You can download a PDF version of this report by clicking this link: 2023 IPUL Annual Impact report

IDAHO
PARENTS UNLIMITED
IMPACT REPORT 

As we bring another transformative year to a close, Idaho Parents Unlimited is honored to present our annual report, reflecting the remarkable journey we have embarked on together. Through the pages of this report, we hope to convey the impact of our collective efforts and the strides we’ve made in empowering families and individuals in Idaho.

2023

ABOUT US 

Founded in 1985, for 39 years Idaho Parents Unlimited (IPUL) has been the statewide organization that houses the Parent Training and Information Center, the Family to Family Health Information Center, Idaho Family Voices and IPUL Arts.

IPUL Education: The Parent Training and Information Center ensures that parents of children with disabilities receive training and information on their rights, responsibilities, and protections under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to develop the skills necessary to cooperatively and effectively participate in planning and decision making relating to early intervention, educational, and transitional services. The United States and its territories have almost 100 Parent Training and Information Centers (PTIs) and Community Parent Resource Centers (CPRCs), and we are lucky to be part of this network.

IPUL Health: As the State Family Voices Affiliate and the Family to Family Health Information Center, IPUL assists families in making informed choices about health care; and provides training, information, and resources to families of children with special health care needs. Family-to-Family Health Information Centers (F2F) are found in each state, the District of Columbia, five US territories, and three F2Fs serving tribal communities. We are proud to be Idaho’s Family Voices affiliate and Idaho’s Family to Family Health and Information Center.

IPUL Arts: Artist in Residence Program and Work of Art. IPUL empowers and engages people with disabilities in the creative process through opportunities that are fully inclusive, and educational. and participatory. IPUL Arts connects teaching artists with students both with and without disabilities in Idaho schools and community centers through our Creative Access Artist in Residence program ensuring children and youth have access to high-quality arts education. IPUL Arts also houses the Work of Art program in partnership with the Idaho Division of Vocational Rehabilitation to provide pre-employment skills to youth with disabilities through a unique and collaborative design thinking process.

Idaho Parents Unlimited’s programs fulfill a mission to educate, empower, support and advocate for individuals with disabilities and their families.

IPUL

BY THE NUMBERS

3300

Families and Youth
through training, workshops and support IPUL provided to parents and youth

 

3253

Professionals
through training, workshops and support IPUL provided to professionals

31%

Record Volume of Calls
our instances of assistance increased by over 31% from 2022

406

Meetings Attended
with agencies and professional partners to ensure we are always at the table representing parents and moving systems forward.

WE ARE AT EVERY TABLE 

Our partnerships and collaborations are vast. Idaho Parents Unlimited supports parents through committees, councils and collaboration with (not limited to): Cultivating Readers State Development Project, Pyramid Model Collaborative, Title V Got Transition Replication Project, Co-Director of Region D Technical Assistance Center, Consortium for Idahoans with Disabilities (CID), Regional Early Childhood Committee’s (RECC) statewide participation, Idaho Transition Institute and Committee, Idaho State Rehabilitation Council (SRC), Special Education Advisory Panel (SEAP), Infant Toddler Coordinating Council (ITCC), Youth Empowerment Services (YES) Family Advocates Meeting (FAM), School-Based Medicaid Advisory Panel (MAC), Western States Regional Genetic Network, Genetic Support Foundation, Idaho Newborn Screening Committee, Idaho Council on Developmental Disabilities Person Centered Planning Round-Tables, Charting the LifeCourse and the Cultural Outreach Committee.

 IPUL ARTS

IMPACT REPORT

IPUL Arts programs are provided under a contract with the State Department of Education, a grant from the Idaho Commission on the Arts and a contract under the Idaho Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.


Work Of Art is a joint program from Idaho Parents Unlimited and the Idaho Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.

The program provides paid pre-employment skills experience for students with disabilities ages 15-21 through the creation of artistic products for professional businesses and non-profits.

The IPUL Arts Residency Program has been placing teaching artists in public schools statewide for residencies in visual, performing, literary, and media arts for over 20 years. Residency sites include grades pre-K–12 as well as community centers. Residencies can occur in general or special education classrooms and are tailored to meet the needs of students as well as accommodate teaching schedules. Residencies are provided annually throughout the state, and our teaching artists are all experienced in teaching arts to special populations. We are thrilled that because of this program, so many students were able to take part in art education!

7

Work of Art 
Statewide
Sessions 

67

Students who
participated in
Work of Art

22

Statewide
Art
Residencies

344

Students who
participated
 in IPUL Art
Residencies

201

Artist
classroom
hours for
residencies

IPUL

PARENT LEADERSHIP 

Idaho Parents Unlimited’s Parent Leadership Development offers parents of children with disabilities and/or special health care needs the opportunity to take their experiences and hone their story into a tool that can influence change, with the hopes for a better community for all and systems that promote progress.

PARENT
LEADERSHIP
DEVELOPMENT 

We were in Athol, Idaho in April to train Parent Leaders. We laughed, cried, and gained valuable knowledge and skills. In collaboration with IPUL, Parent Leaders brainstormed, networked, and bonded. By the end of our time together, each new Parent Leadership graduate had a personal leadership goal and actionable next steps.

