STOMP is coming to Nellis Published Feb. 11, 2013 By Stephanie Garnes 99th Force Support Squadron NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- One in 10 Military children has special educational or healthcare needs. Many of these children may need an Individualized Education Program, commonly referred to as an IEP, or if younger, birth to age 3, an Individual Family Service Plan, or IFSP. Still others may need a 504 or Accommodation Plan. The Specialized Training of Military Parents, is a parent-directed organization dedicated solely to address the needs of military families who have family members with special medical or educational needs. STOMP will be at Nellis for a two-day workshop. It will cover the areas of Parent Rights and Responsibilities, with regard to the Individuals with Disabilities Act, IEPs, 504, TRICARE and Extended Care Health Option, Department of Defense Education Activity System, both stateside and overseas. Special emphasis is placed on collaboration and communication between families and the professionals who support them. "We have a special understanding of the challenges families face when they have a family member with disabilities or special needs and they have to [move] from place to place or face deployments," stated Heather Hebdon, the Director for STOMP. She went on to comment, "Our staff members have family members with disabilities and we have all dealt with the challenges and joys that come with military life." Established in 1985, STOMP has been recognized by the Air Force and military families as the premiere resource for families within the military who have children, youth, and adult family members who have disabilities and other special education/medical issues. STOMP will be at Nellis AFB March 5 to 6 for a two-day workshop which will take place at the Base Theater from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. If you are a member of a military family with a child with special needs, an educator of children with special needs, or a professional that works with families and children with special needs, then this training is for you. For more information about STOMP or to talk with one of their staff members call 1-800-5-PARENT or visit their website at www.stompproject.org. To register for this workshop please contact Stephanie Garnes at 702-652-3327 or by email at stephanie.garnes@nellis.af.mil
