Watch this video from the US Department of

Labor celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Section 504.

MPACT's Featured Webinar Series

Transition From High School to Adult Life Resources

IEP Tip Sheet Age of Majority

This tip sheet introduces and briefly defines age of majority. The age of majority is defined by state law and is the age at which the child is no longer a minor and assumes rights and responsibilities to make certain legal decisions. To learn more, review the additional resources and check with state law for specific information about age of majority in your state. Learn more HERE

A Transition Guide to Postsecondary Education and Employment for Students and Youth with Disabilities (Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services). This guide includes information for educators and parents to help develop a transition plan for students with disabilities and guides opportunities for post-secondary life.

Preparing Your Child for Age of Majority and Transfer of Rights (PACER's Parent Center). This two-page document explains the age or majority process and gives helpful tips on transferring a student’s rights from their parent(s) to the student at the age of 18.

Age of Majority (Center for Parent Information & Resources). This resource breaks down the IDEA requirements for the age of majority. English and Spanish versions are available.

When Your Child with an IEP Turns 18: Your Parental Rights (Understood). This article assists parents with preparing for their child’s transition to adulthood and how rights transfer to the child with an IEP once they reach adulthood. 

Commemoration Month

September 25th-October 1 is International Week of the Deaf



During the last week of September draws attention to the accomplishments of people who are deaf and also promotes their rights. It is also known as the Deaf Awareness Week or International Week of Deaf People. Read more HERE

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline



If you are thinking about suicide, are experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis, or are worried about a friend or loved one, reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for free and confidential support by calling or texting 988, or chatting at https://988lifeline.org/.

Learn more about 988 in Missouri.

Click HERE for Missouri Department of Mental Health Suicide Prevention Month Resources

Suicidal thoughts, much like mental health conditions, can affect anyone regardless of age, gender or background. In fact, suicide is often the result of an untreated mental health condition. Suicidal thoughts, although common, should not be considered normal and often indicate more serious issues. Click HERE for suicide prevention resources and information from NAMI

National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK(8255)

Parents' Guide to Youth Mental Health

The purpose of this document is to provide information for families whose youth are experiencing behavioral and/or mental health concerns. We encourage you to review this guide and make notes about your questions or concerns. Then bring this guide with you when you speak to your child’s school support staff, primary care provider, or therapist. This guide is for you, the parent. The last page is for your child. Talk to them about the resources available on the last page and ensure they know where they can go for help and support.

Parents' Guide to Youth Mental Health - A NAMI Missouri Publication

MO DESE Resource

Overview

Missouri was selected as one of seven AEM Cohort States (2020-2024) by the National Accessible Educational Materials Center for intensive technical assistance to improve access and usage of accessible educational materials and technologies for learners.

Purpose

The purpose of Missouri’s AEM Project is to create a robust provisioning system to increase the availability and use of accessible educational materials (AEM) and accessible technologies by all learners to improve their overall success.

Vision

Missouri's students, teachers, and parents will be able to access, acquire, create, and implement AEM.

Other Resources

National Resource Center

for Supported Decision-Making

Early Childhood Corner

Step 1: Identification- Missouri law requires school districts to locate, identify, and evaluate all students with disabilities including private and home schooled students. This process is called Child Find.

Step 2: Evaluation- Evaluation requests should be made in writing to the local school district. School districts have 5 calendar days from the date of the request to respond to parents with a Prior Written Notice and 60 calendar days to complete the evaluation once the parent provides consent. Click HERE to review the Parent Referral Flow Chart.

Step 3: Eligibility Determination Meeting (EDM)- This meeting is held to review the

evaluation information to determine if the child meets Missouri eligibility criteria for special

education services. If the child is found eligible, the evaluation report is placed in the child's educational file and a copy is provided to parents generally 20 days after the EDM.

Step 4: IEP Meeting- An IEP meeting must be held within 30 calendar days after it is

determined that the child is found eligible to receive services under IDEA. The team, which

includes the parent, will meet to determine appropriate services and supports.

Step 5: The IEP- The IEP describes how the child is currently doing in school (present levels of academic achievement) and how the child’s disability affects his or her involvement and progress in the general curriculum (functional performance). The IEP might include: specialized instruction; accommodations and related services; & assistive technology, if applicable.

