Advocacy for Systems Change:
PACER’s 2023 Leadership Training for Parents of Children with Disabilities

Parents selected for this interactive, virtual training will:

• Learn about the influence of parent leadership in the history of special education
• Build capacity to advocate for improved supports and services for children with disabilities and their families with the power of personal experience
• Learn about parent leadership opportunities in Minnesota from the school district to the state level
• Set personal goals and develop a Parent Leadership Action Plan
• Network with other Minnesota parents of children with disabilities

This is NOT a training for parents interested in learning to advocate for their own child.  

This free training is for parents interested in taking their advocacy to the next level and advocating for systems change for all children, youth, and young adults with disabilities.

If you are the parent of a child or young adult with a disability who is 5 to 20 years old and currently receiving special education services on an IEP in the state of Minnesota,

If you have confidence advocating on behalf of your own child and you’re ready to move your advocacy to the next level,

If you are seeking opportunities to advocate for positive change in the lives of all children and young adults with disabilities and their families,

And if you can commit 2 days of your time and energy to actively participating in this interactive, virtual training with other parents across the state of Minnesota who also want to make a difference,

 

Trained Parent Leaders

• Speak and write to others in your community about the needs of children with disabilities and their families

• Join advisory committees at your school district, local, or state level and share your parent experience to influence decision-making on issues related to special education

• Use your voice to engage with policymakers and advocate for legislation that enhances the quality of life and expands opportunities for children, youth, and young adults with disabilities

• Dedicate your unique gifts and strengths to work collaboratively for positive change so that every person with a disability can reach their highest potential

If you have questions about this training opportunity, contact Rachel Pearson at 952-838-9000 or [email protected]

Early Childhood Family Leadership Summit

This 2 part training will help family leaders to understand and use data to become vital, involved data leaders who can engage in critical conversations and decisions about the use of data to improve outcomes for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers with disabilities.

Upon completion of the training, family leaders will know how to apply to become members of their schools district Special Education Advisory Councils, their regional Interagency Early Intervention Committees, the Governor’s Interagency Coordinating Council and other stakeholder groups.

If you have questions about this training opportunity, contact Judy Swett at 952-838-9000 or [email protected]

Parent Leadership Summit on Children’s Mental Health

This training will provide information aimed at helping parents effectively share their story to influence better services and supports in their local areas for children and youth with behavioral health needs in Minnesota.

This training will cover:

• The importance of parent leadership
• Parent leadership opportunities
• Understanding the role of legislation and policy
• The power of the parent story

If you have questions about this training opportunity, contact Laura Jean at 952-838-9000 or [email protected]