MPACT ENews
 

November 1, 2014

 

 Celebrating 26 Years of Excellence

Serving Missouri Families!

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Did you miss an issue of the MPACT ENews? Delete it by mistake? Wish you could find a past article? Well you can! To view current and past issues of the MPACT ENews visit our  website.Top

In this issue, you will find information about a new YouTube video shown during the 2014 Transition Summit, our current training schedule, two Mentor Spotlights and much more.
MPACT Hires New Executive Director

The Board of Directors of MPACT is pleased to announce Ms. Carissa Rupp as the organization's new Executive Director. Carissa will follow MPACT's legacy of educating and empowering parents across Missouri. We are collectively elated about the new energy, new ideas, and new skills that Carissa brings to MPACT. Please join us in welcoming her.

 
Board of Directors Applicants Wanted

MPACT (Missouri Parents Act) is looking for enthusiastic individuals to help develop a diverse community-based board of directors.  We seek members with a broad variety of backgrounds, ethnicities and experience, people with disabilities, parents of children with disabilities, people with experience with other children's issues, people simply interested in child education, people with fundraising expertise, business professionals and educators.

 

For more information and to apply, please download our Board Member Application packet.

  

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Join Our Mailing List!
In This Issue
MPACT Executive Director
Board of Directors Applicants Wanted
MPACT is Hiring
MPACT 2014 Transition Summit
Responding to Bullying
Governor's Council on Disability Awards
Getting the Facts
MPACT Mentor Spotlight
MPACT Mentor Program
MPACT's First Steps Webpage
MPACT Online Trainings
Upcoming Trainings
Support MPACT!
Give the Gift of Knowledge
Quick Links
Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
View our videos on YouTube

 

Volunteer

Surveys- How are we doing?

MPACT is Hiring

MPACT is current seeking a Regional Coordinator for the South East Region of Missouri.  This area includes Bollinger, Butler, Cape Girardeau, Carter, Dunklin, Howell, Madison, Mississippi, New Madrid, Oregon, Ozark, Pemiscot, Perry, Reynolds, Ripley, Scott, Shannon, St. Francois, Ste. Genevieve, Stoddard and Wayne Counties.

 

Download the Job Description for full details on duties and qualifications.  Our employment application is available on our website.

  

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TranitionSummit The MPACT 2014 Transition Summit was a success!

The MPACT 2014 Transition Summit was held on October 29 in Jefferson City.  The Summit was a great success and was attended by 188 students and 177 parents and professionals. We even had a couple sessions with seating issues that were beyond our control; but everyone was so understanding!

  

This year during lunch we showed a video containing photos from the 2013 Transition Summit.  That video is now available for you to view on YouTube.  We were also fortunate to have a videographer at this year's event who interviewed some of the students who attended.  That video will be added to our YouTube channel as soon as the editing process is complete.  Watch our Facebook and Twitter feeds for an announcement when it is ready.
 

Our THANKS to all of the SCHOOLS that brought students, as well as the Presenters, Exhibitors, and Attendees for making this such a successful event.

We also want to recognize the MPACT Mentors and Staff who worked hard to keep things running smoothly; to Debby Loveall-Stewart for doing such a wonderful job organizing the event and Connie Smith for handling all of the registrations!


 

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Dear Colleague Letter: Responding to Bullying of Students with Disabilities
On October 21, 2014, the U.S. Department of Education; Office of Civil Rights issued a "Dear Colleague Letter" which focused on bullying of students with disabilities and schools' obligations to respond to this bullying.

The letter acknowledges that the bullying of a student with a disability on any basis can  result that student being denied a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) under the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (Title II).  It also address the need for schools to fully understand their legal obligations to address and prevent disability discrimination in our schools.

The letter is found on the U.S. Department of Education website.  Parents and professionals should make time to read this "Dear Colleague Letter" and share it with others.
 
 GCDawards2nd Annual Youth Leadership and 23rd Annual Inclusion Awards

The Governor's Council on Disability promotes full participation and inclusion of the nearly one million Missourians with disabilities in all aspects of community life by educating citizens, businesses, schools, universities and others of their rights and responsibilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
 

The Youth Leadership Award recognizes an outstanding Missouri youth (age 18-30) with a disability that has demonstrated exemplary leadership by making a difference in their community.  More information about the award and how to submit a nomination, click here.
 

The Inclusion Award is presented annually to recognize and honor a Missouri resident, organization, business or state/local government division that illustrates excellence in leadership for the "best of the best inclusion practices." Innovative universal design and assistive technology concepts that incorporate people with disabilities may also be submitted. The nomination form and criteria are available here.


The deadline to submit nominations is December 1, 2014 for both the Youth Leadership Award and the Inclusion Award. 
  

