MPACT offices will be closed in observance of Independence Day on Tuesday, July 4th, 2023. | |
Early Care and Education Connections | |
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What is an Early Care & Education System?
Missouri’s ECE system is comprised of multiple programs that work with families and professionals to improve early childhood experiences for all Missouri children. These programs include home visiting, child care and preschool. Through collaborative efforts with state agencies, providers and communities, Missouri is working to ensure that families and other caregivers have the knowledge, resources, skills and tools available to help children grow to be safe, healthy and successful learners.
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U4C to Selected to serve as Missouris Early Care and Education Resource and Referral Network | |
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The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), Office of Childhood has selected United 4 Children to serve as Missouri’s Early Care and Education Resource and Referral Network! The Network coordinates and provides resource and referral services to early care professionals and families in Missouri. You can read more about the services and supports that are provided HERE:
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What is Dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability. Dyslexia refers to a cluster of symptoms, which result in people having difficulties with specific language skills, particularly reading. Students with dyslexia usually experience difficulties with other language skills such as spelling, writing, and pronouncing words. Dyslexia affects individuals throughout their lives; however, its impact can change at different stages in a person’s life. It is referred to as a learning disability because dyslexia can make it very difficult for a student to succeed academically in the typical instructional environment, and in its more severe forms, will qualify a student for special education, special accommodations, or extra support services.
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Learn more about Dyslexia on our MPACT website HERE.
Check out these MPACT Resources on Dyslexia
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Watch the MPACT Videos "Dyslexia: Signs and Symptoms" and "Dyslexia Treatment and Student Rights" --->
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Relocation "PCS" for Military Families of Children with Special Needs | | |
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Relocation affects many aspects of life for military families including housing, nonmilitary spouse employment, schools and activities for children, childcare, and services for children with special needs. Click HERE to learn more.
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On May 26, ED's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and the U.S. Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division (Justice) jointly released the “Resource on Confronting Racial Discrimination in Student Discipline.” The departments recognize and appreciate school administrators, teachers, and educational staff across the nation who work to administer student discipline fairly and provide a safe, positive, and nondiscriminatory educational environment for all students, teachers, and other educators. Additionally, the Department’s Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE), Office of Safe & Supportive Schools Technical Assistance Centers released a series of fact sheets on how school leaders and members of school communities can support students' social, emotional, behavioral, and academic well-being and success. | |
Special Education Advisory Panel (SEAP) | |
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Skills to Pay the Bills: Mastering Soft Skills for Workplace Success," is a curriculum developed by ODEP focused on teaching "soft" or workforce readiness skills to youth, including youth with disabilities. Created for youth development professionals as an introduction to workplace interpersonal and professional skills, the curriculum is targeted for youth ages 14 to 21 in both in-school and out-of-school environments. Learn More HERE.
Check out the Skills to Pay the Bills Video Series HERE.
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Accessible Theme Parks and Accomodations Near You | |
Requesting accommodations at an attraction can be stressful and frustrating. Luckily, many parks and attractions are providing options so that everyone in the family can still enjoy the fun. The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) created the digital IBCCES Accessibility Card (IAC) as a free resource for individuals who need to request accommodations or assistance at participating amusement parks and attractions. https://accessibilitycard.org/ | |
There are several accessible theme parks in Missouri that cater to people with disabilities. Theme parks can be a lot of fun, but for some individuals with special needs, all the noises and excitement can be a bit overwhelming. Here are a few options: | |
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Six Flags St. Louis, located in Eureka, offers accessibility services to accommodate guests with disabilities. They provide accessible parking, wheelchair rentals, and accessible restrooms. Many of their attractions are wheelchair accessible, and they offer assistance for guests with disabilities. Our Low sensory room is a space that has been designed to provide an immersive sensory experience for people with various abilities. This space helps guests engage with their senses in a safe and relaxed environment, regardless of their age or ability. A calming sensory room is helpful for a child or adult who has ADHD or Autism, because it helps them process what they’re taking in and adapt to deal with overwhelming sensations, strong emotions, thoughts, and urges that they might be having.
This space was designed and created in partnership with eSpecial needs who’s mission is to make life easier for parents, more enriching for children, more accessible, and more enjoyable for the entire family.
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The Magic House, St. Louis Children's Museum: While not a theme park, The Magic House in St. Louis is a children's museum The Magic House is committed to Access for All, an initiative to ensure that all children, regardless of ability, background, socioeconomic status or special needs have opportunities to experience the wonder, joy and magic of the Museum’s exhibits and programs.
Through Access for All, the Museum provides field trips for Title 1 Schools where there are a high percentage of students living in poverty; outreach programs to hospitals, libraries and schools reaching those who are not able to come to The Magic House; Family Nights for schools and nonprofit organizations serving children with special needs and free admission for foster and military families.
