Introduction to Special Education is an overview of the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) process in Missouri.  The web site is free to use and may be used by anyone interested in knowing more about Special Education including parents, students, advocates, teachers, administrators, and other interested parties. 

 

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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.