Get Involved

Parents or guardian can get involved with Early Intervention in many ways.

Parents can serve as a member of the local Planning Region Team.  Family members must make up at least 20% of the Team membership.  As a team member, you will have responsibility to make recommendations and provide feedback to local agencies regarding the provision of services in your region.  You will also help to identify gaps and barriers to services and promote the Early Development Network in your region.

Another opportunity is to serve on the state level.  The Early Childhood Interagency Coordinating Council (ECICC) advises and assists the collaborating agencies in carrying out the provision of the Early Intervention Act.  Team members are appointed by the Governor.

Parent Training and Information – Nebraska (PTI-Nebraska) provides training, information and support to parents in Nebraska who have children birth through age 26 with special needs.  Resources are provided for parents, family members, school personnel and interested others.  The Parent Support Coordinator, Connie Shockley, is a good resource for parents and can assist in connecting a parent with EDN Teams in the state.  Reach Connie toll-free at 800-284-8520.

UNMC’s Munroe-Meyer Institute is the home of Family Coordinator, Mark Smith.  Mark can provide information to individuals with disabilities and family members based on their specific disability or special healthcare needs.  He can also help parents to become involved.  Reach Mark at 402-559-5744 or 800-656-3937 ext. 95744.

On a national level, Family Voices is a grassroots network of advocates for children with special needs.  Family Voices aims to achieve family-centered care for all children and youth with special health care needs and/or disabilities.  They provide families tools to make informed decisions, advocate for improved public and private policies, build partnerships among professionals and families, and serve as a trusted resource on health care.