Workshop being held for families with special-needs members Published Feb. 12, 2014 By Susan Griggs 81st Training Wing Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- A two-day workshop for military families with members who have special medical or educational needs is being held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., May 10-11 at the Bay Breeze Event Center. "One in 10 military children has special educational or healthcare needs," said Gerry Cross, Keesler's school liaison officer. "Many of these children may need an individualized education program, individual family service plan and a 504 or accommodations plan." The workshop is presented by STOMP, an acronym for Specialized Training of Military Parents. The two-day event focuses on parental rights and responsibilities regarding the Individuals with Disabilities Act, individualized educational plans, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, TRICARE and extended care health options, Department of Defense Education Activity System in the continental United States and overseas. Collaboration and communication between families and the professionals who support them are emphasized. "We have a special understanding of the challenges families face when they have a family member with disabilities or special needs and they have to (permanently change station) from place to place or face deployments," stated Heather Hebdon, STOMP director. "Our staff members have family members with disabilities and we have all dealt with the challenges and joys that come with military life." STOMP is a parent-directed program established in 1985 to empower military parents, individuals with disabilities and service providers with knowledge, skills and resources so that they might access services to create a collaborative environment for family and professional partnerships without regard to geographic location. STOMP has been recognized as the premiere resource for families within the military who have children, youth and adult family members who have disabilities and other special education or medical issues. To register for the workshop or for more information, call 228-376-8728. For more information about STOMP or to talk with a staff members, call 1-800-5-PARENT or visit www.stompproject.org.