IPUL's E-News for February 18, 2022
Here are the highlights of our recent activity online. Not everything is included due to timeliness. If an advertised event already took place, we've left it off.
Questions And Answers With You in 2022 - Week 7 Answers
Idaho Parents Unlimited
Engage + Educate + Bridge + Lead
part 1 of week 7
Angela, Executive Director
"I know I'm a bit biased as the executive director but I'll tell you that my favorite things about IPUL are having the opportunity to bridge relationships between schools and parents, helping parents understand the IEP process, and helping to making sense of the entire Medicaid program in Idaho. I love when parents have that sigh of relief when they are finally connected to others who "get it." I love all of the opportunities that we get to partner on advocacy efforts that impact the systems are families our trying to navigate. I love, love, love our arts programming. Our Work of Art employment skill building program produces some of the most beautiful outcomes for youth who are entering adulthood and preparing themselves for this great big world! I've been with IPUL for more than twelve years now but they've been a part of my life since I found them when my daughter was about age two. She's turning 26 this month. IPUL has been life-changing for me in too many ways to count ."

"I love that you guys help where I didn’t even know I needed help! I wish I had this when my daughter was first placed in an IEP. I didn’t understand it and still don’t entirely! She needed so much advocating at the beginning and I wasn’t fully prepared. You are an amazing resource to empower parents! I’m new to you and your programs so I am just looking forward to seeing what all you have!"

"Idaho Parents Unlimited is essential to Idaho and the families they serve. Small, but mighty and it's incredible on how much they accomplish and how many they support. They have personally supported me through the IEP process, how to walk through dispute resolution issues, and just day to day questions that arise when it comes to special education. Highly recommend!"
part 2 of week 7
"Idaho Parents Unlimited has been such a blessing in my families life. Besides being an advocate and knowledgeable, they're also there to listen. Friends and family are wonderful, but sometimes having someone that's passionate for people with disabilities is a wonderful option. Thank you Ipul for being an ear when I needed someone."

"The people within this organization, are so helpful. They are well educated and very kind and understanding."

"This is a great place to get information and resources regarding anything related to disability. Whether it is for you, your child or someone you know."

"I feel like I learn more and more everyday when I see posts from Idaho Parents Unlimited. It’s been an amazing experience learning about the different programs you provide as well as feeling confident that I know what my tools are when it comes to advocating for my daughter, and eventually my son if he needs it in the future."

"Seeing the difference in my roommates daughter after she was enrolled in the different programs you all advocate for was amazing. One minute no one could understand her the next she was a different kid. I hope that others can get the help they need to advocate for the kids in their lives that need too!"
part 3 of week 7
"This is such a helpful conference! I learned so much and made wonderful friends."

"Parent Leadership is life changing!! Anyone who has an opportunity to attend should jump on it. I’m forever grateful for the chance I had to attend years ago."

"Thanks to Parent Leadership, I feel much better equipped to support other families in my community now. Thank you, IPUL!"

We love having the opportunity to support and educate all of our families! - IPUL Staff
#QuestionsWithYouIn2022
Facebook and Instagram: /IdahoParentsUnlimited
Twitter: /IPULIdaho
ipulidaho.org
parents@ipulidaho.org
208.342.5884
Rare Disease Day 2022:
Why A Genetic Diagnosis Matters
Rare Disease Day - February 28, 2022

As Rare Disease Day 2022 approaches, IPUL invites you to learn about why a "Genetic Diagnosis Matters."

Click the image or the link below to open a PDF and learn about our executive director's personal story of her daughter's ultra-rare genetic diagnosis.
Be sure to scan the QR codes to view several short videos that explain the basics of genetics, barriers to a diagnosis, and three family stories.

Feel free to contact our office for more information on accessing genetic services for your child. As members of the Western States Regional Genetics Network, we are also available to assist our professional health partners in understanding genetic services or in providing additional resources to the families you serve.

Other Stories We Shared This Week:
Events from Idaho Relatives as Parents
We shared a couple of events from Idaho Relatives as Parents this week:


We are doing two Dr. Seuss events for kinship families (the one in Mountain Home is for all community families) in March. 

March 2nd, Mountain Home Library, 4:00-6:30 pm with story time, crafts, and light meal--open to the community

March 19, Wilder-310 B Avenue, Wilder--2 to 4:30 pm with story time, crafts, and light meal-KINSHIP families only from anywhere in the Treasure Valley. 

Kinship is any relative raising a child for a family member with or without the support of Health and Welfare.

RSVP for both events to charlye.hahn@a3ssa.com
Child Care Provider Appreciation Day
We shared this event from Idaho Voices for Children: Child Care Provider Appreciation Day! March 7, 2022

Child care is a critical part of the lives of our Idaho families and our state’s economy. Each day, child care providers are there to lift up their communities by helping parents and caregivers go to work while caring for and educating our children. Join Idaho’s First Steps Alliance as we share our appreciation for child care providers with lawmakers all day on Monday, March 7th through a variety of virtual engagement opportunities!

Child Care Provider Appreciation Day is open to parents and caregivers, child care providers, and any community member who values the importance of child care for families and our economy. To take part in our social media storm and receive special updates on ways to thank providers and engage lawmakers, register through the link below!


For more information, contact Terrell Couch tcouch@jannus.org
March 2022 Statewide Training:
Steps to Independent Living
Steps to Independent Living

Join us on Tuesday, March 15, 2022 at 12:30 PM MST (11:30 AM PST) for our monthly training series, followed by an interactive question and answer period!

* Supported Decision Making
* Options and Alternatives for Guardianship
* Timelines... where to begin

Tuesday, March 15, 2022
12:30 - 1:30 PM MST Live on Zoom
(11:30 AM - 12:30 PM PST)

Live workshops will no longer be recorded so the chat feature will be available
On-Demand, pre-recorded webinars located at IPULIDAHO.ORG


ipulidaho.org
208-342-5884
parents@ipulidaho.org
Point your smartphone at the QR code to be taken directly to IPUL's registration page

question ask here
Contact Idaho Parents Unlimited!

The best method to reach us for assistance is through our website:  
https://ipulidaho.org/connect-with-us#contact-us-here . You can also shoot us a question using the abbreviated version of that form at the bottom of every page on our website, although we may need to get more information from you.

We monitor our intake phone line (208-342-5884) during the workday, and will try to respond to any request there within 24 hours. We use an automated intake phone system, so you will be leaving a message. (Please be sure the number you are leaving us can accept text or voice messages.)

For questions that are not about something in our scope of work, you can still leave a phone message as above, send the question to the form on our website, or shoot us an email at parents@ipulidaho.org.

We keep our website updated with new news and events, and maintain a presence on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
IPUL's programs are funded through grants and contracts with the following:
logos for F2F Family Voices and Ideas that Work