weConnect June 23, 2021

WE'RE HERE! Please reach out for support & assistance! Call Us 1-800-640-4553 . . . . . . . . Email Us sdpc@sdparent.org . . . . . . . . Message Us Facebook / Website . . . . . . . . In-Person Make an appointment . . . . . . . . Events Calendar . . . . . . . . Follow Us ‌ ‌ BE A PART OF THE BACK TO SCHOOL COMMUNITY RESOURCE FAIR IN RAPID CITY South Dakota Parent Connection would like to invite your organization to be part of the Back to School Community Resource Fair, hosted at the Rushmore Mall in Rapid City on Saturday, August 21, 2021 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. MT. Our purpose is to bring together local organizations and community agencies that are dedicated to helping & supporting families in Rapid City and surrounding areas to share about their services. Free tables/linens/chairs provided. For further information or questions, contact Lisa Merchen at (605) 348-0305 or email lmerchen@sdparent.org Vendor Registration Form CHILD TAX CREDIT The expanded Child Tax Credit provides major tax relief for nearly all working families.

• All working families will get the full credit if they make up to $150,000 for a couple or $112,500 for a family with a single parent (also called head of household). • The Child Tax Credit has been expanded to $3,000 per child 6-17 years old and $3,600 per child under 6 for the year 2021. • Roughly 39 million households – covering 65 million children (nearly 90% of children in the United States) – will automatically receive the new child tax credit. • Starting on July 15th and through the rest of the calendar year, payments will be monthly (via direct deposit for 80% of families and through the mail for the others) – at $250 per child between 6-17 or $300 per child under 6. • Low-income families with children – including those who did not made enough money to be required to file taxes in 2019 or 2020 - are eligible for this crucial tax relief. These payments do not count as income for any family. So, signing up won’t affect your eligibility for other federal benefits like SNAP and WIC. The IRS has an easy Sign Up Tool to help these families apply for the program.  More information at www.ChildTaxCredit.gov

SEEKING NOMINATIONS Annually, the Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) gathers nominations to identify Champions of Independent Living Services. A Champion of Independent Living Services nominee can be an organization or an individual whose work demonstrates a commitment to helping participants reach their goals of living independently in their home and communities. This is an effort to build awareness about the individuals and organizations who contribute to the success of people with significant disabilities living independently throughout our state. Champion of Independent Living Nomination Form

WEBINAR: REFLECTING ON AUTISM & SCHOOL Thursday, June 24th at 6 PM CT/5 PM MT Register to join this live, interactive discussion surrounding the "assessment" process in schools. The panel will be discussing whether educational programs address the unique profile of each child and how we can go about ensuring they do. Feel free to prepare questions for the Q & A. More Information & Registration WEBINAR: HOW MARGINALIZED FAMILIES ARE LEFT BEHIND IN DISABILITY EDUCATION SERVICES & HOW TO ADDRESS IT Thursday, June 24th at 1 PM CT/ 12 PM MT Historically, marginalized families face many barriers in regards to education service access and supports. These disparities have significant implications on both children and their families long past graduation. In this webinar, learn about the barriers faced, the historical and systemic factors that contribute to them, and the long-term implications. Attendees will also engage in an exercise to develop advocacy plans in their communities to address these issues and create meaningful change. More Information & Registration WEBINAR RECORDING: STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS: COMBATING LEARNING LOSS DURING THE PANDEMIC In this recording, panelists discussed the issue of learning loss, and offered parents practical tips for securing appropriate and effective interventions. View Recording Here

LIGHTING THE WAY AUTISM CONFERENCE - AVAILABLE VIRTUALLY NOW!

This FREE conference has launched! View on-demand, pre-recorded sessions here.

LTW AUTISM WALK SCHOLARSHIPS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH AUTISM While we are not able to hold a LTW Walk this summer, we will still be allocating funds for scholarships provided by the LTW Autism Walk team. Please complete the application regarding your interest in a Lighting the Way Autism Walk Scholarship. Scholarships will be considered for therapies, adaptive equipment, camps, lessons and more. Scholarships will only be available for individuals with autism. All funds distributed will go directly to the agency/organization that provides those services.

DIVISION FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD CONFERENCE

2021 Division for Early Childhood Conference will take place online, Monday, September 20th through Friday, September 24th, 2021. Registrants will be able to join live sessions — keynotes, conference sessions, poster sessions, hot topics, and more — and access recordings (audio & video) for the conference sessions following the live events!  Register For Conference

Opportunities for Families Family members of young children with disabilities between the ages of 0 and 8 can apply for a registration waiver (free conference registration!). Learn more and apply for the waiver here.   The DEC Family Committee will host wraparound events and opportunities to connect for DEC family members. You'll be able to let us know that you're a family member at registration and we'll reach out when events are announced!

Professional Development Interested in receiving a certificate for your conference attendance? Each DEC conference attendee receives a full conference certificate of attendance and will have the opportunity to request a transcript of all sessions attended as well (free of charge!).

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This e-publication was developed under grants from the U.S. Department of Education Project Grant H328M2000666 and Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Grant H328M140021, Family to Family Health Information Center, $96,750; and approximately 5% financed with non-governmental resources. The contents should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by US Department of Education, HRSA, HHS or the Federal Government.

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