Read more about the IEP HERE

Learn more about special education resources HERE

Learn more about Missouri First Steps HERE

The Importance of Family Engagement

Family engagement is essential in promoting healthy physical, cognitive and social-emotional development, and academic achievement of children and youth from pre-K to high school. Research shows that when families are meaningfully and continuously engaged in their children’s learning and development, they can positively impact their child’s health, development, academic, and well-being outcomes into adulthood. Read more HERE.

Unlock the power of data and become a Family Data Leader

Family Data Leadership Project

The Family Data Leadership Project increases parents and families skills to understand and use data so they can meaningfully engage in discussions about state and local programs that impact infants, toddlers, and preschoolers with disabilities. MPACT has partnered with the Center for IDEA Early Childhood Data Systems to recruit and train Family Data Leaders (FDL).

What is a Family Data Leader?

• A Family data leader is Informed, Involved, and Empowered.

• An FDL uses their knowledge of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to make changes to early intervention programs and systems that impact the education of children with disabilities.

• An FDL uses data to make informed decisions about the education of children with disabilities.

• An FDL empowers other parents and families to become collaborators in their child’s education. Learn more about FDL’s HERE

FDL training will be coming to the Saint Louis area October 2023. Training dates, times and locations will be announced soon!

Resources for Military Families

Suicide Awareness

Suicide is a serious concern in military communities; service members and their families deal with a great number of stressors. Research shows that strong social connections and a sense of belonging can reduce the risk of suicide. The Department of Defense is committed to taking care of service members and their families and this includes supporting mental health. You can help by paying attention to those around you — or reach out to talk to someone if you feel you can’t cope. Read more HERE.

Challenging the School to Prison Pipeline

Planning and Preparing for a School Meeting About Your Child’s Behavior Needs

Supporting your child’s behavior needs at school can be challenging. For a child with a disability or mental health diagnosis with behavioral needs it can be even more challenging. Planning ahead for a meeting about your child’s behavior needs will help you explain your own ideas about the best way to help your child in addition to listening to the ideas of others. Consider the following questions as you look for ways to understand your child’s behavior needs and prepare for your meeting.

1. What is the challenging behavior?

2. When and where does the behavior occur? How often? Who is around when it happens?

3. Is there a relationship between my child’s disability and his or her behavior?

4. What has been tried so far? What has worked? What has not worked?

5. What do I think the behavior might mean? What need does it meet?

6. What are my child’s strengths, and can we use them to build a plan?

7. What plan would I like to suggest trying next?

8. When will we meet again to talk about the progress and needs of my child?

Click HERE for more on Preparing for a school meeting

OJJDP Observes the 49th Anniversary of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act

Join OJJDP in observing the 49th anniversary of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA) and its impact on juvenile justice.

Signed into law on September 7, 1974, the JJDPA established OJJDP to support local and state efforts to prevent delinquency and improve the juvenile justice system.

In 2018, the Juvenile Justice Reauthorization Act reauthorized and amended the JJDPA. The legislation strengthens the four core requirements, mandates states to implement strategies to identify and decrease racial and ethnic disparities, and promotes alternatives to incarceration and family engagement.

RESOURCES:

• Learn about OJJDP’s priorities.
• Access Admin Liz Ryan’s Monthly Calls for more in-depth conversation on youth justice in the field.
• Follow OJJDP on X formerly known as Twitter and Facebook.

Friday October 6th @ 10am-11am

Understanding the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) Process 

Friday October 13th @ 10am-11:30am

Positive Behavior Intervention

Friday October 20th @ 10am-11:30am

Section 504 and Students with Disabilities

In-Person Trainings

September 26th @ 5:00pm-7:00pm

The Art of Effective Advocacy (IEP Clinic)

Saint Louis ARC 1177 N Warson Rd, St. Louis, MO. 63132

September 28th @ 9:00am-12:00pm

Understanding the IEP Process (IEP Clinic)

Drury University194 Eastlawn Ave, Suite C, St. Robert, MO. 65584

September 28th @ 9:00am-12:00pm

Understanding the IEP Process (IEP Clinic)

Compass Health Network 913 S. Pershing St. Salem, MO. 65560

October 17th @ 12:00pm-2:00pm

Bully Prevention What Parents Can Do

Believe 675 Mt. Vernon Blvd. Mt. Vernon, MO. 65712

View all upcoming MPACT trainings HERE.

All MPACT trainings are free of charge! If you would like to schedule any MPACT training in your area or for your organization

please click on the link HERE

Make A Difference, Join MPACT Today!