Idaho Parents Unlimited

01/08/2026

Estimadas familias y aliados de IPUL:

Al dar la bienvenida a un nuevo año, quiero tomar un momento para expresar lo agradecidos que estamos por nuestras familias, aliados y comunidades en todo Idaho. Este año se perfila como uno muy activo e importante, y estamos entusiasmados de acompañarlos en cada paso del camino.

En IPUL, estamos orgullosos de ser una organización liderada por familias. Si bien nuestro equipo cuenta con una amplia experiencia profesional en educación, atención médica, políticas públicas y navegación de sistemas, lo que realmente distingue nuestro trabajo es nuestra experiencia de vida. Muchos de nosotros somos padres y familiares que navegamos los mismos sistemas, desafíos y esperanzas que las familias a las que servimos. Esta perspectiva es la base de nuestro trabajo y fortalece nuestras alianzas.

La Legislatura de Idaho se reunirá nuevamente el 12 de enero, e IPUL estará, una vez más, siguiendo de cerca la legislación que pueda afectar a niños, jóvenes y familias. Durante la sesión legislativa, brindaremos actualizaciones semanales para ayudar a las familias a mantenerse informadas sobre proyectos de ley y discusiones de políticas relacionadas con una amplia variedad de temas, incluyendo la atención administrada de Medicaid, la Transformación de la Salud Rural de Idaho, la expansión de Medicaid (y su posible derogación), el impacto de los recortes de tarifas y la escasez de trabajadores de atención directa en Idaho.

También prestaremos especial atención a temas sobre los que anticipamos escuchar más, como los cambios propuestos al Manual de Educación Especial de Idaho, los servicios de cuidado personal y las políticas de protección infantil, entre muchos otros.

IPUL se enorgullece de continuar sirviendo como el Centro de Capacitación e Información para Padres de Idaho (PTI, por sus siglas en inglés). A través de este trabajo, apoyamos a los padres que crían a niños con discapacidades para que comprendan sus derechos y responsabilidades bajo la Ley de Educación para Personas con Discapacidades (IDEA). Este año, ofreceremos capacitaciones trimestrales constantes para familias que son nuevas en el proceso del IEP o que simplemente necesitan un repaso. Invitamos a maestros y directores de educación especial a referir a las familias a estas sesiones para que puedan sentirse seguras, informadas y preparadas para las reuniones del IEP de sus hijos.

También continuamos con nuestro proyecto piloto con el Distrito Escolar de Lake Pend Oreille, Proyecto LINK (Conectando Información, Redes y Conocimiento). Este proyecto de mentoría para padres en educación especial conecta a las familias con otras personas dentro de sus propias comunidades, ofreciendo apoyo entre pares, experiencias compartidas y conexiones de confianza. ¿Le interesa a su distrito escolar aprender cómo replicar este programa? Llámenos.

Además, estamos profundamente comprometidos con la preparación de jóvenes y familias para futuros exitosos en el empleo, la independencia y la autodefensa. A través de nuestro trabajo con el Departamento de Educación de Idaho, el Centro de Idaho para el Empleo Integrado (ICIE Center) y nuestros esfuerzos más amplios de transición a la vida adulta, IPUL apoya a los jóvenes en el desarrollo de habilidades, confianza y autodeterminación, al mismo tiempo que ayuda a las familias y aliados a comprender cómo crear caminos hacia empleos competitivos e integrados y vidas adultas significativas.

Asimismo, IPUL continúa siendo el Centro de Información de Salud de Familia a Familia de Idaho, brindando capacitación, recursos y apoyo individualizado a familias que crían a niños con necesidades especiales de atención médica. Colaboramos estrechamente con el programa estatal de Salud Materna e Infantil para identificar necesidades urgentes y trabajar juntos en soluciones significativas.

Nuestros Programas de Artes de IPUL continúan llevando educación artística y oportunidades creativas a niños y jóvenes en todo el estado, especialmente a aquellos que no han tenido acceso anteriormente. Este valioso programa también ofrece importantes oportunidades de empleo y desarrollo de habilidades para jóvenes que están en transición a la vida adulta.

De cara al futuro, nos entusiasma especialmente compartir que IPUL es ahora el contratista estatal para la defensa y educación relacionadas con el Sistema de Atención YES (Salud Conductual Infantil). A partir de este mismo mes, nuestro equipo de programas trabajará en conjunto para crear oportunidades mensuales de conexión social a nivel estatal para jóvenes con diagnósticos de salud mental, mientras continuamos apoyando a familias y profesionales que navegan los sistemas de salud conductual infantil.

Les invitamos a mantenerse atentos a nuestro sitio web, calendario de eventos, página de Facebook y correos electrónicos para recibir actualizaciones semanales sobre legislación y políticas, oportunidades para compartir comentarios o testimonio, próximas capacitaciones y talleres, e incluso formas divertidas de conectarse con otras familias. Y recuerden siempre que IPUL está aquí para recibir su llamada y apoyarlos en lo que esté ocurriendo en la vida de su familia.

