In 2018, the Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council (MODDC) funded the University of Missouri- Kansas City – Institute for Human Development (UMKC-IHD) to provide a lay educational advocacy training program based on the council’s Family Advocacy Curriculum , which was developed in partnership with Legal Services of Eastern Missouri. This training was designed to empower self-advocates, family members, and community members to support families and students through the special education process in their neighborhood schools.
From August 2018 to January 2022, UMKC-IHD and its statewide partners developed and piloted what is now known as the Lay Educational Advocacy Program, or LEAP. Missouri Family to Family (MoF2F), Family Advocacy and Community Training (F.A.C.T.), Missouri Protection and Advocacy (MoP&A), and Legal Services of Eastern Missouri (LSEM) are the partners who comprise the foundational LEAP team.
LEAP consists of comprehensive training, led by advocacy experts from Family Advocacy and Community Training (F.A.C.T.) to help educate families, self-advocates, and community supporters on aspects of educational advocacy, including eligibility guidelines, transition planning and how to build an effective IEP.
During the three-year project period, more than 250 parents or professionals attended LEAP training sessions. They gained knowledge and skills to advocate for students and families during various Special Education-related meetings.