7 New Leaders EMPOWERED
7/120

 IPUL 

TRAINING AND PRESENTATIONS

IMPACT report



Idaho Parents Unlimited
offers comprehensive training programs aimed at empowering parents of children with disabilities and special healthcare needs. Our training sessions cover a range of topics, including understanding IEPs, Parent/Professional Collaboration, Advocacy, Health Systems etc. IPUL provides resources and workshops to enhance parents’ knowledge and skills in advocating for their children’s rights and accessing appropriate educational services. Through these educational initiatives, Idaho Parents Unlimited seeks to equip parents with the tools and knowledge necessary to navigate complex systems, foster effective communication with schools and healthcare providers, and ultimately ensure the best possible outcomes for their children.

13  Unlimited Parenting podcasts published 

54 Trainings and Presentations provided to Parents and Professional partners. 

10 Monthly and Self-Guided training opportunities for parents

6 Lunch and Learn’s delivered live on Facebook 

IPUL

INDIVIDUAL ASSISTANCE


 

1,763
Families


 

Idaho Parents Unlimited directly assisted families through individual support. Either through phone calls, zoom meetings, emails, or face-to-face we meet our families where they are at.

995

Professionals 


We love assisting Professionals too!
This includes informational materials, guides, and toolkits or collaborating to help families. We team with numerous Professionals from thorough the state and disability communities.

Idaho Parents Unlimited plays a crucial role in Idaho assisting parents, families, and professionals who need guidance navigating the complexities of special education and healthcare systems for children with disabilities or special healthcare needs.

The distinctive feature of IPUL lies in its Parent Education Coordinators, individuals who have personally traversed similar experiences and are dedicated to supporting others in deciphering seemingly overwhelming systems. Recognizing that understanding healthcare and educational systems can be daunting, IPUL offers assistance free of charge. Drawing upon their own experiences as parents of children with disabilities, the Parent Education Coordinators blend personal insights with professional development to furnish valuable resources for parents and professionals alike.

Whether it involves navigating Medicaid program applications, cultivating positive partnerships with healthcare providers, addressing questions related to the transition to adulthood, or other concerns, the Parent Education Coordinators stand ready to assist. IPUL stands as a beacon, offering resources and information to empower parents in advocating for their child’s healthcare needs with knowledge and confidence.


IPUL

OPERATIONAL 

HIGHLIGHTS

Small but Mighty

We are still a staff of 9, doing all the things! While our workload has increased, our staff size has not.

 

Growth in Knowledge

Training participants reported increased knowledge and confidence in post-training surveys.

Technical Assistance

IPUL is now co-directing our Region D Technical Assistance Center, alongside our lead partners at PEAK Parent Center in Colorado.

406 Meetings Attended

With agencies and professional partners to ensure we are always at the table representing parents and moving systems forward.

IPUL

PARENT VOICE
SUMMIT


 The exceptional collaboration of our partners at the Idaho Children’s Trust Fund and Idaho Voices for Children was instrumental in bringing the Parent Voice Summit to life. This extraordinary event EMPOWERED parents and FOSTERED a BRIGHTER FUTURE for our CHILDREN.

PARENT VOICE SUMMIT: 

FAMILY-CENTERED APPROACH:
The PVS aimed to provide strategies to help families advocate for equal access to quality childhood systems, regardless of socioeconomic background, ethnicity, gender or ability. Inclusion and diversity were celebrated and supported. We had attendees representing each region of Idaho.

ACCESSIBLE AND INCLUSIVE SERVICES:
The PVS set a priority to ensure the best interests and well-being of families in childhood systems, ensuring that their children’s emotional, physical and cognitive development is supported. Over 120 families participated in this years two day summit.

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT:
We promoted the active involvement of parents and caregivers in the decision-making process of childhood systems, recognizing their valuable insights, experiences and perspectives. Families were provided with goal-setting strategies and opportunities for continued involvement with agencies and organizations.

ADVOCACY:
We learned how to advocate for policies and funding that prioritize the well-being of children and support the development and improvement of effective childhood systems. At PVS we recognized the crucial role of governmental support in ensuring quality services for ALL children.

IN 2024…


Looking ahead, we are excited the possibilities that the future holds for our children.

IPUL’s commitment to continuous improvement, collaboration and responsiveness to the evolving needs of our community will remain unwavering. Together, we will continue to be a beacon of hope, a source of support, and a catalyst for positive change.


In the face of challenges, our community has shown resilience, determination, and a commitment to creating a brighter future for the children and families we serve. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the families who entrust us with their stories, the dedicated staff who work tirelessly, and the partners who share in our vision of inclusivity and support.

This year, we witnessed inspiring stories of growth, resilience, and empowerment. From innovative programs fostering independence to advocacy initiatives championing inclusivity, every accomplishment serves as a testament to the strength of our community. Together, we are building a foundation for a more inclusive, compassionate, and supportive Idaho.

We express our deepest appreciation for the unwavering support of our community, partners, and stakeholders. Your belief in our mission propels us forward, and we are eager to embrace the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. Together, we will continue to make a lasting impact on the families of those we serve. Thank you for being an integral part of the Idaho Parents Unlimited family.

Phone:
208-342-5884

Website:
ipulidaho.org  

Email:
parents@ipulidaho.org

Office Address:
4619 W Emerald St, Ste. E
Boise, ID 8376

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