Encouraging, Educating & Empowering

for more than 40 years

Whoops - The date for our SHIFT training was incorrect in our previous email.

We hope to see you on October 21st in Salina!

Spotlight on Transition Videos

Are you feeling overwhelmed trying to understand how the IEP will help prepare your student for life after high school? Check out some of our new videos designed to help you understand transition services in the IEP. Also, remember if you need assistance understanding your student’s IEP or the transition to adulthood process, we are a phone call (785) 233-4777 or email away.

Transition to Adulthood in the IEP

In Kansas transition services are included in the IEP the year your youth turns 14. Transitioning to adulthood for students with disabilities can feel like an overwhelming process. Check out this quick video to better understand how the transition services in the IEP can help a student prepare for their good life.

Interagency Linkages

Transitioning to adulthood is a huge step. One important element of the transition services in a student’s IEP that can help bridge the gap between the services they receive now and after high school is interagency linkages.

Summary of Performance: Leaving High School

This video will share information on the Summary of Performance and how it can help your youth prepare for a successful transition.

Resources for Transition Age Youth and Adults

My Life – My Dreams - What are Postsecondary Goals?

It's your future! This video will help youth understand what a postsecondary goal is and why they should share their dreams for after high school with their IEP team.

IE.. what? Why do I need and IEP?

This video will help students understand what an IEP is and why they need one.

CHASE Your Dreams Podcast

These 5-7 minute podcasts are fun and insightful for youth, sharing ways to be healthier and happier in order to achieve their dream life. Podcasts are available in two formats – audio and video.

Click here to listen to the podcast!

Click here to check out our Youtube!

Spotlight on events

Has your student’s school started talking about transition services? Is the team talking about postsecondary goals, employment, outside agencies, transition assessments? Are you feeling overwhelmed and lost?

Parents and youth with disabilities, age 14-21, are invited to join us for this free training to discover the road to a good life. We will explore person-centered planning and learn about the transition process, Vocational Rehabilitation services, Independent Living Centers, Medicaid waivers and so much more. Families and youth will leave with a plan outlining next steps for their transition from high school to adult life. Preparing for the Good Life!

October 21, 2023

Join us as we share tips, resources, and information to help families and transition age youth

learn about transition as part of the Individualized Education Program (IEP).
discover how Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) and Centers for Independent Living (CILs) can help.
hear stories of people with disabilities who are living their good lives.
get information for accessing supports and services.
gain information regarding the Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Medicaid waivers.
leave with next steps for adult life, career planning and job support.

Click Click here to learn more and register for SHIFT

A FREE two-day in-person training designed for families, youth/young adults who have disabilities and/or special health care needs, and others who support them.

Join us as we share information about the services, programs and supports available to support gaining and maintaining employment for youth/young adults who have disabilities. We will also share strategies for using person-centered planning to individualize transition services in the IEP and employment outcomes. Employment is Possible!

November 17, 2023 – Part 1: Building the Dream of Employment

Outside the Box job possibilities
Using transition services in the IEP to support employment
Meet individuals have disabilities who are successfully employed (afternoon panel)

November 18, 2023 – Part 2: Identifying and Accessing Employment Resources

Services, programs, and information to support gaining and maintaining employment
Antidiscrimination laws
Visit with state and local adult service agencies who support individuals with disabilities (afternoon panel)

A limited number of hotel rooms are available to families who travel more than 50 miles and attend both days of the FEAT training.

Click here to learn more and register for FEAT

We’d love to hear from you. Take this six question survey and let us know if the resources we share in our Monday Memos, our social media and website are helpful. Let us know what you’d like to learn more about.

Click here to take the survey

Upcoming Events

Education Advocate & Parental Rights Training (in person)

October 24th - Pittsburg, KS

November, 29th - Wichita, KS

There are more than 900 Kansas children and youth with disabilities whose parents are unknown, unavailable or whose parental rights have bThese children and youth need someone like you to represent them in special education matters!

Empowering Families - Lunch & Learn Workshop (Via Microsoft Teams)

October 19th - Let's Talk IEP's

November 16th - Challenging Behavior? Tips for Home and School

January 18th - Understanding & Supporting Your Child’s Sensory Needs

February 15th - Step Ahead at Age Three

March 21st - Movin’ On: Preparing for Your Next Move when your Child has a Disability

April 18th - Strategies for Supporting Your Child with Autism

Click here to view all of our upcoming events!

Who We Are

Families Together, Inc. is the Parent Training and Information (PTI) and Family-to-Family Health Information Center (F2F HIC) for Kansas families which include a child with an exceptionality and/or special healthcare needs. We are families helping families. We are just a phone call, 785-233-4777, or email,[email protected], away.

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You Can Make a Big Difference!

We love what we do! We aim to encourage, educate, and empower families as we assist parents and their sons and daughters. We are lucky to have a team of supportive backers that help us continue this important work! Would you consider supporting our mission?

We need 1,000 people to give $10 to support our work of assisting families. Small steps make a big difference!

To learn more and to donate, click here.

I am sitting here, yet again almost in tears, because someone is willing to help, and listen. You guys aren't turning me away and ignoring me. A momma who understands! You don't know how much this momma appreciates it!~

Kansas parent

Click here to let us know how we are doing? We value your input.

Other Opportunity to Support Families Together

Dillons will make a donation to Families Together every time you shop if you select us as your charity of choice. Visit www.dillons.com/communityrewards. Choose Families Together Inc. ( LJ162) Select "Families Together Inc."

contactus@familiestogetherinc .org - (785) 233-4777