Montana Empowerment Center Offers Free Support for Families of Children with Disabilities

Families of children and young adults with disabilities across Montana have access to free, confidential support through the Montana Empowerment Center, the state’s federally funded Parent Training and Information Center. Formed in 2018 by a group of Montana parents, the Center was created to ensure that no family has to navigate the special education system alone. Since then, its staff has driven thousands of miles across Montana—reaching rural and urban communities alike—and supported thousands of families. “Our mission is to empower, encourage, and educate families so they can make informed choices and advocate effectively for their children ages 0-26,” said Heidi Gibson, Executive Director at the Montana Empowerment Center. As part of a national network of more than 100 parent centers, the Montana Empowerment Center provides guidance on topics such as special education rights, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), 504 Plans, behavior supports, early intervention, and the transition from high school to adulthood. The Center also partners with educators and professionals serving youth with disabilities. Upcoming IEP Bootcamps The Montana Empowerment Center will host two upcoming free training sessions for parents: Sept. 6 – Great Falls Public Library Sept. 18 - Alliance for Youth - for professionals who work with families Oct. 2 – Alliance for Youth (for parents with focus on transition to adulthood)Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/the-montana-empowerment-center-70215974153 In addition to in-person workshops, the Center also offers webinars and a wide range of parent-friendly resources on its website. Empower Hour webinars 11:30 am-12:30 pm (with Q&A at the end): Sept 11: Understanding 504s with Tal Goldin, Disability Rights Montana Oct 9: Alternatives to Guardianship with Theresa & Isaac Baldry, Rural Institute Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/the-montana-empowerment-center-70215974153 “We want every parent to know they don’t have to face this journey alone. All of us here at MT Empowerment have children with disabilities or we have a disability ourselves. We know the process because we have lived it, and we don’t want families to go through this by themselves,” Gibson added. “Support is available, and it’s right here in Montana at no cost to families.” For more information, visit www.mtempowermentcenter.org or call 877-870-1190. About the Montana Empowerment Center The Montana Empowerment Center is a nonprofit Parent Training and Information Center (PTI) funded by the U.S. Department of Education. Founded in 2018 by parents of children with disabilities, the Center provides free, confidential support to families and professionals across the state. Its mission is to empower, encourage, and educate families to navigate special education and advocate for their children from birth through age 26.