Welcome to the MPACT Parent Training &
Information Center! Our primary service is to provide training that will
assist parents in securing the education desired for their children.
On the page below, you will find a list of the trainings that we currently
offer, as well as a short description of each. Click on the link provided
to find out more information on that training. You may also
click here to view a
comprehensive training schedule. These trainings are free of charge to
the public, unless otherwise noted.
Another option available to you is to
click here to locate your region and determine which of these
trainings are currently being offered in your area at this time.
If you would like to schedule a training(s) for your group or organization, MPACT
will make every effort to accommodate your request. Because our training schedule
fills quickly, we recommend that you contact us at least thirty days in advance. For
more information call 1-877-349-3212 or 1-800-743-7634.
The Art of Effective Advocacy
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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.
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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.
Understanding the IEP Process
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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.
Understanding the IEP Process for Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
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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 eligibilty criteria for the educational category of Autism.
Disagreement Resolution Processes
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Sometimes the best way to solve a problem is to prevent it in the first place. Through this training you will learn strategies to prevent problems from arising in the first place through documentation and letter writing. Also covered are the resolution processes included in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act as well as Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
Special Education Mediation
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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.
How to Write Measurable Annual Goals
Writing Post Secondary Goals for Students with ASD
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Young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders face unique challenges in transition to adulthood. This training addresses the development of Post Secondary goals that address common concerns among students with ASD - communication, social skills, self regulation and sensory concerns - as well as Transition Assessment and measuring progress.
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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.
Bullying Prevention What Parents Can Do
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This training contains an overview of the dynamics of bullying, including what bullying is, what the types of bullying are, who is bullied, and why children are bullied. Other topics include steps to intervene in bullying behavior, how to encourage students who witness bullying to take action, the role of the school, and laws and policies.
Positive Behavior Interventions
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Parents and teachers will be taught a different way to think about problem behavior. More often than not 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.
Steps to Success: Effectively Communicating Your Childrens Needs
Steps to Success: Understanding the IFSP Process
Steps to Success: Parental Rights
Steps to Success: IDEA Part C to B
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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.
Steps to Success: Family Record Keeping
Solving the Employment Puzzle
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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.
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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.
Parents Facilitate and Youth Take Action
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The information discussed in this training will help parents and youth understand the importance of planning for life after high school. Hands-on activities are provided for youth to practice using skills for problem solving, goal setting, and participation in their IEP meeting. Materials include information about Vocational Rehabilitation, Center's for Independent Living, Self Determination, and Self Advocacy Skills, including the importance of youth participating in their own IEP Meetings.
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This workshop provides basic information and strategies to help parents begin a discussion about this important but often uncomfortable topic with their sons and daughters. Preparation for adulthood begins during childhood. This training will allow parents and those who work with kids with specials needs, to work upon the foundations that they have already built or to establish new foundations to work upon.
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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.
Special Education: What I Need to Know