APRIL IS AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH! | | |
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“There needs to be a lot more emphasis on what a child can do instead of what he cannot do.” ~ Temple Grandin
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Resources from MPACT about Autism:
MPACT provides tools that help parents understand what autism is and is not, identify the early signs of ASD, navigate the process of requesting an educational evaluation, understand how the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act impacts educational and related services, and assure access to free and appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment in becoming the best advocate for their child.
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Missouri Eligibility Criteria for Autism Fact Sheet Click HERE
Early Signs of Autism Fact Sheet Click HERE
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The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Autism page has information including eligibility criteria, instructional/intervention strategies, and state and parent resources. Click HERE to view
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The Office of Autism Services (OAS) was established in 2008 (633.225 RSMo) to provide leadership in program development for children and adults with autism spectrum disorders. OAS is committed to supporting the independence and self-sufficiency of individuals with autism by leading collaborative efforts to improve system supports for individuals with autism and their families.
Do you need help locating area ASD resources? Click HERE to view the Missouri Department of Mental Health's autism resource guide.
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Sesame Workshop is committed to breaking barriers and increasing autism acceptance with their See Amazing in All Children initiative.
Learn more click HERE
Click the video to MEET JULIA
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Month of the Military Child (MOMC) | |
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Celebrate the resilience and courage of our military-connected children during April, the Month of the Military Child (MOMC). Their journey is filled with unique adventures and challenges, reminding us of their invaluable role in serving our country and their families in April and every day of the year. To access the Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) Toolkit of resources to celebrate Click HERE
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Discover Sesame Street resources tailored for military children, empowering all families with the skills needed for resilience. Explore 'Little Children, Big Challenges' family support services, educational platforms, and other invaluable resources designed to support our military children. Click HERE to learn more.
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April 15th is a special day for military kids! It's called Purple Up! For Military Kids Day, part of the Month of the Military Child in April. On this day, we wear purple to thank and support the brave children of service members for all they do.
Click HERE for info from Veterans.com
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Early Childhood Resources | |
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Our son Rory was diagnosed with hearing loss when he was 6 weeks old. Thanks to the newborn hearing screening, we got additional testing at the hospital to confirm his hearing loss. At first, we were scared, anxious, and unsure of what our son's future would look like. The hospital immediately referred us to First Steps and got our family in touch with the Moog Center for Deaf Education. Within days we had spoken with both and had a plan in place. Ever since that day, we’ve had a great partnership with both First Steps and Moog. Our son received hearing aids at 4 months old provided by First Steps. Because of the quick action by First Steps and Moog, our son is thriving and his speech is in line with his peers. They also made sure to address other concerns we had, including physical or mental development. We are so thankful for the great program Missouri has and the wonderful providers that have touched all of our lives.
The Steele Family
Click HERE to share your First Steps story.
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Transition to Adult Life Resources | |
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The Missouri Youth Leadership Forum (MYLF) is a FREE five-day, four-night leadership training and career awareness program for high school students with disabilities held at the University of Missouri (Mizzou) in Columbia, MO. It provides training in leadership, self-advocacy skills, and career awareness. The Youth Leadership Forum enables young adults who have a disability to learn from each other and from successful adults with disabilities who are recognized leaders and role models. Click HERE for the MYLF application and more.
If you have questions, need assistance filling out your application, or need an alternative format, please email gcd@oa.mo.gov or call the Governor's Council on Disability office at 573-751-2600 or 800-877-8249
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Missouri Career Technical Education (CTE) combines academics and occupational skill training to prepare students of all ages. Training programs are offered in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Family and Consumer Sciences, Skilled Technical Sciences, Technology and Engineering, and Marketing and Cooperative Education.
Click HERE to learn more.
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(MoAT), strives to enhance the lives of all Missourians with disabilities, older Missourians, families, and service professionals. Their activities increase access to and acquisition of assistive technology (AT) devices and services. Assistive technology provides choice, control, and independence at home, work, school, or play. Click HERE for MoAT information.
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Myths and Facts Around AT in Education
The Office of Special Education Programs and the Office of Educational Technology at the Department of Education published Myths and Facts Surrounding Assistive Technology Devices and Services (PDF), a guidance document aimed at dispelling common misconceptions regarding assistive technology (AT). The document is designed to increase understanding of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) AT requirements, describe and dispel common myths about AT and how and when it should be deployed in schools, and provide examples of the use of AT devices and services for children with disabilities. The guidance also covers common misconceptions around costs and funding for AT devices and services.
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Challenging the School to Prison Pipeline
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Dear Colleague Letter Calling for an end to Corporal Punishment in Schools and Guiding Principles on School Discipline | |
On March 24, 2023, U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona issued a Dear Colleague Letter (DCL) to governors, chief state school officers, and school district and school leaders urging them to end corporal punishment practices in schools. Secretary Cardona advocated replacing corporal punishment with evidence-based practices, such as multi-tiered systems of support, that create safe and healthy school environments. Read the DCL HERE. | |
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MPACT Webinars
Click on the training titles to register
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Understanding the IEP Process
April 18, 2024, 1-3PM
Whosoever
675 E Mt. Vernon Blvd. Mt Vernon, MO 65712
(lunch provided for participants)
View all upcoming MPACT training HERE
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Steps to Success Webinar Series
This series of trainings was developed for parents of children, birth to age three. The training series helps parents understand the First Steps Program and teaches them
effective communication and advocacy skills, and helps them prepare for
Early Childhood Special Education.
Click HERE to register for these FREE on-demand trainings.
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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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