Iowa Family Leadership Training Institute

02/26/2026

🏛️ IFLTI Alumni in Action — Day on the Hill 2026

Our Iowa Family Leadership Training Institute cohort spent the day at the Iowa State Capitol learning directly from the DD Council about how to effectively advocate with legislators, share personal stories, and make their voices heard in the policy process.

Participants gained hands-on experience connecting with legislators and observed a live floor debate in action. We loved seeing three graduates return to put their leadership skills into practice!

One participant reflected, “Yesterday was a powerful experience”

Another shared, “I greatly appreciated the opportunity to be there. It was eye opening in so many ways. It felt empowering to hear Rep. Levin share an Iowan's real-life story about something she felt passionate about, and it made me realize that sharing our real-life stories really can have an impact.”

A heartfelt thank you to the Iowa DD Council for hosting us and equipping our leaders with tools to create meaningful change. 💛

02/24/2026

Join us for Understanding Sibshops — an engaging informational session led by Amber Herring, LISW, of ChildServe, where you’ll explore how sibling support programs work and how families can get involved. 💬

🗓 March 19, 2026
⏰ 12:00–1:00 PM

In this session, participants will:
✔️ Learn about Sibshops and their purpose
✔️ Explore activities, facility needs, and time involved
✔️ Discover ways families can participate and connect

IFLTI2.0.sibshops

📧 Register: Contact Rachel Charlot at rachel-charlot@uiowa.edu

✨ This is a great opportunity to learn practical strategies for supporting siblings and strengthening family-centered care.

01/14/2026

IFLTI grad Dani Black recently reached an exciting milestone—her celiac disease training has officially been published on the Beyond Celiac website, expanding access to critical education for school staff and helping create safer, more informed environments for students with celiac disease. 🎉

This is family leadership in action. We’re proud to support family leaders as they turn lived experience into meaningful change. Way to lead, Dani! 🌟

🔗 https://www.beyondceliac.org/?resources=celiac-disease-training-for-school-staff

01/07/2026

Having trouble navigating Social Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Medicaid, or SNAP benefits while working? A new website, Disability Benefits 101, can help Iowans navigate these programs while providing information and tools specific to Iowa. Thank you to Blueprint for Change for helping make this possible. Explore these resources and tools by visiting: https://ia.db101.org/

01/06/2026

01/05/2026

Our graduates remind us that leadership often starts with believing in yourself. 💛

Applications for the Iowa Family Leadership Training Institute close January 14. If you’re ready to grow your voice and make an impact, we’d love to walk alongside you.
👉 Apply today: https://bit.ly/IFLTI26

01/05/2026

ASK Resource Center hosts numerous events that serve as a way for families of children with disabilities in Iowa to connect and share.

01/01/2026

✨ A new year brings new possibilities—and a reminder that families are powerful leaders. We’re inspired by the family leaders who use their voices, lived experience, and strengths to create change.
In 2026, we look forward to supporting parents and caregivers as they grow their confidence, connections, and impact.
Here’s to another year of learning, leading, and lifting one another up.

12/31/2025

📣 Important update + opportunity!

We’ve made a few updates to the in-person session dates for the Iowa Family Leadership Training Institute, and applications are still open!

IFLTI supports Iowa parents and caregivers of children and youth (ages 3–19) with special health care needs who want to build confidence, advocacy skills, and leadership connections.

✔️ No cost to participate
✔️ Meals, lodging, and stipends included
✔️ Updated 2026 schedule now available

🗓️ Applications due January 14, 2026
🔗 Learn more & apply: https://bit.ly/IFLTI26

12/29/2025

📣 We are a month out from our Autism Advocacy and Acceptance Day on the Hill! 📣

Join us 𝐓𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟐𝟕𝐭𝐡, at the Iowa State Capitol for a rally in the rotunda, personal stories, advocacy training, browse our resource partners, and meet your legislators. It's a wonderful day to bring Autism advocacy straight to the source!

🔗 Find more info and register for 𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐄: https://tinyurl.com/2026DayOnTheHill

12/29/2025

Don’t miss your chance to join a new group of family leaders across Iowa.
Applications close January 14—be sure to apply! bit.ly.com/IFLTI26

12/19/2025

📣 Applications are open!
Parents and caregivers of Iowa children with special health care needs—build your confidence, advocacy skills, and connections.
Apply for the Iowa Family Leadership Training Institute by Jan. 14, 2026.
🔗 https://bit.ly/IFLTI26