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Silver Dollar City: Located in Branson, Silver Dollar City is another theme park that strives to be inclusive and accessible. They have accessible parking, wheelchair rentals, and accessible restrooms available. Some of their attractions are wheelchair accessible, and they assist guests with disabilities. Silver Dollar City recently opened family calming rooms where people can go and take a time out. If you have a family member that needs to take a break from all the excitement, you can head to one of these calming rooms. | |
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Worlds of Fun: Located in Kansas City, Worlds of Fun is a popular theme park that offers accessibility services and facilities. They provide accessible parking, wheelchair rentals, and accessible restrooms throughout the park. Many of their attractions are wheelchair accessible, and they offer assistance for guests with disabilities.
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It's always a good idea to contact the theme parks or attractions directly or visit their websites to get the most up-to-date information on accessibility services and accommodations they offer. This will ensure that you have the best experience possible during your visit. | |
Accessibility Resources in Missouri | |
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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.
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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 on Trail Link.
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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.
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Missouri offers a variety of accessible playgrounds that provide fun and inclusive play opportunities for children of all abilities. These playgrounds are designed to meet the needs of children with physical, sensory, and cognitive disabilities, ensuring that all children can play side by side. Some popular accessible playgrounds in Missouri include the Delta Woods Park in Blue Springs, the City Park in Columbia, and the Gordon Moore Park in Alton. These playgrounds feature wheelchair-accessible equipment, sensory play areas, and incorporate elements of nature to enhance the play experience. Families and caregivers can rest easy knowing that these playgrounds are safe, secure, and welcoming to all children. Click here to find some playgrounds near you HERE.
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Sunny Summer Opportunities | | |
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The Dream Big camps offer a great opportunity for disabled students aged 14-21 to explore various in-demand careers. During the camp, they will get to interact with professionals from different industries, who will guide them on how to navigate their educational and career paths successfully. The students will also learn about "adulting" with a disability throughout the week. For more information, visit starkloff.org/dreambig. | | |
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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! | | |
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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! | | |
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The Boone County Boys and Girls Club Summer Day Camp There are new themes, sports, games, 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 three locations. | | |
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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.
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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. | | |
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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. | | |
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Camp Barnabas is a unique ministry providing Christian camping experiences to individuals with special needs and chronic illnesses, along with their families. | |
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Look for an MPACT Coordinator or Mentor at these events!
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Disability Employment Awareness Month Poster Contest | |
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All Missouri residents are invited to showcase their artistic talents by submitting original artwork. The winning poster will be featured on the GCD’s 2023 poster
celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM).
National Disability Employment Awareness Month is celebrated nationwide each October to celebrate the contributions of workers with disabilities and raise awareness about the value of an inclusive workforce.
Find out how you can participate at disability.mo.gov/gcd/PosterContest
Posters must be submitted by September 15. The contest is open to all Missourians. Poster themes for your artwork should be Inclusion, Employment and/or Community. Questions? Call 573.751.2600
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The 19th Annual Missouri Youth Leadership Forum
(MO-YLF) will be held July 18-22, 2023
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The Missouri Youth Leadership Forum is a unique career leadership-training program for high school students with disabilities, ages 16 – 21. Youth delegates are selected from their local communities to cultivate leadership, citizenship, social, and career development skills at this summer program.
For information and application for the Virtual Leadership Forum, click HERE.
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Upcoming MPACT Webinars
Click on the links below to register
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In Person MPACT Training
Click on the links below to register
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Understanding the Evaluation Process
July 13 @ 5:00 - 6:30 PM
Location: Foster Adopt Connect 1802 West 32nd Street Suites F & G Joplin, MO 64804
Special Education Law
July 15 @ 11:00 - 12:15 PM
Location: Mid-Continent Public Library, 12930 Booth Lane Grandview, MO 64030
Dispute Resolution
July 15 @ 12:15 - 1:30 PM
Location: Mid-Continent Public Library, 12930 Booth Lane Grandview, MO 64030
Section 504
July 27 @ 12:00 - 2:00 PM
Location: 675 East Mount Vernon Boulevard, Mount Vernon, MO 65712
Positive Behavior Interventions
August 17 @ 5:00 - 6:30 PM
Location: Foster Adopt Connect 1802 West 32nd Street Suites F & G Joplin, MO 64804
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View all upcoming MPACT trainings HERE. | |
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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.
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We're Looking For You; Apply Now! | |
Make A Difference, Join MPACT Today! | |
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MPACT is funded in part or whole by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs Grant No. H328M090020-10. The contents of the website, however, and any documents cited herein do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S Department of Education.
Copyright © 2023 MPACT. All rights reserved
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