One Step At A Time Webinar Series

Share your First Steps Story

Early intervention helps build a nurturing and supportive environment for the entire family. Family-directed services are meant to help family members understand the special needs of their child and how to enhance his or her development. Missouri First Steps families have shared their stories about how the early intervention services have enriched their lives.

Share your story with us and inspire other parents!

Infant Formula Resources and Guidance for Families

In an article provided by SPAN Parent Advocacy Network, The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has launched a website with a comprehensive list of resources and guidance for families looking for infant formula during the shortage.

The website includes information in multiple languages about:

• Infant formula resources 
• Social Media graphics and copy that:
• Directs families to the website
• Provide resources to find formula
• Guidance and best practices for families in need of formula

It is important for families who are in need of formula during the shortage to know that resources are available to them. Please share these resources with families and health care providers in your communities.

Review the resources in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Haitian Creole and Navajo HERE

Download the Social Media Kit in 

English, Spanish, Vietnamese and Haitian Creole HERE

A Refreshment of Assistive Technology

Considering Assistive Technology for Students with Disabilities Checklist: This checklist is designed to help IEP teams consider the needs of students with disabilities for assistive technology. 

Find a wealth of information about Assistive Technology and Resources HERE on the Center for Parent Information & Resources Website.

View the MoAT Resources and Services Guide HERE

View the AT and the IEP fact sheet HERE

View the MoAT Resources and Services Infographic HERE

The mission of Missouri Assistive Technology is to increase access to assistive technology for Missourians with all types of disabilities, of all ages. In the State FY 2020, Missouri Assistive Technology enhanced the lives of over 50,000 Missourians with disabilities, family members, and professionals. Our programs provided 6,339 individuals with appropriate assistive devices and an additional 17,415 Missourians participated in training, received AT demonstrations, borrowed devices through our loan program, or received AT guidance.

MOAT Re-Use Spotlight

Missouri Assistive Technology has recently launched a new website for the Swap 'n Shop Exchange. Access this Exchange at any time to find current listings for less than their original price! Missouri Assistive Technology’s Swap ‘n Shop is a person-to-person exchange program designed to connect individuals looking to buy, sell, trade, or donate durable medical equipment and assistive devices. Take a look at all available items on the exchange, who knows what you will find at a discount.

LGBTQ+ PRIDE Month Resources

June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month! If you are LGBTQ+, you deserve to be treated with respect by everyone in your life -- including the people who support you.

The Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) created a new guide for LGBTQ+ autistic people.

The guide answers questions like:

• What are my legal rights?
• Why is fighting for our rights important?
• What does it look like when a support worker respects me?
• What can I do if my support worker isn’t respecting me?

Download "Proud and Supported: Rights and Respect." HERE - This version includes pictures along with larger text.

Download the version of "Proud and Supported: Rights and Respect" HERE  that does not include graphics.  

This is the second toolkit in the Proud and Supported series. Check out the first, "Definitions and Beyond" HERE.

View the training series on working with people with intersecting identities HERE. This series focuses on supporting LGBTQ+ people with disabilities.

Guide to Being an Ally to Transgender and Nonbinary Youth

Coming Out: A Handbook for LGBTQ Young People

Accessibility Resources in Missouri

Leisure Activities are the connection to participating fully in community life. Individuals with disabilities shall have access to social, recreational, and cultural activities. This tab presents some adventure and recreational activities and organizations. Provided by the State of Missouri's Disability Portal, Sponsored by the Governor's Council on Disability, these links provide a wealth of information relating to accessible leisure and travel. Check out the portal HERE.

Looking for the best Wheelchair Accessible trails around Missouri? Find the top-rated wheelchair-accessible trails in Missouri. Whether you're looking for an easy short, wheelchair-accessible trail or a long wheelchair-accessible trail, you'll find what you're looking for.

Click HERE to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews onTrailLink.

Are you preparing to obtain, renew or update your driver's license or non-driver photo ID? Review the Missouri Department of Revenue's Other Information about the Missouri Driver License section of their Missouri Driver and Nondriver License website to learn how to add designations including Deaf or Hard of Hearing notation, Permanent Disability indicator, voter registration, and more! Click HERE to view the webpage.

Submit your Artwork by August 15, 2022

More information and Poster Contest Entry Forms are available at: https://disability.mo.gov/gcd/PosterContest/ Questions? Call 573-751-2600 

See the winning artwork entry below for 2021:

Have No Fear, Found-it™ is Here!

Are you preparing your child(ren) for summer camp and afraid they will lose their favorite toy or comfort item? If you ever lose an item labeled with a Found-it™ code, have no fear! Found-it™ is Oliver’s Labels FREE online lost and found system. Oliver's Labels prints them with your own unique I.D when you choose to add Found-it™ to your labels. If your item is reported found, they send you a notification email right away. Oliver’s Labels acts as an intermediary between you and the person who has found your item.

