Resources for Teachers and Parents

Family Engagement Conference and Resource Fair

As part of the project, we hosted our first Family Engagement Conference and Community Resource Fair in April 2024. We plan to host a conference annually, so check back for information in late January to early February for more information.

The goals of the free event are to:

• Help families, UNO students in education and related fields, and practicing school professionals learn more about family engagement practices
• Create connections with community resources serving children with disabilities

2024 Conference in Review

The 2024 Family Engagement Conference and Community Resource Fair took place on April 20, 2024 at the Milo Bail Student Center at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO). The table below shows who presented and the topics they covered.

Below is the list of community resources that were included in the resource fair. Inclusion of the community resources on this list does not imply endorsement by UNO or DHHS.

To provide training, information, and support to families with children birth to age 26 who have disabilities or special healthcare needs; to empower parents and enable them to advocate effectively for their child's needs and have the capacity to improve the educational outcomes for their children.

Provide the opportunity for children and adults with special needs to move from the sidelines and "Get into the game" by playing non-competitive baseball in AIIPlay's Miracle Buddy Baseball League.

Changing the Way America Cares for Children & Families.

Disability Rights Nebraska envisions a world where human rights are protected and differences celebrated, where the perception of disability is replaced by the recognition of ability, where all people have value, visibility, and voice.

Creating systemic change by removing legal barriers to educational equity.

Connecting Nebraskans with special needs to resources and support.

The Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) provides funding and oversight for Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers. This includes determining eligibility, providing service coordination for eligible people, monitoring services, and paying providers. DDD also oversees programs for people who have special health care needs.

Learn Grow Live

The Autism Society of Nebraska creates connections, empowering everyone in Nebraska's Autism community with the resources needed to live fully.

The Enable savings plan allows individuals with disabilities to save and invest money without it affecting their benefits. Come and see us for details and to get your questions answered about how the plan works.

Duet's mission is to support, encourage, and empower people to lead lives of learning and fulfillment. Duet is a provider offering a range of services to support, nurture, and guide Nebraska's children and adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities toward lives of independence. We work closely with people we support and their families to offer them customized, loving care that caters to their unique needs.

Easterseals provides exceptional services, education, outreach and advocacy so Nebraskans with disabilities of all ages can live, learn, work and play in their communities. Services provided by Easterseals Nebraska include job search assistance, employment follow-up support, benefits and work incentives counseling, alternative financing for assistive technology, device and work technique recommendations for farmers and ranchers, and camp, respite and recreation opportunities.

Champions for Children: Shaping Our Future Through Engagement, Innovation, and a Culture of Belonging

Pediatric feeding disorder professionals teach very young children with medical and developmental challenges how to eat. We focus on understanding the cause of a child's feeding problems, while considering medical history, oral-motor skills, nutrition, and behavior. Their goal is to teach a child to eat like other children and promote appropriate weight gain and growth.

At L.I.F.E Education Consulting and Advocacy, we are dedicated to empowering and uplifting children and families in marginalized communities. We provide holistic educational, advocacy, and socio­ emotional support to help children and families thrive. Whether it's through tutoring, mentorship, or connecting families to community resources, we work tirelessly to ensure that every child has the support they need to succeed.