In May 2001 we had a successful ICC Parent Leadership Institute, which took place in Atlanta, Georgia. Five states were represented: Georgia, Washington, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, & Massachusetts. During four intense and productive days, we learned from each other, shared resources, and recognized that the teams needed this time together for planning to carry out a similar training event back home in the next six months. Although we were all disappointed with the hotel facilities, here are a few comments from participants:

• "My high points were meeting and networking with other parents and learning what other states do for parents."

• "I loved the whole four days. I have learned so much that will also pertain to my personal life and how I will communicate in family support groups. There was a lot of information to take in, and could be exhausting, but I am walking away with a sense of accomplishment and hope"

• "You were all great. Enjoyed working with all of you. What a team!"

The 2002 International Parent to Parent Conference will take place April 5-7 at the Philadelphia Marriott. For more information about the conference, contact Parent to Parent of Pennsylvania at 717.540.4722 (phone/TTY). For conference updates, or for information about joining an online discussion group, go to www.parenttoparent.org

Conference Calls

The National ICC Parent Leadership Support Project, in collaboration with the National Early Childhood Technical Assistance System, is holding a series of three conference calls for parents who serve or have served on ICCs (interagency coordinating councils), and also for parents who attended the NECTAS National Meeting in Washington, DC in February 2001. To participate, please contact either Brad Arndt (617.236.7210 x 154; barndt@fcsn.org) or Barbara Popper (617.236.7210 x122; bpopper@fcsn.org) at the Federation for Children with Special Needs. Each call can accommodate 30 participants. Slots for these calls are available on a first come, first served basis.

• Conference Call #1, "Organizing & Networking: A Follow-up to the National NECTAS Meeting," took place on Monday, July 23, 2001. Notes from the call will be posted soon on the ICC Parent Support project web site.

• Conference Call #2, "Action Planning: Developing State Parent Leadership," will take place Wednesday, August 15, 2001 3pm (EST).

• Conference Call #3, "ICC Parents: Recruiting, Mentoring & Sustaining," will take place on Wednesday, September 19, 2001 3pm (EST).

At the ICC Parent Leadership Support Institute in Atlanta, participants shared resources from their states. Here are a few that they’d like us to share with you:

A Family’s Guide to Early Intervention Services in Washington State

If your state has an ICC web site that is not listed below, please contact Brad Arndt at the Federation for Children with Special Needs (617.236.7210 x 154; barndt@fcsn.org)

Connecticut: www.birth23.org/State%20Council/default.asp

Georgia: www.ph.dhr.state.ga.us/programs/bcw.icc.shtml

Idaho: www2.state.id.us/dhw/InfToddler/index.htm

Indiana: www.state.in.us/fssa/first_step/index.html

Louisiana: www.doe.state.la.us

Michigan: www.eopds.org

Montana: www.dphhs.state.mt.us/fssac

North Carolina: www.dhhs.state.nc.us/dcd/icc_par.htm

Nevada: www.nvcommunityconnections.com/programs

Oregon: www.ode.state.or.us/sped/adviscou/sicc/sicc.htm

Pennsylvania: www.eita-pa.org

South Carolina: www.scbabynet.org/icc.htm

Texas: www.eci.state.tx.us/oed/index.htm

Virginia: www.dmhmrsas.state.va.us/vababiescantwait

Vermont: www.state.vt.us/health/hi/cshn/fitp/fitp.htm#council

Washington: www.wa.gov/dshs/iteip/councils.html