You must have or create a Facebook account to join the group, post, and be part of the discussions. You can use a work account (recommended), or if you don’t have a work Facebook account, a personal account.
OR: in the Facebook Search bar, type “STOMP HUB-”. NOTE the dash or hyphen after “HUB”!
Click on the +Join Group icon just below the main group page image:
image of the Facebook button; text reads + Join Group
The moderators will be notified that you want to join. If it isn’t obvious from your Facebook account, you may be sent a question: “Are you a military family member, military professional, or parent center staff?”
Just answer yes! and the moderator will approve you.
Short-and-sweet tutorial on where to get useful data on military families in your state: Active Duty, National Guard, Veterans-plus some creative ideas on using the data. Available with notes pages, which expand a bit on the slides.
When your service member separates or retires from the military, where do you go to find civilian services for your child with a disability? Certain military benefits will end and civilian supports and services will need to be put in place. This resource can help you understand which services your child might keep, and what civilian options you can explore.
If you are PCSing to a “forever” home location, this article includes resource finders available across the United States and Territories.
As you read down the columns, you will see references to Parent Centers. Parent Centers are funded by Office of Special Education (OSEP), US Department of Education to support parents of children age birth to 26 who have disabilities.
In addition to the extensive resources at your state’s Parent Center(s), you can also use resources at the Center for Parent Information and Resources (CPIR), a national center serving Parent Centers and families with online information. According to the CPIR:
“There are nearly 100 Parent Training and Information Centers PTIs) and Community Parent Resource Centers (CPRCs) in the US and Territories. These Centers perform a variety of direct services for children and youth with disabilities, families, professionals, and other organizations that support them. Some of the activities include:
Working with families of infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities, birth to 26
Helping parents participate effectively in their children’s education and development
Parent2Parent: direct, one-on-one trained support from other parents in your family’s situation, and support groups. Sometimes located in parent centers.
Children’s Benefits: Active Duty or Active Reserve
Yes, but only if the service member retires, as opposed to leaving the military prior to fulfilling the terms of service for retirement. If the service member leaves without retiring, try the resources in the right-hand column.
Extended Care Health Option (ECHO) provides supplemental support services not available through Tricare’s regular coverage. Some benefits similar to Medicaid HCBS waivers
No, but check with the community family center at a local installation to identify any military-family support organizations which may offer funding or locator services.
Table comparing military benefits for children with disabilities prior to and after a service member’s retirement or separation, with equivalent civilian resources
University Centers of Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDDs) and Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) programs
Parent centers already refer families to UCEDDs and LEND programs or otherwise have relationships with them, serving on advisory boards and collaborating on partnerships. Here are three reasons for specifically informing military families about these programs and suggestions for outreach:
When is Purple Up Day? You Decide! Purple-Up Day is part of the month-long April celebration “Month of the Military Child” or “MoMC”. The color purple is used as a symbol of all the service branches, as their official colors combine to make purple. Schools, both public and Department of Defense, many organizations and even state governments celebrate MoMC, but the date they pick for “official” Purple-Up Day varies quite a bit. In 2020, we’ve seen dates ranging from April 13-18.
Medicaid waivers, respite care-and IEPS! Learn how the military healthcare system interacts with civilian healthcare and what military parents need to know about TRICARE services and Special Education.
Although all parents of children with disabilities need accurate and timely information, parents of children age birth to three have a narrow time frame to get interventions. With so many differences in lead agencies, family copays, and eligibility for EIS state to state, highly mobile military families have a crucial need for information in advance of a move.
We’re an open group of parent center and military-connected professionals (EFMP & School Liaisons, FACs and FRS) who share with and support one another in their work serving military-connected families. Drop in during our monthly meeting hour or come early and stay-ask a question, share an insight—it’s what we’re all about, and you are cordially welcome!