Por un nuevo año lleno de salud, felicidad y mucho trabajo por delante. Es un honor servir a las familias de Idaho y esperamos con entusiasmo todo lo que lograremos juntos.

Con afecto,

Angela Lindig
Directora Ejecutiva
Idaho Parents Unlimited

01/08/2026

Dear IPUL Families and Partners,

As we welcome a new year, I want to take a moment to share how grateful we are for our families, partners, and communities across Idaho. This year is shaping up to be a very busy and important one, and we are excited to walk alongside you through it.

At IPUL, we are proud to be a family-led organization. While our team brings deep professional expertise across education, healthcare, policy, and systems navigation, what truly sets our work apart is our lived experience. Many of us are parents and family members ourselves, navigating the same systems, challenges, and hopes as the families we serve. This perspective provides the foundation of our work and strengthens our partnerships.

The Idaho Legislature will reconvene on January 12th, and IPUL will once again be closely watching legislation that may impact children, youth, and families. Throughout the session, we will provide weekly updates to help families stay informed about bills and policy discussions related to a wide range of topics including Medicaid Managed Care, Idaho’s Rural Health Transformation, Medicaid expansion (repeal), impact of rate cuts, and Idaho’s direct care workforce shortage.

We will also be paying close attention to issues we anticipate hearing more about, including proposed changes to Idaho’s Special Education Manual, personal care services, and child protection policies among many others.

IPUL is proud to continue serving as Idaho’s Parent Training and Information Center (PTI). Through this work, we support parents raising children with disabilities in understanding their rights and responsibilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This year, we are offering a consistent quarterly training for families who are new to the IEP process or who simply need a refresher. We encourage special education teachers and directors to refer families to these sessions so they can feel confident, informed, and prepared for IEP meetings on behalf of their children.

We are also continuing our pilot project with the Lake Pend Oreille School District, Project LINK (Linking Information, Network, and Knowledge). This special education parent mentorship project connects families with others in their own communities, offering peer support, shared experiences, and trusted connections. Does your school district want to learn more about how to replicate this? Give us a call.

We are also deeply committed to preparing youth and families for successful futures in employment, independence, and self-advocacy. Through our work with the Idaho Department of Education, the Idaho Center for Integrated Employment (ICIE Center), and our broader transition to adulthood efforts, IPUL supports youth in building skills, confidence, and self-determination while helping families and partners understand how to create pathways to competitive, integrated employment and meaningful adult lives.

In addition, IPUL remains Idaho’s Family to Family Health Information Center, providing training, resources, and individualized support for families raising children with special health care needs. We collaborate closely with our state Maternal and Child Health program to identify pressing needs and work together toward meaningful solutions.

Our IPUL Arts Programs continue to bring art education and creative opportunities to children and youth across the state, especially those who may not have had access in the past. This rewarding program also offers valuable employment and skill-building opportunities for youth transitioning into adulthood.

Looking ahead, we are especially excited that IPUL is now the statewide contractor for advocacy and education related to the YES System of Care (Children’s Behavioral Health). Beginning as soon as this month, our program staff will work together to create monthly statewide social connection opportunities for youth with mental health diagnoses, while continuing to support families and professionals navigating children’s behavioral health systems.

Please keep an eye on our website, calendar of events, page, and emails for weekly updates on legislation and policy, opportunities to share feedback or testimony, upcoming trainings and workshops, and even fun ways to connect with other families. And always know that IPUL is here to take your call and support you with whatever may be happening in your family’s life.

Here’s to a healthy, happy, and very busy new year ahead. We are honored to serve Idaho families and look forward to all that we will accomplish together.

Warmly,

Angela Lindig
Executive Director
Idaho Parents Unlimited

01/08/2026

It's that time of year again, the Idaho Legislative Session is about to start! Rest assured, IPUL will be back here with our weekly updates; you can also find them on our website at, https://ipulidaho.org/legislation/

If you have been plugged into the news lately, you may already know that this Legislatvie Session is shaping up to be even busier than last years. Every Session includes a Governor's State of the State address that will introduce policy priorities, budget recommendations, and give us a glimpse into the tone of the upcoming Session.

This year, the State of the State is happening on Monday, January 12th at 1:00 MST. You can view Governor Little's speech live via Idaho in Session on the House Chambers stream or at this link, https://www.idahoptv.org/shows/idahoinsession/house/

We're sure to have a re-cap on Facebook of the Governor's State of the State highlights if you aren't in a position to watch it live. 😀

*Make sure you don't miss an update! To subscribe to our weekly e-newsletter, please follow this link https://ipulidaho.org/ipul-productions/e-news/

House and Senate sessions, committee meetings, court hearings, and more live streamed from all three branches of Idaho's government.

