Family Employment Awareness Trainings (FEAT)
Join us to learn about local, state, and federal resources for young adults with disabilities who want to work in their communities.
- Network with families, employees, and community resources.
- Learn about individuals with disabilities who are successfully employed
- Connect with service providers to help you find and keep a job
- Learn about Outside-the-box employment possibilities
- Success stories
- Family/parent role in supporting employment
Presented By:
With Funding From:
In Collaboration With:
The next FEAT Training will be held IN-PERSON in Kansas City, MO.
Date and location to be announced soon!
Location: Goodwill Excel Center.
Date: Friday June 5, 2026 and Saturday June 6, 2026
Time: 9am-3pm each day
Each day of FEAT will have different topics and speakers.
Current FEAT training February 2026, held Virtually over 2 weeks.
Week1: Feb. 2-4
Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (each day)
Week 2: Feb. 9-11
Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (each day)
Each day of FEAT will have different topics and speakers.
Table of Contents
The Mission of Family Employment Awareness Trainings (FEAT)
Increase expectations for competitive employment and increase knowledge of local, state, and federal resources to support the employment of the youth/young adults who have disabilities.
Key Principles of FEAT are:
- Everyone can work when provided with appropriate supports and services.
- Everyone can have a job that is both enjoyable and satisfying.
- Everyone can make more money working than by relying on public benefits alone.
Learn about state and federal resources supporting young adults with disabilities so they can work in their communities.
MPACT offers Family Employment Awareness Training In-Person and Virtually in Missouri
Both virtual and in-person Family Employment Awareness Training (FEAT) are offered throughout the year. These trainings are FREE and open to Missouri families, transition-age students and young adults with disabilities, and the professionals who support them.
- Virtual FEAT participants receive links and passwords to Virtual sessions. For family convenience, sessions may be offered during the day or in the evenings.
- In-Person FEAT is two complete days of training, when attendees can learn from presenters and one another.
Both virtual and In-Person FEAT a session featuring presentations from local agencies and resource representatives.
February 2026 Virtual FEAT Schedule
Week 1: Feb 2-4, 2026
Building the Dream of Employment:
Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, 6pm-8pm, Virtual
A New Path: Exploring “Outside the Box Job Possibilities”
Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, 6pm-8pm, Virtual
Individualizing Employment Possibilities: The Transition to Adulthood and the IEP
Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, 6pm-8pm, Virtual
Employer and Employee Supports
Week 2: Feb 9-11, 2026
Identifying and Accessing Employment Resources:
Monday, Feb. 9, 2026, 6pm-8pm, Virtual
Maintaining Supports: Employment Resources and Medicaid
Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026, 6pm-8pm, Virtual
Benefits: Working and Maintaining Needed Benefits
Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026, 6pm-8pm, Virtual
State and Local Agencies and Resources Panel
It is highly recommended that participants attend all days, as extensive information and resources are provided during each session.
June 2026 In-Person FEAT Schedule
Part 1: Building the Dream of Employment
Friday, June 5, 2026, 9am-3pm, Goodwill Excel Center (Springfield)
Outside the Box job possibilities
Using transition services in the IEP to support employment
Meet individuals who have disabilities and who are successfully employed (afternoon panel)
Part 2: Identifying and Accessing Employment Resources
Saturday, June 6, 2026, 9am-3pm, Goodwill Excel Center (Springfield)
Services, programs, and information to support gaining and maintaining employment
Visit with state and local adult service agencies who support individuals with disabilities (afternoon panel)
It is highly recommended that participants attend both days, as extensive information and resources are provided during each session.
Upcoming MOFEAT Events