Jackie Frankson explains program to assist families in finding their voice

Jackie Frankson, Executive Director of Parents Helping Parents (PHP) of Wyoming and of the Parent Information Center (PIC), assists families of children impacted by disabilities or special education needs (birth to 26), find their voice and effectively advocate as equal partners with schools.

They serve the entire state of Wyoming by providing technical assistance, training and one-on-one support for any meeting involving a child with a disability. PHP also partners with other organizations to bring much needed resources to Wyoming communities. 

According to Frankson, "Our mission is to encourage, educate, and elevate parents as recognized experts in their children's lives, maximizing the benefits of education and achieving positive outcomes through proper services and support."

Frankson added, "Our vision, we envision a world where: Wyoming families-across the far reaches of the state-are equal partners and confident self-advocates in the special education system, steering all children toward their full potential in education and in life."

Students with disabilities who receive services from PHP are mainly concerned with IEPs or individual education plans. Frankson said that these services "level the playing field for them to receive an education...We help families ensure that their children get the best possible education."

For example, if there is a student who is hearing impaired, the student would have assistive technology such as an FM system with a microphone which allows the student to hear better in the classroom. Frankson added, "We get them in contact with the right person at the Wyoming Department of Education so they can get that started if they need hearing aids."

Regarding testing accommodations, if students are easily distracted, they can help them have a quieter environment in order to take a test. 

PHP is a nonprofit organization that receives their funding from the Office of Special Education Programs. They also partner with the Wyoming Department, Department of Education, and they look for other avenues of resources to partner with.

Frankson also said, "In addition, we also partner with nonprofit organizations to bring needed resources to our Wyoming communities. Currently, we have partnered with the University of Wyoming ECHO project to provide ongoing support for educators, parents, and other professionals in a rural state where specialized knowledge is not always available locally. During the upcoming fall and spring months, beginning September 11, PHP will host 'Lunch and Learn' sessions at Common Ground from noon-1 p.m. Sessions will run every other Wednesday. These sessions are at no cost to participants. More information on topics to come."

The Echo projects which is from WIND, Wyoming Institute for disabilities through the University of Wyoming. Host sites in Thermopolis, Cheyenne and Rock Springs. 

For parents and their disabled children who are having difficulties with their learning situation, Frankson said she wants to encourage them. "For starters, they're not alone. I'm sure whatever struggles that they are having, in some sense someone else has had them and we would be able to make those connections for those parents, we're a free service. We are also a place to go to find other resources. Maybe you're not having any difficulties with the IEP process, but maybe you're looking for other resources to help with either health care or daycare and we can help with connections with those types of resources," said Frankson.

For more information, visit https://www.wpic.org/ or call (307) 684-2277. Frankson's extension is #5 and their project coordinator, Krystyne Ethridge, is extension #4.

PHP is a remote organization that covers the state.