PEAK Parent Center

09/04/2026

💡 What’s the difference between an accommodation and a modification — and how can each support meaningful participation?

Join Missy Sieders, Parent Advisor at PEAK Parent Center, for Everyone Belongs, Everyone Participates: Accommodations and Modifications Make it Happen!

Missy has been part of PEAK since 2012 and brings both professional experience and lived experience advocating for her daughter with a disability.

In this interactive session, families and educators will explore practical examples of accommodations — changes in how a student learns or demonstrates what they know — and modifications — changes in what a student is expected to learn. Participants will look at how thoughtful supports can remove barriers, increase participation, and help students thrive alongside their peers.

Explore Missy’s session and all 16 breakout sessions:
https://www.peakparent.org/2026-breakout-session-lineup/

📍 Grand Junction | October 13–14
🎟️ Register for the PEAK Parent Center Conference on Inclusive Education:
https://bit.ly/RegisterPEAK26Conference

09/04/2026

⏰ A few more days to save on your conference registration!

We’ve extended the lower registration rate through Tuesday, September 8, giving you one more chance to join us in Grand Junction at the best available rate.

The PEAK Parent Center Conference on Inclusive Education brings together families, educators, self-advocates, and professionals for two days of practical learning and connection — including 16 breakout sessions, two national keynote speakers, meals and refreshments, a two-day Vendor Fair, PEAK’s 40th Anniversary Reception, and more.

📍 Grand Junction | October 13–14
💲 Lower registration rates end September 8
🎟️ Register: https://bit.ly/RegisterPEAK26Conference

Explore all 16 breakout sessions:
https://www.peakparent.org/2026-breakout-session-lineup/

09/04/2026

PEAK will be closed Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day. 🇺🇸 🛠️

We will reopen on Tuesday, September 8.
We hope everyone has a safe and restful holiday weekend!

09/04/2026

🧭 If you’re navigating special education, inclusion, transition, or disability services, this conference was built with you in mind.

The 2026 PEAK Parent Center Conference on Inclusive Education brings families, educators, self-advocates, and professionals together October 13–14 in Grand Junction for practical information, new ideas, and conversations that matter.

Your registration includes:

🎤 Two nationally respected keynote speakers
💡 16 breakout sessions
📚 A copy of Rebekah Taussig’s Sitting Pretty
☕ Breakfast, lunch & refreshments
🤝 A two-day Vendor Fair
🎉 PEAK’s 40th Anniversary Reception
🏨 Conference hotel rate: $139/night through September 21.

Register by September 8 to take advantage of the lower registration rate.

📍 Grand Junction | October 13–14
🎟️ Register: https://bit.ly/RegisterPEAK26Conference

Want to see what you can choose from?
Explore all 16 breakout sessions:
https://www.peakparent.org/2026-breakout-session-lineup/

09/03/2026

High school students with intellectual disabilities and their families — this one is for you! 🎓

IN Pathways to Inclusive Higher Education is accepting applications for its Inspiring Futures Mentorship Program, connecting students with college students with ID while exploring inclusive postsecondary options, self-advocacy, and future goals.

📅 Applications are due September 15
🔗 https://bit.ly/inmentorship

We’re also excited that Shayna Laing from IN! will be joining us at the PEAK Parent Center Conference on Inclusive Education this October to present “Advocating and Preparing for Inclusive Postsecondary Education.”

Calling high school students with intellectual disabilities (ID) and their families: Join IN!’s Inspiring Futures Mentorship Program to connect with college students with ID, explore inclusive postsecondary options, build self-advocacy skills, and set goals for your future. Applications are officially open and due Sept. 15th! Be sure to spread the word and submit your application ASAP.

Learn more & apply at the link in our bio or here: https://bit.ly/inmentorship

09/03/2026

Families across Larimer County can join The Matthews House at The Life Center in Loveland to connect with local organizations offering information and support around housing, health and mental health, employment, education, family and youth services, basic needs, and more.

📅 September 14
⏰ 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
📍 The Life Center, 1511 E. 11th Street, Community Room, Loveland

Everyone is welcome, and no referral is needed.



