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Recent E-Newsletters

Welcome New Staff | Summer Parent Groups | Covid Vaccines for Children Under 5 | Partners in Policymaking
June
2022
E-Newsletter
Resources, information, and other parents who understand what you are going through.
Welcome Amanda Travers, Parent Group Facilitator, Brainerd Lakes Area

We are excited to welcome Amanda to Family Voices of MN. Amanda is offering parent groups in the Brainerd Lakes Area of MN.
Amanda lives with her husband and three young children. Her oldest child is 4 years old and has global developmental delays and hypotonia but the family is still searching for a diagnosis. Amanda has experience accessing specialty medical care and therapies for her children. She grew up in a rural community in central Minnesota as the youngest of four children, one of which lives with Downs Syndrome. She has a lot of stories she could tell you about growing up with a brother with some extra needs. Little did she know that her big brother was preparing her for where her life would lead her.

Seeing all the struggles her daughter has had to endure in her short life so far Amanda has become fiercely passionate about advocating for her daughter. Amanda is excited to help others to do the same for their families.
Parent Groups Are Still Meeting This Summer

Life can be busy in the MN summer as we soak up all the warmth we can. For families raising children with disabilities, this season has its own challenges and celebrations. Fill your own cup by connecting with other parents and family members in a parent-like role who get it. Join a parent group that works for you.


What is the CONNECTED Program?
The Family Voices of MN CONNECTED Parent to Parent Network is made up of more than 200 Minnesota parents who are raising children with disabilities and/or special health care needs.

Our Volunteer Support Parents (VSPs) represent multiple diverse communities throughout MN. Despite challenges of their own, they volunteer to offer quality support to other parents so that no one has to feel alone.
 
As the state alliance member of Parent to Parent USA, we provide our volunteers with training and offer family support using research-based best practices.

If you or someone you know would like to join our parent network and attend our next support parent training please email Program Manager, Terri Boettcher at terri@familyvoicesmn.org
Covid-19 Vaccines Approved for Children Ages 6 Months and Up
"On June 18, 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) gave final approval for kids 6 months and older to be vaccinated against COVID-19 under the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). The Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines are proven to be safe and effective in preventing and lessening severe COVID-19 symptoms and hospitalization for kids in this age group."
There's Still Time to Apply!
Partners in Policymaking is a program designed to empower both individuals with disabilities and parents of those with developmental disabilities to use their voices. Throughout the training, participants acquire valuable resources, connect with and learn from different speakers, and build skills that allow them to pursue their dreams and create positive change within their communities.
Are you a person with a disability, or do you have a child with a developmental disability?

If so, join us for the 2022-2023 Partners in Policy program! Class 40 is now accepting applications, open to all Minnesota residents with disabilities and parents of children with developmental disabilities.
Parent Panel: Choosing Early Autism Supports | Honoring Julie Becket's Life | Article: Talking to Children About Violence
May 2022
E-Newsletter
Resources, information, and other parents who understand what you are going through.
Honoring the Legacy of Julie Beckett

It is with great sadness we share that Julie Beckett, one of the founders of Family Voices, passed away on Friday, May 13, at her home in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
 
Passionate, visionary, and inexhaustible, Julie was an amazing advocate for improving health care for children with special health care needs and disabilities throughout our country for over 35 years, beginning with her daughter Katie Beckett. 

Join Our Parent Panel Webinar Tomorrow at Noon
Parents’ Perspectives on Choosing Autism Services in the Early Years

Friday, May 27th
12:00 - 1:30 PM

Join us for a 90-minute parent panel on paths to autism intervention in the early years.
You’ll hear from five parents who chose different routes in supporting their children with autism during the birth to 5 period.
This retrospective discussion aims to help parents new to developmental delay and/or autism to better understand their options so that they can make informed choices on behalf of their children.
We are proud to provide this webinar in collaboration with fellow community organizations, Communities Engaging Autism and Multicultural Autism Action Network.
Talking to Children About Violence:
Tips for Parents and Teachers
Article from National Association of School Psychologists: "High profile acts of violence, particularly in schools, can confuse and frighten children who may feel in danger or worry that their friends or loved-ones are at risk. They will look to adults for information and guidance on how to react. Parents and school personnel can help children feel safe by establishing a sense of normalcy and security and talking with them about their fears."
Haven't Joined A Parent Group Yet?
Don't Worry. You Are Welcome Anytime!
One in Five Minnesota families with children have a child with a disability or chronic health condition.

Connecting with another parent is critical to knowing where to look for resources and services for our children and youth.

We do not have to feel alone.

Thank You Volunteers | Webinars | Training Opportunity | Welcome New Staff
April 2022
E-Newsletter
Resources, information, and other parents who understand what you are going through.
Thank You Parent Volunteers
We are sending a big shout out and immense gratitude to all of our Volunteer Support Parents who have very little time to spare but very big hearts to share. Your strength carries us.
Welcome New Staff!
Parent Support Navigator, Ayaan Musa is parent to two wonderful daughters, ages 15 and 13, who have Autism. While they are both on the Autism spectrum, their needs are very different from each other. They have many co-conditions including sleep disorders and feeding issues (two very prevalent conditions for those on the Autism spectrum).
Ayaan knows the challenges of caring for needs that are on either end of the spectrum and has been able to connect with families with a wide range of challenges because of her experiences. She has worked as a volunteer advocate for ten plus years, mainly in the East African communities which are underserved. She has served on several advisory committees. Ayaan has experience helping families access MA/Waivers/County services and therapies. She has advocated in the school systems and in clinics and healthcare systems. 
Upcoming Webinars for Families
Everyone Can Learn To Read: Teaching Literacy to Our Students with Disabilities

Wednesday, April 27th
12:00 - 1:00 PM

Everyone can learn to read, if they are taught. Literacy advocate and homeschool parent, Sarah Carlson-Wallrath seeks to erase the common misconception that students with intellectual disabilities cannot learn to read.

While reading is complex, science-based, explicit instruction is highly effective. Learn what structured literacy instruction looks like and how to use it at home.
Get suggestions on advocating in school for high expectations and effective reading instruction for your student. 
Parents’ Perspectives on Choosing Autism Services in the Early Years

Friday, May 27th
12:00 - 1:30 PM

Join us for a 90-minute parent panel on paths to autism intervention in the early years.
You’ll hear from five parents who chose different routes in supporting their children with autism during the birth to 5 period.
This retrospective discussion aims to help parents new to developmental delay and/or autism to better understand their options so that they can make informed choices on behalf of their children.
We are proud to provide this webinar in collaboration with fellow community organizations, Communities Engaging Autism and Multicultural Autism Action Network.
New Training Opportunity: Are you seeking new tools and strategies to help yourself and others cope with Covid-related stress?
What: Skills for Psychological Recovery Training:
MDH is offering an evidence-based train-the-trainer opportunity to bring practical tools and skills back to your community whether it is your co-workers, families, or individuals you work with.
You will learn and apply the skills and then you will share those skills with others.
 
Who: This set of trainings will focus on the experiences and concerns of children with special health needs and individuals with disabilities and the people who care for them (professionals and caregivers). All are welcome!
 
When: Lunch and Learn with us for 7 Wednesday sessions starting May 18, 2022, and ending on June 29 (12:00 pm-1:30 pm)
 
Where: Virtual - via Zoom
Haven't Joined A Parent Group Yet?
Don't Worry. You Are Welcome Anytime!
One in Five Minnesota families with children have a child with a disability or chronic health condition.

Connecting with another parent is critical to knowing where to look for resources and services for our children and youth.

We do not have to feel alone.