Have an event you would like to add? Let us know at fvnd@drtel.net

One in every five households in North Dakota as a child with special health care needs. Many of these families are left to find answers on their own, have difficulty locating resources, or have not spoken to other families of a child with the same diagnosis. We need your support to meet the increasing demand for help from families living with disabilities and chronic health illnesses. The need for our services and support is rapidly increasing. You can help, please go to the following website to see what you can do to assist FVND: www.fvnd.org

• Donate now at https://app.givingheartsday.org/#/charity/252

Family Voices of ND video- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4rgB1NFfyU

NDAD's Autism Spectrum Assistance Program (ASAP) assists children and adults with autism with medical travel expenses, respite services and equipment when no other payment option is available through local, state or federal programs. Qualifying individuals receive mileage assistance for out-of-town medical travel for appointments including occupational and physical therapy, speech language pathology and behavioral therapy as well as psychiatric appointments. NDAD may also help with respite care expenses and various pieces of equipment that may be helpful for those with autism. You must complete an application and qualify based on NDAD guidelines. Visit ndad.org for an application or contact one of our six office locations: Bismarck, Dickinson, Fargo, Grand Forks, Minot and Williston.

The Interagency Coordinating Council (ICC- https://www.hhs.nd.gov/early-childhood-services/early-intervention/interagency-coord-council) is looking for parents to join. Please see website if you are interested

The NDDPI’s Office of Specially Designed Instruction, has launched the Paraprofessional Training Project to support professional growth for certified Special Education (SPED) Paraprofessionals. Through this initiative, certified Special Education Paraprofessionals can receive compensation for completing up to three courses from the Paraprofessional Training Project Catalog. While designed to enhance existing district trainings, these courses are not intended to replace the areas of preparation needed to earn the Special Education Paraprofessional Certificate and are open to all learners interested in building their skills. Click here for Course Listings and here for the Course Reimbursement Application Form.

Need to travel for medical care? NDAD can help. NDAD offers financial assistance for out-of-town medical travel and lodging to eligible individuals with disabilities or chronic health conditions. Whether you're driving to a specialist or staying overnight for treatment, https://ndad.org<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__ndad.org_&d=DwMF-g&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=C7PQFotqrZVN7lCl7U4qdg&m=qR5WHqYbO4kygH9wr0OOJdq37obOkn3824Mszpu8wUC_1kblbtvex4oPV-4kurUg&s=1LLCCP2yPnnacSIDiwfw_t2tcsh9Ii9OoC3_8H96E24&e=>.

ND Children’s Cabinet: Recruiting an individual to serve as a parent member 

The North Dakota's Children's Cabinet was created in 2019 by Senate Bill No. 2313 to assess, guide and coordinate care for children across North Dakota branches of government and tribal nations. The 15-member cabinet members include legislators and representatives from various state agencies, the Governor's Office, the North Dakota Supreme Court and tribal nations. Other members appointed by the governor include parents, private service providers and other community partners. The Cabinet is recruiting a parent member apply here.

HHS seeks public input on Medicaid waiver to expand access for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities- HHS seeks public input on Medicaid waiver to expand access for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities | Health and Human Services North Dakota

Public comment period opens for North Dakota State Council on Developmental Disabilities proposed five-year state plan | Health and Human Services North Dakota

The PMHCA program provides trainings to improve access to care for pediatric patients with mental health conditions in rural and underserved communities throughout North Dakota. The focus of this program is to build and strengthen capacity of best practice care among primary care and other providers supporting patients with these disorders 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month 12 p.m. - 1 p.m. CT; Upcoming Pediatric Mental Health TeleECHO Clinics - Project ECHO

Pediatric Mental Health - Project ECHO

Behavioral Health Trainings | Health and Human Services North Dakota

IMPCCT advisory council surveys Student Survey About College – Fill out form- for middle and high school students with IDD to fill out independently or with help from their parents or teacher

Parent/Guardian Survey About College – Fill out form – For parents to fill out on their young adult with IDD

Professional Survey About College for Young Adults with IDD – Fill out form – For middle and high school teachers of students with IDD

Federal News You Can Use Updated Weekly

5 Key Facts About Children with Special Health Care Needs and Medicaid

Understanding Parent Perspectives of Preemptive Intervention for Toddler Siblings of Autistic Children

Rural Health Transformation Program: State Focus on Maternal and Child Health

State Use of Paraprofessional Providers for Children and Youth with Chronic and Complex Needs - NASHP

SAVE The DATES:

The 2026 Public Health Conference, taking place May 5–7 at Bismarck State College

Ken's Flower Shop, Mental Health America of North Dakota, and the ND Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health are hosting the "Bloomin Light Out of the Darkness" Gala on May 21st from 5:30 PM-9:00 PM at the Radisson Hotel in Bismarck. Tickets are available at https://donorbox.org/events/912934

Save the Date! 2026 Children & Families Wellness Fair Tuesday, June 9th, 2026 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. Essentia Health Plaza at The Lights 3150 Sheyenne St, West Fargo, ND

The annual Summer Camp sponsored by the North Dakota School for the Deaf/Resource Center will be held June 15 to 19^th at Triangle YMCA near Garrison. Registration coming soon

FM Special Needs Support Network- Family Fun Community Walk; 3601 11^th St N, Moorhead MN 56560; Saturday June 27, 2026 9:30 am- 12:00 pm

The North Dakota Department of Public Instruction (NDDPI), Office of Indian/Multicultural Education, and the North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission are pleased to announce the 12th Annual North Dakota Indian Education Summit (NDIES). This two full-day event will be held July 28-29, at the North Dakota State Capitol in Bismarck, ND.

Save the Date: Caring for the Caregiver - Caregiver Summit August 20, 2026 9am to 4:30 pm. Join us for a day filled with valuable insights and resources for caregivers

Save the Date: Join us for the 6th annual Behavioral Health & Children and Family Services Conference

Sept. 14–17, 2026 at the Bismarck Event Center (In Person and Virtual)

Save the Date: Oct 2-4th Parent Leadership Institute hosted by Family Voices of ND