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May 19, 2022

The Ally: Planning for Positive Change
 

This week we share with you several opportunities to plan for positive change. We hope you will consider attending the Mississippi disAbility Megaconference, the Mississippi Trauma-Informed Conference and the National Federation of Families' annual conference. There are also upcoming opportunities to give input into proposed changes in Section 504 Plans and possibly 988 crisis planning. 

Both the Board of Mental Health and the Mississippi State Board of Education meet on May 19 if you would like to attend either of those meetings. Please join Families as Allies for our Virtual: Bring Your IEP and Other School Questions on May 19 at noon CDT. Our Leadership Training Graduates Coaching and Support Group is May 25 from noon to 1:00 p.m. CDT. We also strongly encourage anyone interested in the mental health system to attend the Joint Planning Council Meeting on May 26 from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. CDT.

I appreciate your patience during the time our Facebook page was down. It's back up, so be sure to check it out, and please like and follow it if you haven't done so already.

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FROM OUR BLOG
 
Disability Scoop reported that “the U.S. Department of Education is considering amendments to regulations implementing Section 504.”
 
A number of Mississippi conferences are coming up soon that Families as Allies encourages you to consider attending.
 
The 988 Crisis Line is coming to Mississippi, where it will be spearheaded by the Mississippi Department of Mental Health.

EVENTS
 
Details and the agenda will be provided in the coming months after finalization and approval by the committee.
 
The Mississippi Board of Mental Health Meeting will be held on May 19 at the Department of Mental Health.
 
The Mississippi State Board of Education meeting will be held on May 19th. Participants may attend live or view the meeting via live stream.
 
This hour is open for any family member to drop in for all or some of the time to ask questions or get feedback about IEP issues.
 
Families and professionals are encouraged to attend the EHDI AC quarterly meeting. Public comments may be shared during the meeting.
 
Education leaders, disability advocates, coordinators, and special education professionals will discuss the issues affecting students.
 
This group will focus on opportunities for leadership training graduates to serve on decision-making groups, provide coaching guidance.
 
Marcus Stallworth, LMSW will share how effective co-parenting can aid and assist in the overall growth and healthy development of children.
 
The Joint Planning and Advisory Council meeting will be held virtually Thu, May 26, 2022, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM (CST).
 
Family members may drop in to share any concerns or get feedback from others about handling different situations.
 
Join other parents for a monthly meeting and online gathering to coach and support other parents in any system.
 
Policy experts give key legislative updates and raise awareness on critical issues surrounding mental health and substance use treatment.

RESOURCES
 
Blue H.E.L.P. Acknowledging the Service and Sacrifice of Law Enforcement Officers lost to Suicide and bringing Awareness to Police Officer PTSD.
 
The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline can help. Call or text 1-833-9-HELP4MOMS (1-833-943-5746). TTY users can use a preferred relay service or dial 711 and then 1-833-943-5746.
 
The initial shift to remote schooling that occurred in response to the COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges to school communities across the country. Among the many challenges, searching for ways to collaborate more closely with families to sustain student learning and development under the new context became paramount for educators.