FY2025 GRANTS FUNDED

Areas of Emphasis Grants

No More Waiting at the Autism Center of North Mississippi provides children and families on the waiting list with resources, training, and supportive case management services until treatment services can begin.  Parents learn new communication, parenting, and self-care skills to maintain a supportive home environment for their child to learn and grow. ($90,000) 

U-THRIVE at Mississippi State University provides adults with developmental disabilities with experiences that increase their functional living skills and opportunities to engage with their community and peers.  It also gives community partners and family members education and resources regarding interacting with adults with DD in their businesses and the community. ($69,043)

Family Advocacy Network at The University of Southern Mississippi, Institute for Disability Studies increases the availability and accessibility of community-based peer support for families with children receiving services through Local Education Agencies (LEAs) in Mississippi. It promotes the inclusion of families and K-12 students in the public school system regarding the development and appropriate implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Behavioral Intervention Plans (BIP) while also educating families on federal laws that protect the rights of their children and families.  ($70,000)

Maximizing Independence Through Everyday Advocacy at The University of Southern Mississippi, School of Child/Family Sciences provides capacity building through face-to-face parent education workshops such as What is Everyday Advocacy, Everyday Modifications to Maximize Independence, Building Relationships with the School Team, Goal Setting with a Purpose, Handling Things that Sting: Dealing with Ambiguous Loss, “Don’t Die First” is Not a Life Care Plan, and Big Advocacy.  A trainer’s guide and accompanying educator resources and PowerPoint were developed based on the pilot data gathered in the previous year.  The guide addresses the needs of people with DD and their families, including training, supporting, and educating communities to increase the independence, productivity, and integration of people with DD.  ($25,000)

Bridges to Speak: Communication Training at Mississippi State University teaches students with severe language impairments how to communicate their wants and needs and equips educators and caregivers with the skills necessary to teach these skills effectively. It focuses on teaching low-tech Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) methods, specifically Picture Exchange Communication Systems (PECS).  ($69,938)

Open Doors Theatre addresses the scarcity of accessible and inclusive recreational opportunities for individuals with disabilities in South Mississippi by adding to the local landscape by fostering a more empathetic and inclusive community through the performing arts.  It enhances self-determination and independence while promoting diversity in the arts. Through theatre activities, the goal is to enhance life and social skills, improve communication, and boost self-esteem.  ($26,511)

Pathway Weavers at The University of Southern Mississippi, Institute for Disability Studies increases availability and accessibility of freestyle weaving to aid in positively impacting the quality of life for persons with DD in South Mississippi.  Through learning how to use rigid heddle looms to create their own woven masterpieces, Pathway Weavers participants will gain experience in self-directed creativity that allows them to express themselves in a soothing and relaxing manner.  ($20,628)

The MSU Adapted Swim Camp Program at Mississippi State University will grow the swimming culture in Mississippi among special needs children and adults by utilizing two graduate assistants who hold an Adapted Swim Instructor Certification to teach adapted swimming courses at MSU during the Fall, Spring, and Summer Semesters.  ($74,627)

Innovative Quality of Life Grants

Empowering Families for Educational Collaboration and Transitions (EFFECT) at Mississippi State University increases family engagement in the development and implementation of individualized family service plans (IEPs) and individualized education programs. Through collaborative efforts, the project seeks to empower families, foster effective communication, and facilitate active involvement in the decision-making process regarding their child’s education and development. ($21,600)

I Want to Help: Emergency Management Training at The University of Southern Mississippi, Institute for Disability Studies provides accessible training and skill development for CPR/First Aid to individuals with disabilities about basic First Aid, promotes emergency preparedness, and aids in the practice of appropriate emotional regulation during emergencies. ($20,035)

Premier Putters Golf Clinic at Ebony Pearls Foundation, Inc. provides a fun and positive learning environment while equipping youth and young adults with developmental disabilities with the tools needed to play golf.  The project allows young golfers the opportunity to develop their skills while building friendships with other young golfers.  ($7,969)

Community Autism Project with Autism Center of North MS will provide evidence-based training for participants across a range of demographics including individuals diagnosed with ASD, caregivers of family members on the spectrum, professionals working with neurodiverse clients, as well as community members that interact with individuals on the spectrum, such as first responders, daycare workers, teachers, religious organizations, and other community agencies.  The training will educate, equip, and empower all participants to understand how to live with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder and interact with neurodiverse people in an evidence-based manner.  ($18,060)