Learn more by visiting Olivers Labels website

Juicy Summer Opportunities*

Alphapointe has served hundreds of children through our camps and 2022 will be no different. Registration is now live for both Technology Camp (June 20-24) and for Adventure Camps (July 18-23) and registration will be live soon for Art Camp (Aug. 8-12). Technology Camp provides middle and high school students with the tools they need in the digital space with campers having the option to participate in-person or remotely. Adventure Camps introduce youth to a variety of traditional outdoor camp experiences, but specifically focus on needs and considerations for youth with vision loss. Art Camp prompts youth to explore new ideas and concepts through hands-on activities, while letting their imaginations discover who they are as an individual as they develop their gifts and talents. Learn more HERE

Dream Big camps introduce students with disabilities (aged 14-21) to a variety of high-demand careers. Students will spend time with industry professionals learning about how to successfully navigate their educational and career journeys to achieve economic independence and will learn about "adulting" with a disability throughout the camp week. For more information, visit starkloff.org/dreambig

The Springfield-Greene County Park Board boasts numerous inclusive opportunities throughout the summer. Check out the list HERE which includes fun and educational activities such as outdoor, equestrian, farm, archery, ice park, and more!

Published by 417 Magazine, there’s something for every kid at one of these summer camps in and around the Ozarks. Click HERE to check them out!

The Boone County Boys and Girls Club Summer Day Camp has new themes! STEM, arts and safe field trips will be offered weekly. Attendance is open to all children ages 5-18, regardless of place of residence and offered at all locations. It is a 9 week program beginning on Tuesday June 1st and ending on Friday, July 30th. The camp is Monday-Friday 7am to 6 pm.

Check out the City of Columbia, MO CAMP CoMo KIDZ. Campers will enjoy outdoor activities, games, crafts, swimming, and many other fun activities while making new friends for a lifetime.

State of Missouri Fishing Permit Exemption:

The following exemptions apply only to fishing permits and to Missouri residents who are:

• diagnosed with a corrected vision of 20/200 or less.
• diagnosed with 20 degrees or less field of visual concentric contraction
• permanently unable to move without the aid of a wheelchair.
• diagnosed with cerebral palsy or a mental disability and cannot fish alone. Must be accompanied by a licensed adult angler.

View the Exemption Form details HERE.

Camp Mudd, hosted by the YMCA of Columbia, MO, is an affordable outdoor camp experience for the families and children of the Columbia area during the summer months. Our program is designed to make summer a fun time of learning, exploring, and making new friends. Each weekly session is designed around a theme and includes an exciting field trip or activity.

National Park Access Pass:

The Access Pass, part of the America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series, is available free for US citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities. The pass may be obtained in person at a federal recreation site or through the mail using an application form. Read more about the Access Pass, and other passes, HERE.

Art Inspired Academy:

Art Inspired Academy offers the opportunity for individuals with and without disabilities to participate in creative arts classes such as theatre, movement, music enrichment, and art. We provide inclusive classes in a community setting that collaborates with existing programs and provides support for individuals with disabilities. Click HERE to view available classes.

Missouri Botanical Garden Summer Programs:

Check out various Summer Family Programs at the Missouri Botanical Garden. From tales and trails reading programs to viewing butterflies at the butterfly house these activities are bound to beat Summer boredom for your family. Click HERE to learn more about these garden programs.

Wonderland Camp offers programs for campers ages 6 to 106! People with all types of abilities and challenges are welcomed, and staff helps adapt all our activities and events to meet campers’ needs.

Camp Barnabas is a unique ministry providing Christian camping experiences to individuals with special needs and chronic illnesses, along with their families. 

*Disclaimer: These summer opportunities listed here are not endorsed by MPACT nor exhaustive of available opportunities. These links are provided for informational purposes only

Art of Effective Advocacy

Jun 20 @ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Steps to Success-Parental Rights

Jun 20 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Family Record Keeping

June 22 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Bullying Prevention-What Parents Can Do

Jun 22 @ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Effectively Communicating Your Child's Needs

June 29 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

*Featured Training of the Month

Register for In-Person Training in June

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

What is an MPACT Mentor Volunteer?

Mentors are trained volunteers who, upon request, provide support to families of children with disabilities throughout the special education process. A mentor does not represent or speak for a parent or family member, but a mentor does help empower an individual to become a strong educational advocate for his or her child. MPACT mentors are screened and receive training and supervision from MPACT staff.

Click here to learn more information about the MPACT Mentor Program

Click here to fill out an application to become an MPACT Mentor

MPACT (Missouri Parents Act) is looking for enthusiastic individuals to help develop a diverse community-based board of directors. We seek members with a broad variety of backgrounds, ethnicities and experience, people with disabilities, parents of children with disabilities, people with experience with other children’s issues, people simply interested in child education, people with fundraising expertise, business professionals, and educators.

Click here to fill out an application for the MPACT Board of Directors

Your online shopping can help make a difference, at no additional cost to you!

When you shop at smile.amazon.com, or in the Amazon app with AmazonSmile turned on within Settings, you'll find the same products and same low prices as the Amazon you already know - plus, they donate a portion of your purchases to your chosen charity.

You can select us as your AmazonSmile charity by visiting: smile.amazon.com/ch/43-1460328

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