Montana Empowerment Center, Inc.

06/19/2026

Montana Empowerment Center is excited to be a part of this valuable training opportunity for families. This year MontCOMM is virtual and open to families all across Montana who have children who need support with their communication. Do you have a child who has communication needs or would like to learn more about alternative communication options? We hope you can join us on the afternoon of August 13 either in person or online.

06/18/2026

At the OPI Summer Institute, we presented our workshop "The Road to Adulthood Begins Early" and unveiled our Montana Transition to Adulthood Handbook "The Road Ahead".

This event enabled us to link educators with essential resources, enhancing their ability to support students in creating more effective Transition IEPs.

Jose Munoz, representing the Education Commission of the States, delivered a captivating keynote on "Building Belonging" to an audience of 600. His unique blend of experiences, including conflict resolution at the Boys & Girls Club and his professional football career, resonated deeply. He also shed light on the origins of the football huddle at Gallaudet University (for the deaf) so the opposing team couldn't read their lips.

Within our Montana disability community, our aspiration extends beyond mere inclusion - we're committed to fostering a profound sense of belonging, where every individual feels seen, heard, and valued.

06/17/2026

CADRE's Family Guide for Using AI in SPED

AI tools (like ChatGPT) can be powerful supports for parents navigating special education.

06/17/2026

WASHINGTON, DC – In response to today’s announcement by the Department of Education (Department) to move the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) and the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) to other federal agencies, COPAA CEO Denise Marshall made the following statement:

06/16/2026

Families across Montana may be hearing news about a major change at the federal level involving special education.

The U.S. Department of Education has announced an interagency agreement that would move support for the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, known as OSERS, to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). OSERS oversees special education in the Department of Education.

We know this may raise questions and concerns for families of children with disabilities. Here is what we want you to know right now:

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is still the law. Your child’s right to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) has not changed. IEPs, evaluations, related services, procedural safeguards, and dispute resolution protections remain firmly in place at this time.

Our Commitment to Montana Families
We remain fully committed to helping parents, caregivers, youth, and professionals understand their rights, navigate special education, and advocate effectively for students with disabilities.

Families Have a Powerful Voice
If you believe students with disabilities need strong federal protections, clear oversight, and continued support, now is an important time to contact your members of Congress. You can share how IDEA has impacted your child, your family, and your community.

Find your members of Congress here: congress.gov/members/find-your-member

US Senator Steve Daines Republican
Washington, DC Office
320 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510-2604
202-224-2651

US Senator Tim Sheehy, Republican
Washington, DC Office
G55 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
202-224-2644

US Representative Ryan Zinke, Republican
Washington, DC Office
512 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515-2601
202-225-5628

US Representative Troy Downing, Republican
Washington, DC Office
1529 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
202-225-3211

You can also visit: https://mt.gov/govt/congressional_delegation. Our Members of Congress also have local offices in Montana.

We will continue to monitor what is happening, share updates with families, and provide trusted support through this transition.

Our live phone hours are M-Thu 1130-430pm. We are here to listen.

Special ed, civil rights oversight carved out of Education Department : NPR https://share.google/rZsfBy3YO5itQLfBp

06/11/2026

June is National Aphasia Awareness Month

Aphasia is a communication disorder that can affect speaking, understanding, reading, and writing, often following a stroke or brain injury. It does not affect intelligence.

More than 2 million Americans live with aphasia, yet awareness remains low. This month, help spread understanding, patience, and support for those navigating communication challenges every day.

06/08/2026

One Helena principal is taking on some extra work today—caring for a student's horse! 🐎 Rumor has it that an "old Montana law" requires school principals to feed and tend students' horses, and while no such law exists, the tradition often lives on.

📸Photo courtesy of the Helena Police Department

06/08/2026

The Montana Empowerment Center (MEC) is proud to be one of over 100 Parent Training and Information Centers (PTIs) across the United States. PTIs are dedicated to supporting families of children with disabilities from birth through age 26, offering resources, training, and guidance tailored to each family's unique needs.

At MEC, we help parents and caregivers:

*Understand their child’s disability and educational needs.

*Learn about their rights and responsibilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

*Access tools and strategies to advocate for their child’s success.

Your anonymous feedback is essential to help us continue providing meaningful support and to meet the requirements for our federal grant reporting.

Please take a few moments to share your experience with MEC. Your input helps us improve our services and reach more families effectively.

-MEC Team

https://us2.list-manage.com/survey?u=ec5c42a500c0d02ed479a6588&id=cab8118879&e=

06/08/2026

This month, we recognize and support individuals and families affected by Dravet syndrome, a rare and severe form of epilepsy that begins in infancy.

Dravet syndrome is an intractable developmental and epileptic encephalopathy that causes frequent, prolonged seizures and can lead to developmental delays, movement and balance challenges, sleep difficulties, and other lifelong health concerns. The condition affects approximately 1 in 15,700 people, making it a rare disease that often requires specialized medical care and ongoing support.

Most individuals with Dravet syndrome have a mutation in the SCN1A gene, which plays a critical role in how nerve cells communicate in the brain.

This awareness month, we honor the strength and resilience of those living with Dravet syndrome, their families, caregivers, and the healthcare professionals who support them. By increasing awareness, promoting early diagnosis, and supporting research, we can help improve outcomes and quality of life for those affected.

06/03/2026

The Montana Council on Developmental Disabilities is now entering the formal 45‑day public comment period for our draft 5‑year State Plan. This plan will guide our statewide work to strengthen advocacy, promote systems change, build capacity, and improve quality of life for Montanans with developmental disabilities.

We’re inviting community members, partners, self‑advocates, families, and service providers to review the draft plan and share feedback through a brief survey.

The survey is open for 45 days and takes about 10–15 minutes to complete.

Survey link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/68M3VYV

Please share widely—broad public participation is essential to ensuring the final State Plan reflects the needs and voices of individuals with developmental disabilities across Montana.