Upcoming Events › Webinar

Engaging students to participate in their IEP meetings has been shown to develop student's skills in self advocacy and self-determination. This training will provide students with a better understanding of what an IEP is and why it is important as well as how to participate in and present information at their own IEP meetings.

This training is for young adults who have disabilities to learn the process of being in charge of one's life. Leadership skills taught include advocating for yourself, leading and participating in your own IEP and making choices and decisions about career, education and living

Your child’s IEP is the cornerstone of their education. This workshop offers an in-depth look at the evaluation process, qualifying for an IEP, the many components that must be addressed in the IEP document, as well as how progress will be monitored. As a result of this training, parents will gain a better understanding of their role as an equal participant in the IEP Process.

The evaluation process is the first step in determining if a child needs special education services, a Section 504 Plan or another educational intervention. Parents need to understand the reasons to have a child evaluated, the steps in the evaluation process and the options that can be pursued if there is a disagreement about evaluation.

If you have, or work with a child with a disability, this training is for you. Learn the importance of keeping and organizing your child’s records, as well as what information needs to be in your child’s file. We will also discuss how to communicate more effectively with your child’s school district and the importance of working collaboratively to solve problems.

Your child’s IEP is the cornerstone of their education. This workshop offers an in-depth look at the evaluation process, qualifying for an IEP, the many components that must be addressed in the IEP document, as well as how progress will be monitored. As a result of this training, parents will gain a better understanding of their role as an equal participant in the IEP Process.

This training centers on employment for youth with disabilities by presenting two distinct strands: self-determination and "do-it-yourself" strategies for parents and concrete information about employment and how to access adult services for teens/young adults. Curriculum is tailored from region to region to local service delivery systems, youth programs and employment resources.

The term “Section 504” refers to a specific part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities by any program or activity that receives federal funding. This includes all public schools and any private schools that receive federal funds. Learn about the legal background of Section 504, the evaluation process, 504 plans and services and the procedural safeguards in place to protect individuals with disabilities.

In order to be effective when advocating for your child's education, you need to understand the laws that can impact their educational experience. This training will provide an overview of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Family Educational Right to Privacy Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and No Child Left Behind.

Join us for a mini conference to learn about MPACT and the special education process. It will feature three 20 minute break out sessions on topics including First Steps Parental Rights, Assertive Communication, Steps of Special Education, and Student Led IEPs. The conference will end with a Q&A session.

This training is designed to provide an overview of what Mediation is as well as what a mediator does and does not do. It will help parents understand when and how to request mediation, what to expect from mediation, and most importantly how to plan and prepare for an upcoming mediation.

Parents and teachers will be taught a different way to think about problem behavior. Often behaviors are a form of communication. With this training you will learn the importance of a Functional Behavioral Assessment, how to reinforce positive behavior as well as how to develop a Positive Behavior Support Plan.

This workshop is designed to help parents of young children make a smooth transition from IFSP (Part C of IDEA) services to IEP (Part B of IDEA) services. Learn when the transition process should begin, what the difference in services will be, as well as the difference in qualification criteria.

This workshop provides an overview of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. This act focuses on ensuring that highly mobile children and youths have the same education options as their peers. In addition to protecting individuals considered homeless, the needs of those waiting for a foster care placement are also addressed.

This training is for young adults who have disabilities to learn the process of being in charge of one's life. Leadership skills taught include advocating for yourself, leading and participating in your own IEP and making choices and decisions about career, education and living.

This workshop is designed to help families understand the importance of keeping and organizing their child's records. We will discuss what types of records and documentation are important to keep and why

The term “Section 504” refers to a specific part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities by any program or activity that receives federal funding. This includes all public schools and any private schools that receive federal funds. Learn about the legal background of Section 504, the evaluation process, 504 plans and services and the procedural safeguards in place to protect individuals with disabilities.

What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder? How do you qualify? Who can diagnose it, prescribe medications, and offer counseling? Does a child with ADHD automatically qualify for an IEP? This training will answer these questions and many more. It will also provide strategies for parents to teach their children how to manage their symptoms. Also included are “Tips for Teachers” for specific instructional strategies that can be used in the classroom.

This workshop is designed to help families understand the importance of keeping and organizing their child's records. We will discuss what types of records and documentation are important to keep and why.

This workshop explains the Parental Rights document that all First Steps families receive and helps families understand what they and their child's rights are under Part C of IDEA.

This training takes a thorough look at the IEP Process with an emphasis on Autism Spectrum Disorders. Specific information includes how children are evaluated for Autism, what types of evaluation might be used, medical diagnosis versus educational category, and the definition and eligibility criteria for the educational category of Autism.