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09/03/2026

Western Slope families! Check out this opportunity for Mesa County Valley School District 51 students! 🏈

Students ages 6+ with an intellectual disability are invited to a Flag Football Skills Expo at Colorado Mesa University . No experience is needed, and all ability levels are welcome.

📅 Saturday, September 26
⏰ 8:30–11:30 a.m.
📍 Colorado Mesa University Intramural Fields

Space is limited, and two forms are required to participate. Be sure to check the registration deadlines and sign up soon!



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Get ready to play!

District 51 students ages 6+ with an intellectual disability are invited to a FREE Flag Football Skills Expo. No experience needed, and all ability levels are welcome!

Saturday, Sept. 26 | 8:30–11:30 a.m.
Colorado Mesa University Intramural Fields

Both forms must be completed to participate, and space is limited, so register today!

Step 1: Complete the Learn to Play – Flag Football Skills Expo Interest Form
Deadline: September 16

Step 2: Complete the Special Olympics Colorado Athlete Application
Deadline: September 23
No physical is needed!

Registration Form:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=zDif_UJaBEmnUOHXMfh06TQ5ZjUyMClCjbHOwEzVuxFUMURJVzQ1VEdUUjdMUDdRVlNRTlM2WE1HTi4u&route=shorturl

Athlete Application:
https://specialolympicsco.org/getinvolved/becomeanathlete/applicationresources/athlete-application/

Please share with a family who may be interested!

09/03/2026

This free webinar will explore the role of the educational audiologist and how they can help students who are Deaf or hard of hearing access instruction, technology, and support at school.

📅 September 29, 2026
⏰ 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. MT
🎙️ Presenter: Dr. Rachel Parkington, Au.D.

🔗 https://handsandvoices.org/astra/webinars/

NEW! ASTra Webinar Coming Soon: The Role of the Educational Audiologist

If your child is Deaf or hard of hearing, you may have heard the term educational audiologist—but what exactly do they do, and how is their role different from a clinical audiologist, Teacher of the Deaf (TOD), or speech-language pathologist (SLP)?
Join ASTra for a practical conversation about how educational audiologists help students access instruction and participate fully in the classroom. We’ll explore assessment beyond the audiogram, hearing assistive technology, collaboration with the school team, and what families can do when their district doesn’t have an educational audiologist on staff.

📅 September 29, 2026
🕚 11:00 AM–12:00 PM MT (adjust to your time zone)
🎙️ Presenter: Dr. Rachel Parkington, Au.D.

👉 Register today and come ready to learn what educational audiology can mean for your child’s school experience!

https://handsandvoices.org/astra/webinars/

09/03/2026

Join Best Buddies Colorado for a Night at the Rockies on Friday, September 18, with specially priced tickets and fireworks after the game.

🎟️ Tickets are $32 and limited: www.rockies.com/bestbuddiesco



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⚾️ BEST BUDDIES NIGHT AT THE ROCKIES! 💜💛

Grab your buddy, bring your friends & family, and join us for a fun-filled night at Coors Field! 🎉

📅 Friday, September 18
📍 Coors Field — Section 145
⏰ 6:10 PM
🎟️ Special Best Buddies rate: $32!
🎆 Stick around after the game for a fireworks show!

Tickets are limited, so don’t wait to grab yours! Let’s pack the stands and show our Best Buddies spirit! 💙

👉 www.rockies.com/bestbuddiesco

09/03/2026

Check out this helpful resource shared by PEAK Parent Center’s Project POWER! 💡

Created by YETI — the Youth Engagement Transition Initiative, The Top 10 Ways to Connect Youth to Vocational Rehabilitation offers practical strategies for starting early, building partnerships, reducing barriers, and keeping youth voice at the center.

🔗 https://bit.ly/4x4s9bO



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Created by YETI, “The Top 10 Ways to Connect Youth to Vocational Rehabilitation” shares practical strategies for starting early, reducing barriers, building partnerships, and keeping youth voice at the center of transition planning. Check it out:https://raisecenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/The-Top-10-Ways-to-Connect-Youth-to-Vocational-Rehabilitation.pdf