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Getting the Facts About the Child with Attention and Learning Concerns

Decoding Dyslexia-MO will be hosting a training event on November 5 titled "Getting the Facts About Medication and the Child with Attention and Learning Concerns". 
 

Dr. David Kaufman, a Clinical Neuropsychologist, will discuss the importance of proper diagnosis for guiding the treatment for ADHD And learning disorders.  He will summarize the benefits and possible side effects of medical treatments, while highlighting the latest research on non-medical treatments for ADHD.  Please note that Dr. Friesen has had a scheduling conflict and will not be able to co-present as originally planned. 

 

The event will occur from 7pm-8:30pm at Holy Cross Academy School, Annunciation Campus, 16 West Glendale, St. Louis, MO  63119.  To RSVP or to learn about events being held in other parts of the state, visit the events section of the Decoding Dyslexia-MO website.

 
MentorSpotlightMPACT Mentor Spotlight

This month we are highlighting two MPACT Mentor's from the Southeast region of Missouri, April Swofford and Scott Bucher. 

April Swofford  

When did you first learn about MPACT?  While working closely with Easter Seals, we started a parent support group.  MPACT was one of the companies that was invited to give a presentation.  This was the first time I had ever heard of MPACT.
 

When did you decide you wanted to become an MPACT Mentor?  I have to admit I was not interested at all about adding yet another thing to my already busy schedule.  However, Scott Bucher, who at the time was a parent in our support group was very persistent about both of us becoming Mentors.  I quickly came to realize was an amazing team I couldn't imagine not being a part of!
 

What do you do outside of volunteering your time to MPACT?  I have been a hair stylist for 15 years.  I volunteer at the University Autism Center in Cape Girardeau.  I also am a home room Mom for my 3 amazing boys.
 

Share a little about your own children and how your relationships with MPACT helped you to advocate for their needs.  Speaking of my amazing boys!  My oldest, John, is 14 and currently in 9th grade at Jackson Junior High.  He has been diagnosed with ADHD and an Anxiety Disorder, however he is doing really good in school this year.  My twins, Austin and Dalton are 7.  They currently are in the 1st grade at Orchard Elementary.  Dalton was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the fall of 2012.  Together, the twins make an awesome duo!
 

Before MPACT, I didn't even know what an IEP was.  MPACT has definitely made every difference in helping me advocate for my boys.
 

In your experience, what is one of the biggest barriers parents of children with special needs face in the education system?   I truly feel that the lack of communication between the parents and the school plays a huge role.  In most cases, the parents do not have a good knowledge of their rights and/or understanding of the special education process.  All they know is that there are a lot of people on the "other side of the table".  I also feel in most cases the school staff could do a better job explaining what all the "big" words mean. This is a child we are talking about, wee need to all have respect and come together to make the best possible decisions.
 

You've served countless families as an MPACT Mentor.  Can you share one of the most memorable and/or most rewarding situations you've experienced?   How can I choose just one?  Being an MPACT Mentor has been one of the most rewarding things I have ever done in my life!  If I have to choose one, let me go with the lady who had a break down at our parent support group.  She was the reason MPACT was called to present.   It felt really good to be the person who helped her at her son's IEP meeting.  Just seeing the weight lifted off of these parents when we are walking out of the school is amazing.
 

If you could share one piece of advice with your fellow MPACT mentors and families, what would it be? Breathe.........it will all work out!  If you don't know the answer - ask.  if you need to vent - vent.  If you need a break, take a step back but don't give up!  Just breathe!
 

Scott Bucher
 

I reside in Cape Girardeau raising three kids and run my own business.  I am very fortunate to have the University of Autism and Easter Seals in my back yard.  I have two sons, 13 and 12, and one daughter that is 9.  My 12 year old has Autism and receives services through Easter Seals. In February, during one of his Music Therapies,  I saw a flyer for a "Parent Connect" meeting and attended.  A hand full of people attended and shared some of the hardships they where facing.  Most of these issues were "problems" relating to school issues. After hearing some of the horrific stories, I knew at that moment that I was going to try to make a difference. Regina, with Easter Seals, got me the information for MPACT. At this same meeting, there was a "with it... go getter..." parent named April, who I passionately persuaded (made her)  go through the training with me.  Since then, we have been helping families battle many different barriers.  One of the biggest is understanding what, by law, the school required to do.  Often, the school will tell parents that they are not required to provide a service or a assistive device, and this is just not true.  In one case, the school did not want to provide a child with a paraprofessional even though the school pointed out several times in the Present Level of Learning (PLL) section of the IEP that the child needed one on one.  At the end of the meeting, I spoke up reminding them of the written statement in the PLL. as well as pulling out any other tricks I had up my sleeve like Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE).  Then I heard the most beautiful words come from the LEA (decision maker for the school) saying that she agreed, that there was a need for a Para....Moms eyes swelled with tears. Wow, what a victory.  One thing I'd like to share with mentors and families that I have learned along this path is to utilize all your resources that are around you....people, web pages; there is a lot of information and a lot of people that can help you, all you have to do is act on it, don't be afraid to ask for help. 
 

