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February 15, 2023

The Ally: Engage and Act for Our Children
 

There are so many ways to engage and act right now, and all of them can help improve things for our children. This week we share information about ways to give input into special education services, foster parents' rights, the mental health system and the waiver for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. These systems and issues touch the lives of so many of our children - and us!

As families living this life daily, we have valuable insights into what will most help our children succeed and thrive. Please check out how to make your voice heard and let others know how we can move things forward for our children. There are many exciting opportunities.

Last week, I shared our commitment at Families as Allies to use the lessons of Black History Month to inspire us to grow and reflect all year long. "How come there's no White History Month?" An explainer for kids offers reflections to share with our children that will likely help us as grown-ups ponder.

February 16 at noon Central is our Virtual: Bring Your IEP and Other School Questions. Any family with school questions is welcome to join us! Don't forget that this Friday, February 17, is the last day to register for the March 20 from 8:30 a.m. - March 24 at 4:30 p.m. Central  Parent Peer Support Training.

Check out our events calendar for more events and opportunities!

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NEWS
 
The Special Education Advisory Panel will meet on Wednesday, February 15, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. in person, located at the Mississippi Department of Education.
 
Families as Allies is tracking these bills related to mental health, disabilities and children. Our list sorts bills according to their content areas.
 

Families as Allies appreciates the DMH and DOM asking for input, and we encourage families to share your ideas, concerns and suggestions in writing with Medicaid by February 24.

EVENTS
 
Meeting Location-in person Mississippi State Hospital 3550 Hwy 468 W Whitfield MS 39193 Contact Information Grenaye Sullivan 601-359-6260 [email protected]
 
This hour is open for any family member to drop in for all or some of the time to ask questions or get feedback about IEP issues and other school situations. We ask anyone who stops by to respect the confidentiality of the group and not share anything discussed in the group outside of the group.
 
Arc of Northeast Mississippi hosts a discussion on the ID/DD (Intellectual Disability/Developmental Disability) Waiver. This is your opportunity to gain valuable insights into the current state of the waiver and be a part of the conversation on the changes needed to improve it.
 
The Mississippi Autism Advisory Committee (MAAC) was created by House Bill 11252 (2011 Regular Session) as the Legislature recognized an urgent need for strategies on how to best identify, treat, educate, accommodate and employ people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and assist their families.
 
This three-part webinar series will provide an overview of the System of Care Self-Assessment Tool and demonstrate how it can be used to improve outcomes for children and families. Developed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services over the past five years, this tool is now publicly available...
 
This group focuses on understanding current policy issues and also opportunities for leadership training graduates to serve on decision-making committees. Leadership training graduates are strongly encouraged to attend, but the meetings are open to anyone who is interested in learning more about...
 
Are you a family leader with lived experience as a primary caregiver of a child, youth or young adult with mental health or substance use need who is working in a role that fosters and supports family engagement in agency practice and policy decisions?
 
Disability Awareness Day at the State Capitol gives people with disabilities and advocates a chance to talk with decision-makers who can preserve or expand services that make a critical difference in the lives of Mississippians with disabilities. Each year approximately 25 organizations participate...

RESOURCES
 
STARKVILLE - Every time she steps inside the circle, Mississippi State pitcher Kenley Hawk can look down at her glove for a three-word reminder. "You belong here." Hawk's parents have consistently told her that. So have her coaches and her teammates. But Hawk hasn't always believed it.
Frequently Asked Questions about Rights of Children in Homeless Situations
 
Known as informal removals, the tactics are "off-the-book" suspensions often in violation of federal civil rights protections for those with disabilities. Dakotah LaVigne's tumultuous educational journey has been marked by a series of tactics, known as informal removals, that schools secretly use...