Montana Empowerment Center, Inc.

02/17/2026

🎉 PTA Founders’ Day – February 17 🎉

On February 17, we celebrate Founders’ Day and honor the vision, courage, and leadership of our Parent Teachers Association (PTA) founders, Alice McLellan Birney, Phoebe Apperson Hearst, and Selena Sloan Butler.

These remarkable women shared a simple but powerful idea: to improve the lives and futures of all children. Through imagination, determination, and bold action, they worked beyond the barriers of their time to create lasting change in education, health, and safety.

Founders’ Day is a time to reflect on their legacy and take pride in the impact PTA continues to have in our communities. It is also a time to renew our commitment to be:

-A powerful voice for all children
-A relevant resource for parents
-A strong advocate for public education

Their belief in the power of individual action reminds us that when families and communities come together, meaningful change happens.

Today, we celebrate the past, honor the present, and recommit to building a brighter future for every child.

02/16/2026

🇺🇸 Office Closure Notice: Presidents Day 🇺🇸

In observance of Presidents Day, our office will be closed on Monday February 16, 2026.

We will resume regular live phone hours on Tuesday from 11:30 AM – 4:30 PM.

If you are in need of assistance during this time, please visit our website at: www.mtempowermentcenter.org

02/16/2026

💙 International Angelman Day – February 15 💙

On February 15, we join the global Angelman community in celebrating our loved ones with Angelman syndrome and raising awareness of the incredible joy and strength they bring to our lives.

Angelman syndrome (AS) is a rare neuro-genetic disorder that affects approximately 1 in 15,000 live births, or about 500,000 people worldwide.
It is caused by a loss of function of the UBE3A gene on the 15th chromosome inherited from the mother.

Angelman syndrome shares characteristics with other conditions, including autism, cerebral palsy, and Prader-Willi syndrome. Because of these overlapping features, misdiagnosis can happen.

Increased awareness helps families receive accurate diagnoses, appropriate supports, and meaningful connections to community resources.

Developmental concerns often become noticeable between 6–12 months of age.
Individuals with AS may experience:
• Delayed development
• Walking and balance challenges
• Seizures
• Gastrointestinal concerns
• Little to no speech

Yet, alongside these challenges, individuals with Angelman syndrome are often described as having a joyful, excitable demeanor. Their smiles and laughter can truly light up a room.

02/14/2026

❤️ Happy Valentine’s Day! ❤️

Today we celebrate love in all its forms, the love of family, the strength of community, and the care we show one another each day.

To the families we serve, thank you for the trust you place in us. We are honored to walk alongside you and support your journey. Wishing you a day filled with connection, kindness, and moments that remind you how valued you are.

02/10/2026

You Don’t Have to Navigate Special Education Alone!

Families of children with disabilities face complex systems, paperwork, and meetings—often during their most vulnerable moments. The Montana Empowerment Center is here to help ages birth to 26.

Our staff provides and support for families with children receiving special education services. We partner with parents for one-on-one coaching, training and referrals to help understand parent rights and build strong communication with schools and educators.

We can help with:
✅ Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
✅ 504 Plans and accommodations
✅ Building productive, respectful relationships with schools and educators

Our services are family-centered, confidential, and empowering—because every child deserves access, dignity, and opportunity.

Call us: 8778701190
Live phone hours M-Th
*your call will be answered by a professional who has a child with a disability or has a disability themselves!

Contact us with link in comments!

02/09/2026

Feb 2026 (1st edition) EmpowerMe Newsletter: Bridges to the Future: Transition Planning from Early Childhood to Adulthood -

Transition from Part B to Adulthood In Montana, transition planning is a required part of the IEP beginning no later than age 16 (and earlier when appropriate). The transition plan must be based on the student’s strengths, preferences, and interests and include measurable postsecondary goals for e...

02/05/2026

Feb. 4 was National Read Aloud Day. Being asked to do this can be terrifying when a student has dyslexia, one of the most common specific learning disabilities.

Understanding how the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) supports students is essential for families, educators, and communities to help students with disabilities build a foundation for learning. We just created a clear, colorful infographic breaking down the 13 disability categories — along with the percentage of school-age children who qualify for services in each one.

At the Montana Empowerment Center, we believe that knowledge empowers families. Whether your child has a specific learning disability, speech or language impairment, autism, ADHD, or any other disability covered under IDEA, we’re here to support you every step of the way. 💙📊 Share the infographic below!

02/04/2026

📚National Read Aloud Day📚

Today, we celebrate the power of reading aloud, because stories connect us, build understanding, and open doors for learning at every age.
Today, we encourage you to:
📖 Read with your child or family member
📖 Share a favorite book
📖 Take a moment to enjoy the power of words, together

01/29/2026

2026 Town Hall Meeting - SAVE THE DATE

Thursday, February 12, 2026 from 10:30a.m. - 12:30p.m. VIRTUAL
https://mt-gov.zoom.us/j/83397822530?pwd=cxa1x44xkF5LaVvJ572GPDCPWicIL6.1

Share your thoughts on the following:
Employment First Strategic Plan
2026 Vocational Rehabilitation State Plan
State Plan for Independent Living

Resources:
Employment First White Paper -https://dphhs.mt.gov/assets/detd/vocrehab/MT.E1stFullLengthWhitePaperfinal.pdf
VR State Plan with 2026 Modifications -https://dphhs.mt.gov/assets/detd/vocrehab/2026ModificationDRAFT01-23-25.pdf
State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL) -https://dphhs.mt.gov/assets/detd/IndependentLiving/IL/SPIL.draft.with.watermark.2024.pdf

To request accommodations, please contact Lacey Conzelman via email at: lacey.conzelman@mt.gov no later than Thursday, February 5, 2026.

01/28/2026

https://mailchi.mp/mtempowermentcenter.org/stronger-together-honoring-national-mentoring-month

The Power of Mentorship: Celebrating National Mentoring Month January is National Mentoring Month, a time to celebrate the power of supportive relationships and the lasting impact mentors can have on children, youth, and young adults.

01/28/2026

TODAY! A chance to share your voice…the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) invites parents, students, teachers, paraprofessionals, school staff, individuals with disabilities, and other disability stakeholders across the nation to participate in a virtual listening session. You are invited to share your personal experiences with special education and vocational rehabilitation, including stories of success and challenges and any matters you would like the Department to hear as we work to empower parents, teachers, and local leaders and return education to the states.

OSERS leadership will be in attendance to hear from participants. The Department intends only to listen to feedback; no information will be shared, and Department staff will not engage in discussion. Please note that opportunities to speak are on a first-come, first-serve basis, and will include a 3-min max time per speaker. For registered participants unable to participate due to time constraints, listening session remarks may be submitted by email to a designated inbox. Consistent with the structure of the listening session, the Department will not respond to emailed session remarks.

This session will be closed to the press and strictly off the record.

Wednesday, January 28, 2026
10:00 – 1:00 pm Mountain Time

This session will be closed to the press and strictly off the record:

Register: