Snapshot Presentations:

Handy Tech Tools: Learn about how to use practical tools for things like home accommodations, homework help, and more.

Anna Zierfuss, Parent Navigator & MAP Program Coordinator and Marcus Douglas, Data & Systems Manager

Assistive Technology: Have you Considered it? Assistive technology (AT) is any device, tool, software, or strategy that can help someone be more independent. Join ATLA, non-profit that helps Alaskans access and acquire AT, for hands-on exploration of AT examples.

Kate Yenik, MPA. Program Manager and AT Specialist

The Anchorage School District (ASD) highlights the importance of collaboration in supporting the developmental milestones of students with intellectual disabilities (ages 3–21). ASD outlines key transition stages, available resources, and success stories from families within the district. ASD’s partnerships with local agencies and inclusive education initiatives encourage families and community members to engage with the support systems in place.

Anne Paolucci, Assistant Director of Special Education Instruction, Joy Bartko, ACT Program Principal, LuEmma Rowland, Assistant Director of Early Learning

Southcentral Foundation Family Health Resources provides support to families by assisting them with applications and enrollment for various programs such as Medicaid, SNAP, Medicare, and the Tribally Sponsored Health Insurance Program (TSHIP). Family Health Resources offers personalized guidance to ensure families understand their eligibility and benefits, helping them navigate the complexities of these essential services. This support helps families access necessary healthcare, food assistance, and other vital resources, enhancing their overall well-being and security.

Austin Johnson, Manager of Outreach and Enrollment  

The Alaska Department of Health (DOH) recognizes that schools play a vital role in connecting children to essential health services, but gaps in access remain. DOH is working to make it easier for schools to bill Medicaid for certain services to better support students’ and schools’ needs. We would love to hear from parents about their experiences navigating health services in schools.

Leah Van Kirk – Deputy Director, Alaska Department of Health, Betsy Wood – Associate Director, Alaska Department of Health, Dana Loutey – Senior Policy Advisor, Alaska Department of Health

A variety of resources available through Women’s, Children’s, and Family Health (WCFH) will be discussed. This includes tools for adolescent healthcare transition that teach adolescents how to manage their healthcare needs. Information on parents and caregivers attending the Family ECHO where a variety of topics are discussed that focus on physical and mental health and wellness including relationships, data, and sexual health, and advocacy including with providers, schools, and legislative process. While the Family Engagement Leadership Training (FELT) offers parents and caregivers a learning opportunity to develop advocacy and leadership skills to engage systems of care. Information about how to sign up will be available.

Joanne Singleton, Program Manager at Women’s, Children’s, and Family Health, State of Alaska, Department of Health, Division of Public Health.