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Parent summit draws more than 100 attendees; organizers plan follow‑up survey and expanded outreach
Summary
The Arc’s parent summit on July 21 drew more than 100 attendees for sessions on IEP writing, dispute resolution, and recent legislation; organizers plan a survey to refine timing and session tracks and will coordinate outreach with the department.
Kelly Monroe, executive director of The Arc of Louisiana, reported to the SEEK panel on a parent summit held July 21 that drew "well over a 100 people in attendance" and offered breakout sessions on dispute resolution, writing strong IEPs, pre‑employment transition services and recent legislative changes. Monroe said the event included a keynote by a self‑advocate, breakout tracks informed by a pre‑event survey, and participation from the superintendent and multiple partner organizations.
Why it matters: summit organizers said the goal was to strengthen collaboration between the department and parents and to provide practical guidance on topics parents frequently request. Monroe said some sessions were oversubscribed and that organizers will offer popular sessions more than once at future events. The summit included sessions on legal options and supported decision‑making and an April Dunn Act presentation.
Participation and next steps: Monroe said staff and teachers attended in addition to parents and that organizers will put a follow‑up survey to attendees to decide whether to hold the event in summer or during the school year, whether to provide childcare or youth programming during the event, and whether to create a teacher/staff track. Department staff offered to help publicize future events through monthly office hours and special education director listservs.
Ending: organizers plan to run the parent summit again and will solicit feedback to adjust timing and programming; they will coordinate with the department and community partners on outreach and scheduling.
