Exceptional Children's Assistance Center

???? Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! May your day be filled with love, laughter, and delicious feasts! ??? Let's cherish the moments around the table with family and friends. ?? #Thanksgiving2024 #Gratitude #Thankful

Check out the blog post from Kristin Jones, a North Carolina exceptional mom and professional! https://ow.ly/AUWY50Ubh9V

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is working on a report focused on barriers to health care for people with disabilities. As part of that effort, they are conducting a survey to understand the barriers that people with disabilities experience in accessing healthcare. Caregivers are also welcome to respond on behalf of the person(s) they care for. The GAO plans to include these stories in a report they are developing. Click here to access the survey: https://ow.ly/Fu3Z50U5AON

The Office of National Autism Coordination (ONAC) invites you to the first webinar in our new series, Voices of Diversity: Conversations on Autism Across Cultures and Identities. The first webinar, Understanding Autism in Indigenous Communities, is being held in honor of Native American Heritage Month on Friday, November 15, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. ET. National Native American Heritage Month is celebrated each year in November. It is a time to celebrate the traditions, languages, and stories of Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and Island communities and ensure their rich histories and contributions continue to thrive with each passing generation. Learn more and register: https://ow.ly/Fn1N50U0sM8

ANNOUNCEMENT! The "Tell Us Something Good" submission deadline has been extended to February 1, 2025 ?Time to share your positive experiences with your child’s teacher or school showcasing their welcoming attitude and enthusiasm for working with families of students with disabilities. Please submit experiences from the 2023-2024 school year through December 2024. We will announce the winner on February 25th! For more information and a link to the application visit our website: https://ow.ly/zbqu50TXyYK

The NC Child Youth Advocacy Council (YAC) is a group of high schoolers all across North Carolina who want to work together to advocate for themselves and their peers. They participate in programming throughout the year, learn new skills, and use their voice to advocate for NC Child priorities, including youth mental health. The YAC is continuously seeking passionate, dedicated teens who care about making a difference in the lives of kids and teens in North Carolina. If someone you know would be interested, please consider sharing this with them and having them apply. Applications close on November 15th: https://ow.ly/8FTV50TXsGX

Did you know that November is Family Engagement Month? ECAC's theme is “Yes, I Can,” which is a message of hope and call to action. Join us in celebrating Families all month long! This is an opportunity to highlight and remind ourselves of the important role families play in the education and well-being of their children throughout the year. This is a time to reflect on the best practices and strategies that support effective family engagement. Family Engagement is a shared responsibility between families, school and the community. When we partner, we can build a community where every family feels valued and empowered. Be sure to visit our Family Engagement Website for exciting resources including activity calendars, Family Engagement Tool Time Tuesdays and our "Tell Us Something Good" award: https://ow.ly/XY2C50TXxfp

Join the NC Department of Health and Human Services on Oct. 30, 2024, from 12-1:30 p.m. for a virtual and tele-town hall conversation on Hurricane Helene recovery services throughout Western North Carolina. Panelists want to hear from community groups, nonprofits and others, and will also share information and answer questions about resources and services available to support the ongoing storm response. Join the event on Zoom at https://ow.ly/6roE50TVoqO or from your phone by dialing 855-756-7520 Ext. 116057#. Spanish and ASL interpretation and communication access will be provided. Oct. 30 @ 12 p.m., EST Call in: 855-756-7520, Ext. 116057# Zoom link: https://ow.ly/gCuY50TVoqN

NC Parents are invited to join the NC Child’s Parent Advisory Council. NC Child’s Parent Advisory Council is a dedicated group of passionate parents from across the great state of North Carolina. Their children use Medicaid for their healthcare needs and main goal of the council is to ensure that parents who know Medicaid well from personal experiences. Apply here: https://ow.ly/kN5T50TTpXw

NCDHHS is partnering with Alliance Health and Somethings to provide mental health support to teens across North Carolina. This initiative aims to offer much-needed support to youth impacted by Hurricane Helene. Somethings is a mental health platform that connects teens and young adults with Certified Peer Support Specialist mentors and can provide referrals to licensed therapists. If you’re a teen or know a teen who needs mental health support, visit: https://lnkd.in/etSWVy6r to get connected to support. Services are available via text and video calls after school from 3:00-11:00 p.m. and on weekends.