EMPOWER – Education for Maximizing Personal Ownership, Wellness, Empowerment, and Respect at The University of Southern Mississippi, School of Child and Family Sciences provides healthy relationship/sexual health education guidance for adults with developmental disabilities (DD). Training consists of education on consent, sexual health, and healthy relationships to empower them to make informed choices and navigate social interactions safely. ($ 21,510)

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FY2024 GRANTS FUNDED

Areas of Emphasis Grants

College and Career Readiness for Special Education at the Mississippi Council on Economic Education focuses on the Master Teacher of Career Readiness program for teachers of students with cognitive disabilities who are seeking an alternate diploma. The project provides resources to educators for these students to succeed in career opportunities beyond high school.  ($50,000)

Danny Dollar Academy/Youth Entrepreneurs at the Mississippi Council on Economic Education focuses on educating middle and high school students with developmental disabilities (DD) on financial literacy with an emphasis on entrepreneurship. Lessons are taught using the book by Ty Allen Jackson: Make Your Own Money: How Kids Can Earn It, Save It, Spend It, and Dream Big, with Danny Dollar. ($76,448)

Enhancing Support Structures for Students with DD/Autism at the Corinth School District supports students with DD through developing high-quality instructional supports, peer and caregiver support programs, and creating a sustainable model for the support of PK-12 students with DD. The research-based support systems enhance the quality of life for students with DD through developing social skills across four domains: survival (listening and following directions), interpersonal, problem-solving, and conflict resolution. The DD/Behavioral Specialist provides instructional coaching and support to teachers. Parents and caregivers are provided training and support sessions.  ($67,528)

Higher Education for ALL at The University of Southern Mississippi Institute for Disability Studiesincreases the number of people with intellectual and other disabilities who attend postsecondary education and receive needed supports and services. This project will implement the first year of a full postsecondary education program with the primary focus area placed on students with intellectual disabilities. The students will participate in a two-semester certificate program. Also, students with autism will continue to be offered an inclusive socialization group experience. ($70,000)

LEAPS Behavior Program: Lending Expert Assistance to Partnership Schools at Mississippi State University Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology continues improving assessment processes and intervention outcomes for children and adolescents with DD and co-morbid severe behavior (e.g., aggression, self-injury). Training is provided for current and future educators (e.g., special education teachers, board certified behavior analysts, school psychologists) on how to conduct high-quality functional behavior assessments, outreach behavioral consultation to partnership schools, and full-day trainings will be provided to relevant professionals on best practices for managing severe behavior in the classroom. ($79,028)

Maximizing Independence through Advocacy at The University of Southern Mississippi School of Child and Family Sciences offers parent education workshops to help family caregivers of children with DD. Topics include daily advocacy, financial planning, improving interactions with teachers, and more. ($52,465)

No More Waiting at the Autism Center of North Mississippi provides children and families on the state planning list with resources, training, and supportive case management services while they wait to receive ABA therapy. The project continues empowering parents and caregivers with information and skills needed to help their children at home. The project will continue to provide a well-developed resource library equipping parents with the knowledge and skills for other interventions and community supports. Staff will continue to address the well-being of siblings through Sibshops. ($90,000)

Special Education Advocacy Family Network at The University of Southern Mississippi Institute for Disability Studies increases availability and accessibility of community-based peer support to families with children receiving services through local education agencies. Support will promote inclusion of families and K-12 students in the public school system regarding the development and appropriate implementation of an Individualized Education Programs (IEP) and Behavioral Intervention Plans (BIP), while also educating families on federal laws which protect the rights of their children and families. ($50,000)

U-THRIVE at the Mississippi State University Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology provides adults with DD experiences to increase their opportunities to engage with their peers and community. The project provides community partners and family members with education and resources about inclusion. ($69,065)

Innovative Quality of Life Grant

Project GROW at the Vicksburg Family Development Service is a short-term project to increase the capacity of people with DD to provide healthy meals for themselves and their families within a limited budget. Project Grow considers the culture of the community served by providing healthy food choice alternatives to address obstacles surrounding healthy nutrition that are often shared in the community. ($25,000)

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FY2023 GRANTS FUNDED

Special Education Advocacy Family Network

The University of Southern Mississippi Institute for Disability Studies – Area of Emphasis Grant – Year 1 – $75,000
The Network promotes inclusion of children in the public school system regarding the
implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) while also educating families on
federal laws which protect the rights of their children. Staff will participate in Special Education
Advocate Training for a train-the-trainer approach to provide quality peer-to-peer advocacy
support for children and youth needing services through special education programs.

