Join us on July 30th for the 10th Annual Special Education Law Conference & CLE. The conference will focus on dispute resolution in special education and will include recent rulings and decisions under both IDEA and Section 504, ethics, and a panel discussion. The featured speaker for the conference is Diana MTK Autin, Esquire.

Diana graduated from the University of Michigan Law School in 1977. She was Managing Attorney for Advocates for Children of NYC for 7 years, serving as co-counsel for the plaintiffs in the Jose P. case and the Ray M. case. For 28 years, Diana served as Executive Director or Executive Co-Director of the SPAN Parent Advocacy Network (SPAN), New Jersey’s Parent Training and Information Center. In addition to her current role as Senior Program Director for Organizational Capacity-Building at SPAN, Diana is a co-founder and Director of the National Center for Parent Leadership, Advocacy, and Community Empowerment (National PLACE). She is also a parent, having raised four diverse adopted children with a range of needs.

Registration Fee:

• Attorneys - $150 (includes 6 CLE hours, including 1 ethics hour)
• Professionals - $150 (teacher CEUs applied for)
• Parents/Family Members - $150 (parent stipends available)
• Students - $75 (must show student ID)

For more information, contact Jennifer Johnson at 601-969-0601 or email jennifer@mspti.org.

This year's Mississippi disAbility MegaConference was a huge success! The conference was full of inspirational speakers, presentations, awards, lots of fun, and fellowship!

The keynote address featured Elizabeth Bonker and how she overcame the isolation of Autism by learning to type one letter at a time, proving to an all-too-skeptical world that she has a brilliant mind. Elizabeth and her parents now run a nonprofit that seeks to promote typing training to people who are unable to speak. This is a life-altering breakthrough that only requires training people to use a tablet computer to spell out their words.

The conference also featured breakout sessions about community transportation, mental health for caregivers, assistive technologies, and other topics important to people living with disabilities.

Day two included a presentation on Home and Community Based Services and supports available through the Department of Medicaid. Then, Dan Hall shared his journey into quadriplegia and the wisdom and life changing lessons he learned.

Embrace Abilities is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting children and teens with special needs, aged 3-18, along with their families on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Their mission is to foster an inclusive, supportive, and vibrant community where every child can thrive and families feel connected and empowered.



Their events bring families together, promote social interaction, and provide educational opportunities:

• Bi-Monthly Social Meetups: These gatherings offer fun, structured activities for children to build friendships and social skills. We welcome neurotypical siblings too, ensuring inclusivity for the whole family.
• Quarterly Coffee with Caregivers: Starting on August 31st, from 10 AM to 12 PM at the Ocean Springs Library, these events provide a space for parents and caregivers to gather, share resources, and gain valuable insights. Our first session will focus on understanding Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and parents' rights within the educational system.

July Meetups:

• July 14th, 10-12 PM: Lynn Meadows Discovery Center Sensory Sunday, 246 Dolan Avenue, Gulfport, MS 39507
• July 27th, 9-11 AM: George Martin City Park, 914 De La Pointe Dr, Gautier, MS 39553. This meetup will be extra special as we will be capturing professional photos and videos throughout the event. These images will be featured prominently on our platforms and printed marketing materials, replacing generic stock photos with authentic moments that truly represent who we are.

Embrace Abilities warmly invites families with children aged 3-18 with special needs, and their neurotypical siblings, to join their community. Events are designed for kids to make friends and for parents to know they are not alone. Events are always 100% free, ensuring everyone can participate and benefit from our programs.

For more information, visit their website at www.embraceabilitiesms.org, email info@embraceabilitiesms.org, or call 228-400-5011.

Don't miss this opportunity! Mississippi States U-THRIVE Program is currently seeking participants for the 2024-2025 school year! Apply by clicking on the link: https://linktr.ee/uthrive or emailing uthrive@colled.msstate.edu.

The U-THRIVE Program provides experiences to adults with developmental disabilities that will increase their functional living skills and allow them to engage with their community at NO COST TO FAMILIES.

Over the course of a year, 8 total units will be covered. These units will include the following topics: Transportation, Healthy Living, Food and Nutrition, Social Relationships, Independent Living, Employment, Money Management, and Advocating for Oneself. Each month, participants will cover one topic and require the attendance of two virtual instructional meetings and an in-person community outing that will that will take place in or around the Oktibbeha county/Starkville area.

Location: Jackson Hilton