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.
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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.
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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 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.
Transition to Empowered Lifestyles (TEL)
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In this five-module workshop participants learn to take a person-centered approach to making decisions. Individuals with disabilities are individuals first. Learn how to truly ask what they want how of life and how can we assist them in their endeavor. Modules include Self-Determination, Person Centered Planning, Transition Planning, Benefits and Work Incentives, and Navigating the Systems.
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.
Building a Bridge to the Future
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Self-determination is a necessary element for students to make informed life choices. This “Building Bridges” workshop is for both student and parents. It provides an introduction to the planning process and a “how to” approach to ensure students, families and community services are involved in transition decision making.
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.
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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.
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This is a multi-session training that includes Special Education Law, Understanding the IEP Process, and Disagreement Resolution Processes.
How to Write Measurable Goals and Objectives
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Learn how to write individualized and measurable educational goals for your child and track your child's progress with this easy to understand training for parents of children with disabilities.
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.
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.
Is Your Child a Target of Bullying
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Parents can help their children with disabilities who are targets of bullying by developing effective strategies for responding to bullying behavior. This workshop is designed to introduce parents and professionals to a range of intervention strategies for the child who is a target of the bullying that can be used by the parent, the parent and child, and the family and school. It is intended as a general guideline, across all disabilities and age groups, for the development of a plan to address the unique needs of the individual child.