PTI Nebraska

📣 An Important announcement as part of our commitment to keeping you all informed!

💫 National Congress Call-In Day - Thursday, June 25th, 2026 💫

Today (Thursday) disability groups across the country are taking part in a National Call-In Day to voice concerns about the recent transfer of the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) from the U.S. Department of Education to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

OSERS oversees the implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the federal law that helps ensure children with disabilities receive a free appropriate public education and the supports and services they need to succeed.

If you are concerned about what this may mean for your family or students, you can call your U.S. senators and representatives and voice your opinion.

You can call the Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and they will transfer you.

You can find your senator here:

https://www.senate.gov/general/resources/pdf/senators_phone_list.pdf

You can find your representative here:

https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative

📣 An Important announcement as part of our commitment to keeping you all informed!

💫 National Congress Call-In Day - Thursday, June 25th, 2026 💫

On Thursday, June 25th, disability groups across the country are taking part in a National Call-In Day to voice concerns about the recent transfer of the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) from the U.S. Department of Education to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

OSERS oversees the implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the federal law that helps ensure children with disabilities receive a free appropriate public education and the supports and services they need to succeed.

If you are concerned about what this may mean for your family or students, you can call your U.S. senators and representatives and voice your opinion.

You can call the Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and they will transfer you.

You can find your senator here:

https://www.senate.gov/general/resources/pdf/senators_phone_list.pdf

You can find your representative here:

https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative

Parents - Let’s Rebuild Some Dreams Together on Wednesday!

When a child receives a diagnosis of a disability, families often experience a wide range of emotions. While the future may not look exactly as you once imagined, it can still be filled with hope, growth, and meaningful achievements!

Join PTI Nebraska for our Rebuilding Dreams learning session that explores the diagnosis journey and helps families recognize that they are not alone.

Together, we'll discuss ways to navigate challenges, celebrate progress, recognize and build on your child's strengths, redefine success, and create a vision for the future that reflects your child's unique abilities and potential.

The Details:

When: Wednesday June 24, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM and 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM CST
Where: Free Virtual Training via Zoom

To better accommodate busy schedules, this session will be offered at two different times and will be presented by Connie Shockley, our Early Childhood Information Specialist.

To Register:

12pm - https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/TKEhyyVuSCK3qd6H_m0ktw #/registration

6:30pm - https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/47kD_0OvTb6L1ClnnwsdGQ #/registration

Dreams may evolve, goals may change, but every child has the potential to learn, grow, and thrive!!! 💜

We hope to see you on Wednesday!

Attention Nebraska Families - We Have a Special Message for You.

Last week, the U.S. Department of Education formally announced an interagency agreement to transfer the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) to the Department of Health and Human Services and the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) to the Department of Justice.

We understand this news may raise questions and concerns for families. When changes occur at the federal level, it is natural to wonder how they may affect your child, your family, and the services and supports you rely on.

As Nebraska's federally designated Parent Training and Information Center, PTI Nebraska is committed to helping families navigate these developments with clear, accurate, and reliable information.

At this time, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the federal law that governs special education services and supports for students with disabilities, remains in effect. The rights and protections available to children with disabilities and their families have not changed.

This also means that Nebraska's special education regulations, known as Rule 51, remain in effect and continue to guide the provision of special education services across the state.

As you prepare for the upcoming school year, we encourage you to continue participating in IEP meetings, requesting evaluations when appropriate, asking questions, documenting concerns, and utilizing the special education processes available under the law.

While the full impact of these federal changes is not yet known, PTI Nebraska's mission remains unchanged. We will continue to provide information, answer questions, offer training and support, and help families navigate special education, disability services, and available resources throughout Nebraska.

If you have questions about special education, disability services, or your child's rights, PTI Nebraska remains a trusted resource for families.

We are here to support Nebraska families, and our work continues.

With you,
The PTI Nebraska Team

💜

CONTACT PTI NEBRASKA for information, resources, and individualized support:

402-346-0525 or 800-284-8520
www.pti-nebraska.org

Happy Father’s Day!

Today, we celebrate the fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers, foster fathers, and father figures who provide love, support, guidance, and encouragement every day.

Thank you for the many ways you advocate, teach, cheer on, and stand beside your children through every milestone and challenge. Your dedication makes a lasting difference. 💜

Wishing you and your family a meaningful Juneteenth as we honor freedom, reflect on our nation's history, and celebrate resilience and hope. 💜

The PTI Nebraska office will be closed today in honor of Juneteenth.

I Hope Today Gives You Lots of Reasons to Smile 💜

Reminder - This training is happening today at noon! Join us if you can!

Free Training Opportunity on
Building Self-Determination Skills for Students with Disabilities (Ages 14–21).

Is your child preparing for life after high school?

This free training will help families and teens/young adults understand how to build self-determination and self-advocacy skills that support successful transition planning.

It’s important for teens/young adults to learn how to:

—Identify personal goals for life after high school
—Practice self-advocacy and speaking up for their needs
—Build confidence in making decisions about their future
—Take steps toward independence and postsecondary success

The Details:

Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Time: 12:00–1:00 PM CST
Location: Free Zoom Training

This learning session is being presented by Shaistha Kiran Karipi, Transition Information Specialist at PTI Nebraska.

To Register:

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/xeZsIt5zTtexGTjylarfWg #/registration

Or scan the QR code on the flyer to register.

Parents - being your teens/young adults with you! It is never too late to start working on self-determination skills! 💜

An IEP isn't just an Individualized Education Program for your child - it's also a reminder that parents play an important role as an Involved Educated Parent.

You know your child best! Your observations, concerns, hopes, and input matter.

When families and schools work together, students are more likely to receive the supports they need to learn, grow, and succeed.

Being an involved parent doesn't mean having all the answers. It means:

✅ Asking questions
✅ Learning about your child's rights and your rights
✅ Participating in meetings
✅ Reviewing evaluation results and progress monitoring data
✅ Sharing what works at home
✅ Advocating for needed supports and services
✅ Celebrating every success along the way

Remember, you are a valued member of your child's IEP team. Your voice matters, and your involvement can make a meaningful difference in your child's educational journey. 💜

We are excited about doing a presentation about IEPs for our friends at the Down Syndrome Alliance of the Midlands on Tuesday night (June 16th) via Zoom from 6-7:30pm!

To Register: https://www.dsamidlands.org/events/events.html/event/2026/06/16/dses-june-2026-/558190

While the original presenter, our friend Graciela Sharif from MMI, ended up having another work commitment, we are honored to be able to help out and fill in for this important presentation.

We'll be talking all things IEPs, sharing information, tips, and resources, and answering your questions!

We look forward to a great conversation and helping families feel more informed and empowered.

Thank you to the Down Syndrome Alliance of the Midlands for the opportunity. We are grateful to partner with you and can't wait to connect with families on Tuesday evening.

Bring your questions - we're ready to talk IEPs!

Things are better when we do them together! 💜