MPACT is grateful for all of the hard work that April and Scott have given in support of families in their area.  Our volunteer Mentors make MPACT the strong statewide organization that it is.  To learn how you can become a volunteer Mentor, read on!
 

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MPACTMentor

MPACT Mentor Program

MPACT Mentors are available to offer support and guidance to parents of children with disabilities throughout the IEP process.  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 Mentors.
 

If your school district has had a MPACT Mentor in attendance at an IEP meeting, please take a moment to complete a brief online survey if you have not already done so.  A separate survey should be completed for each mentor who has provided services to parents in your district.  These surveys assist MPACT and DESE with identifying and addressing areas of success and improvement with the MPACT Mentor Program.

For more information about MPACT or if you have questions regarding the status of a Mentor, please contact MPACT by telephone at (800) 743-7634 or by e-mail at [email protected].    You can also view the MPACT website at http://www.ptimpact.org.  

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Does Your Child Receive First Steps Services? Visit MPACT's First Steps Page

For more information regarding First Steps services, how to qualify, First Steps online training, or MPACT First Steps resources follow this link:  

http://ptimpact.org/PartC/PartC.aspx  

 

Families new to First Steps are often unsure what to expect.  They need families who have been in First Steps to Share their stories!  To share your story regarding First Steps services that your child has received, click this link: http://ptimpact.org/PartC/OurStory.aspx 

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FREE Online Trainings offered through MPACT

Our free online trainings will help parents understand the special education process in the state of Missouri. You can access the MPACT online trainings listed below by going to the Training page on our website and clicking on Online Training. 
  • Extended School Year
  • Special Education: What I Need to Know

NEW as of October 2014!

  • IDEA Transition Requirements
  • Connecting Goals to Coordinated Activities and Services for Transition
  • Transition Resources - Disability Disclosure
  • Soft Skills
  • Solving the Employment Puzzle

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Free MPACT Trainings
MPACT trainings are provided free of charge to parents of children with disabilities. To sign up for an upcoming training, follow the links below, then click on the 'SIGNUP' button located next to the training name. Fill in your name, email address, phone number, the name of the training you wish to attend and the date it is being offered.TrainingSchedule

 

While registering for a live training is not mandatory it does ensure that the trainer has an adequate amount of handouts. This also allows MPACT to contact you should a training need to be cancelled or rescheduled. To view a comprehensive list of all trainings provided by MPACT go to http://ptimpact.org/Training/Training.aspx

 

Please be sure to double check the website training pages for any updates or changes to trainings offered.

 

Art of Effective Advocacy

Bullying Prevention; What Parents Can Do

Disagreement Resolution Processes

How to Write Measurable Annual Goals
 
IDEA Boot Camp
 
McKinney-Vento Act Overview

12/11/14   New Madrid

 

Positive Behavior Interventions

1/21/15   St. Louis

  

Special Education Law

11/6/14   Clinton

11/20/14   Kansas City

12/17/14   St. Louis

1/21/15  Town & Country

 

Special Education Mediation

3/4/15   Town & Country

 

Special Education: What I Need to Know

3/25/15  St. Louis

 

Steps to Success: Effectively Communicating Your Children's Needs

12/13/14   Chesterfield

 

Understanding ADHD

11/15/14   Chesterfield

 

Understanding the IEP Process 

 
Interested in training in your area?  We are always looking for groups to host MPACT trainings!  Contact Lori Williams, Training and Resource Coordinator, at 800-743-7634 or by email at [email protected] to find out how to bring MPACT training to parents located near you.

Shop On-line and Support MPACT!

Help MPACT every time you shop on-line! We get $5 for each new supporter in October. Plus, iGive is also giving away a special $2,000 in October to the top three people who get the most friends to join and use the iGive Button. Friends can support our cause, or their own favorite group. There will be one $1,000 winner, and two $500 winners. All you need to do is try the iGive Button through January 15, 2015. No purchase necessary! So, help us by joining iGive!
 

Learn more about how to help MPACT every time you make an on-line purchase!

  

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 Give the Gift of Knowledge - Donate to MPACT

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.

 

Please help us continue to provide the support that families of Missouri's children with disabilities are requesting by making a donation to MPACT. MPACT is a 501(c)3 organization. All donations are tax deductible.   

 

MPACT Donation Letter

 

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Help MPACT every time you shop on-line by joining iGive.
                 
                  Question? Comments? Suggestions? Send them to [email protected]
                            or contact the MPACT State Office at 1-800-743-7634.

 

 

Empowering families to advocate for themselves so that children with special education needs can reach their full potential in education and life - 

through support, training and education.