LEAPS Behavior Program: Lending Expert Assistance to Partnership Schools –

Mississippi State University – Area of Emphasis Grant – Year 1 – $79,028
LEAP’s primary goal is to improve the assessment process and intervention outcomes for
children and adolescents with developmental disabilities in Mississippi’s public schools by
helping partnership schools conduct high-quality functional behavior assessments (FBAs) and
develop function-based intervention plans for students with chronic and severe behavior
challenges. The secondary goal is to train educational personnel to identify which students may
need more in-depth FBAs, conduct FBAs, and evaluate function-based interventions.

College and Career Readiness for Special Education

Mississippi Council on Economic Education – Area of Emphasis Grant – Year 1 – $76,343
This project proposes to work with high school teachers and their students to increase student
readiness to transition from high school into adulthood. The main goal of the project is to modify
the existing Master Teacher of College and Career Readiness (MTCCR) Program to equip
special education teachers with the content they need for their students with developmental
disabilities to succeed.

No More Waiting

Autism Center of North Mississippi – Area of Emphasis Grant – Year 1 – $90,000
The goal of the program is to provide children and families on their waiting list with needed
services. As of March 2022, the waiting list included 152 children. This program will empower
parents and caregivers with skills to help their children at home, to better understand their child’s
behaviors, and teach them new communication skills to decrease unwanted behaviors. A
resource library will contain tools to empower parents to begin the therapeutic process with their
children. Siblings will participate in Sibshops workshops.

Higher Education for ALL

The University of Southern Mississippi Institute for Disability Studies – Area of Emphasis Grant -Year 4 – $70,000
The main project goal is to increase the number of young adults with intellectual and
developmental disabilities to attend postsecondary education and receive needed supports and
services. It will target up to 20 students to attend a two-semester pilot program which consists of
undergraduate class, independent living skill development, community service, extracurricular
activities, employment internships, socialization groups, and peer mentoring services. The
project will initiate the Undergraduate Council process at the University for a full postsecondary
education program. Promotional recruitment YouTube videos will be developed through the
“Chit Chat Thursdays with Taylor” series.

Enhancing Support Structures for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Corinth School District – Area of Emphasis Grant – Year 4 – $67,529
This project has an overall goal of supporting students with ASD through developing high-
quality instructional supports, peer and caregiver support programs, and creating a sustainable
model for the support of PK-12 students with ASD. The project will also implement a STEM-
based approach towards enhancing self-awareness and self-management skills. The ASD
Specialist will continue to build the capacity of teachers, caregivers, peers, and community
members to provide intentional academic and social supports for students.

Danny Dollar Academy/Youth Entrepreneurs

Mississippi Council on Economic Education – Area of Emphasis Grant – Year 3 – $73,448
The project will continue with middle and high school students to increase entrepreneurship and
financial literacy knowledge and provide professional developmental for their teachers. The goal
includes offering programs where middle and high school students with developmental
disabilities and their educators can read Danny Dollar Academy and participate in lesson plans
written to improve reading skills, while also teaching about personal finance and
entrepreneurship.

Family Led Developmental Monitoring and Resiliency Support

The University of Southern Mississippi Institute for Disability Studies – Innovative Quality of Life Grant – $25,000
This project will focus on increasing the capacity of home visiting programs serving expectant
mothers and parents 19 years of age or younger with children birth to 5 at high risk for
developmental delays and disabilities. The focus area will be families who reside in 17
geographically rural counties in the Delta region. Families will learn about best practices and
milestones for children birth to 5, family-led developmental monitoring practices, and family-led
discussions with physicians regarding developmental concerns. Virtual trainings will be
available to increase family resiliency strategies.

Transition Clearinghouse and Live Chat

The University of Southern Mississippi Institute for Disability Studies – Innovative Quality of Life Grant – $19,598
The project will develop a web-based clearinghouse on transition services provided to three
targeted groups: youth and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their
parents, guardians, and caregivers, and those who provide transition services. The clearinghouse
website will use the latest technology to provide automated chat function and follow-up
communications, featuring weekly Transition Days with live chat function and follow-up, all
completed and maintained by self-advocates who have experienced transition services firsthand.

Career Success Guide

Disability Connection – Innovative Quality of Life Grant – $20,061
The project will provide people with intellectual and developmental disabilities with a
comprehensive guide that will contain information and resources they need to self-advocate for
employment. This will include information on supports and services and promote best practices,
including assessing skills and interests, working with employers, matching jobs to skill sets and
employer needs, providing individualized and ongoing job supports, designing reasonable job
accommodations, integrating people into the workforce, building social skills necessary in the
workplace, and securing necessary services such as transportation.