Menu:

IDEA Leadership Conference

08/07/2012

0 Comments

 
Picture










Lynn Donald Carver and Candia Nicholas of Arkansas Support Network/Community Parent Resource Center recently attended the 2012 IDEA Leadership Conference in Washington, DC.  The conference was hosted by the Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) and the theme of the conference was, “Leading together to achieve success from cradle to career”.  The list of attendees included: Parent Centers, Early Intervention Specialists, State Directors and Coordinators of Special Education, Advisory Panel members, and State Interagency Coordinating Council members. 
As part of the conference, a reception on the hill for members of Congress was hosted by the Parent Centers’ staff.  Parent Center staff use this as an opportunity to emphasize the work of the centers on behalf of students in special education and their families, and also as a time to voice support for, or concerns about, impending legislation that may impact our work.

This year, with the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (otherwise known as No Child Left Behind), as well as proposed changes to both IDEA and the Rehab Act (which includes Section 504 protections), there are many reasons for all of us to be concerned about the education of our children, including those with disabilities. 

We will keep you apprised of what’s happening with these proposals for change, and we hope that you’ll use the information to express your support or concern (or both) to our members of Congress as they deliberate on the changes.  Each of the Senators and both of the staff representatives of Congressmen that we spoke with invited us to have input, and to encourage you to voice your opinions also.  For your convenience we have listed contact information below.

Congressman Steve Womack’s Office at (202)225-4301 or by emailing him at Womack@mail.house.gov

Senator John Boozman’s Office at (202)224-4843 or by emailing Ian Prince/Legislative Assistant at

Ian_Prince@Boozman.Senate.Gov

Senator Mark Pryor’s Office at (202)224-2353 or by emailing Sarah Holland/Legislative Assistant at

Sarah_Holland@Pryor.Senate.Gov
Add Comment
 

FAQ Friday: Family Leadership Project

02/24/2012

0 Comments

 
 The DD Council’s primarily objective is giving individuals with developmental disabilities and their families a helping hand. From it’s recently revised Parent Packet to its cooperation with numerous state agencies and organizations, the Council is actively engaged in helping families navigate the often complex system while searching for the resources necessary to meet the needs of the individual and family.

A major component in DDC’s family services is the Family Leadership Project (FLP). Conducted annually, the project’s primary objective is to assist FLP graduates effectively participate in the development and implementation of policies, programs and services that directly impact their lives. FLP’s goals include furnishing a wide range of information about services and supports; providing a better understanding of the strategies needed to affect system change, and presenting the techniques necessary to work more effectively with state, federal and local agencies. The Council accepts FLP applications through December 31st of each year. Classes are conducted over a three month period, beginning in March and ending in May. To get more information about DDC’s family services, its publications, and activities, including the FLP program, please contact Family Services Coordinator Brenda Mercer at brenda.mercer@arkansas.gov

Although the deadline has already passed to complete and submit applications for this, they are still accepting families. The first meeting is scheduled for Friday, March 2, 2012, and Saturday, March 3, 2012, beginning each day at 8:30 a.m.  A schedule is included for the 2012 training.  The training will be conducted at the:

Ramada Limited & Suites
8 Shackleford Road
Little Rock, AR  72211
501.221.766

DDC will reimburse participants for costs associated with attending the training sessions.  This means that participants will be responsible for paying the costs of transportation to and from Little Rock, respite (child care) expenses and meals.  At the training, participants will complete a reimbursement form (TR-1) and within 3-4 weeks will receive a check in the mail for expenses.  Charges for motel/hotel will be direct billed to DDC and will not be billed to participants. 

You may reach Brenda at 501.280.4608 or 1.800.462.0599, Ext. 280.4608, or again at brenda.mercer@arkansas.gov.  


You  may also be eligible for funding provided by the DD Council based on your specific needs. There are 3 areas where this applies below. Click the links to find out more information:

Parent Activity Fund
The Arkansas Governor’s Developmental Disabilities Council is pleased to announce the availability of
funds to support Quality Assurance acitivities of parents of children with developmental disabilities.
Funding will be provided for participation in state and/or national conferences,other training opportunities which increase the parent’s knowledge of disability issues and develop advocacy skills. Requests must be submitted no later than September 30, 2012.

Self Advocacy Fund
The Arkansas Governor’s Developmental Disabilities Council is pleased to announce the availability of funds to support Quality Assurance activities of individuals with developmental disabilities. Funding will be provided to organizations that support self-advocacy activities for individuals with developmental disabilities who demonstrate an expressed interest in attending trainings, meetings and other quality assurance activities that promote integration, leadership and community inclusion.

Requests must be submitted no later than September 30, 2012 and funding will be awarded in amounts no greater than $1,000 per request.

Transition Fund
The Arkansas Governor’s Developmental Disabilities Council is pleased to announce the availability of funds to assist provider organizations in helping individuals with disabilities transition into community settings. $500 per individual. Requests for funds must be received no later than September 30. 2012.

If you have any further questions please contact Brenda whose information is above or NWA CPRC at cprc@supports.org or 479 927 4100. Thanks!





Add Comment