01/07/2026

Tomorrow! Don’t miss IEP 101 Live on Zoom!
New to IEPs or need a refresher? Join us to:
✅ Learn the IEP process
✅ Understand your child’s supports
✅ Get tips to collaborate effectively with your school team
📅 JAN 8, 2026 6:30–7:30 PM MT (5:30–6:30 PM PT)
Register here: https://ipulidaho.org/news/iep_101/

01/07/2026

Sharing on behalf of our partners at Idaho Supports Medicaid. If you'd like to stay connected with them via their newsletter, you can sign up here... https://idahosupportsmedicaid.com/join-the-network

Protect Medicaid at the State of the State
Join us at the Capitol on January 12, 2026 for the opening day of the 2026 legislative session. There will be a press conference at noon about Idaho Medicaid. We will be joining Medicaid providers, healthcare stakeholders, and Idahoans on the 1st floor. We are urging the Idaho Legislature to reverse Medicaid cuts and protect Medicaid expansion during this legislative session. All are welcome to attend!

Event Details

📅 Date: Monday, January 12, 2026
📍 Location: The Capitol 1st Floor Rotunda, Boise
🕑 Time: Arrive around 11:45 AM for noon press conference

➡️ Immediately following the press conference, you can go to 3rd floor to greet Legislators and the Governor as they go to in the Chamber for the State of the State speech. Please be respectful. There is limited gallery seating on the 4th floor. No signs and no shirts with partisan messaging are allowed in the gallery.

You can watch the speech via Idaho in Session (House Chambers stream) at: Idaho in Session Legislature https://www.idahoptv.org/shows/idahoinsession/Legislature/

01/02/2026

A new year is a great time for a fresh start.

If you’re navigating the IEP process or want to feel more confident in supporting your child, join IPUL for IEP 101, a live Zoom training designed specifically for families.

📅 January 8, 2026
⏰ 6:30–7:30 PM MT (5:30–6:30 PM PT)
💻 Live on Zoom

Start the year with tools, knowledge, and support. Register here: https://ipulidaho.org/news/iep_101/

01/02/2026

Happy 2026 everyone!

🎉 Today is a big day for Idaho Parents Unlimited! 🎉

We are proud to share that today marks our first official day as the Youth Empowerment Services (YES) contract holder for advocacy, education, and support for families of youth with serious emotional disturbance and behavioral health needs.

If you’re wondering what this means for you.......
👉 We are still doing everything you’ve always called us for.

With some extras that we really hope benefit our communities:

1.) Help navigating the YES System of Care from families who get it

2.) Statewide monthly youth connection activities

3.) Statewide monthly family connection activities

4.) Trainings and educational activities for: youth, families, providers and the community

5.) ... And so much more!

In fact, the phones were already ringing this morning, we’ve received several calls from families looking for guidance in the YES system, and we were honored to support them.

If you’re feeling unsure or overwhelmed, we are here just like we always have been. Thank you for trusting Idaho Parents Unlimited. We look forward to continuing to support you and your family.

01/01/2026

A black-and-gold celebratory graphic with sparkling lights reads “HAPPY NEW YEAR 2026” in large gold letters. In the upper left is the Idaho Parents Unlimited, Inc. logo with the text “Engage + Educate + Bridge + Lead,” and at the bottom the message reads: “Wishing all of our families and friends a Happy New Year! Thank you for trusting us to be part of your journey. Here’s to continued growth and support in the year ahead.”

12/29/2025

We're resharing this. We're still accepting applications for these two positions. Join our team today!

Idaho Parents Unlimited, Inc. supports, empowers, educates and advocates to enhance the quality of life for Idahoans with disabilities and their families.

12/25/2025

A blue holiday themed graphic from Idaho Parents Unlimited features large white snowflakes and the organization’s logo at the top. The text reads, “Wishing You Happy Holidays,” followed by a warm message about cozy days and meaningful moments, and notes that the office will be closed December 25 through January 1.

12/15/2025

In our continual effort to become a one-stop shop for parents, IPUL is proud to announce that beginning January first we will be the new Youth Empowerment Services (YES) advocacy education and support contractor.

What does that mean for families and youth? Just as you have always called us for support in navigating IEP’s, or with Medicaid questions, we are now happy to support families as they navigate children’s behavioral health and the YES system of care.

Stay tuned for more!

12/12/2025

Idaho Parents Unlimited (IPUL) is a statewide nonprofit organization that supports families of children and youth with disabilities and special health care needs. Through our Parent Training and Information Center (PTI) and Family to Family Health Information Center (F2F), we empower families, build partnerships, and improve outcomes for children and youth with disabilities across Idaho.

Position Summary

The Family Support Specialist provides direct support, information, and training to families and youth with disabilities by responding to phone calls, emails, and online intakes; offering individualized assistance; and making referrals to community and state partners. Applicants must have lived experience with Serious Emotional Disturbance (SED) and will assist and support family members in gaining access to local services. Applicants will also help families become informed consumers of services and self-advocates.

There are two full-time remote positions available – both positions will assist families statewide; however, the positions are to be filled by people who live in the northern and eastern parts of the state. Both positions require the ability to work independently while collaborating closely with a statewide team."

Click here for full information - https://ipulidaho.org/ipul_jobs/

Idaho Parents Unlimited, Inc. supports, empowers, educates and advocates to enhance the quality of life for Idahoans with disabilities and their families.