Parent & Family
This section offers resources, guidance, and tools specifically for parents and family members supporting children, youth, and young adults with disabilities. Family engagement is vital to child’s development and a student’s success. Topics include understanding special education, navigating IEP and 504 plans, accessing community services, building advocacy skills, and supporting children at home and in the community.

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Purple Up! Celebrating the Month of the Military Child
April, the Month of the Military Child, celebrates military-connected children and youth. They show an ability to adapt in the face of unique challenges. They…
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Do You Have an Emergency Respite Plan?
Who will care for your family member if you are temporarily incapacitated? Don’t wait for an emergency situation to occur to think about who will take…
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Creative Options for a Respite Break
The person you care for may have specific assets and strengths that provide an opportunity for you to have a respite break. These include being able…
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Graduating from NICU: The Joy and Anxiety Finding Your Way to Baby’s Norm
Coming home from the hospital with your baby can be both a joyous and potentially uncertain event, especially for families whose child is graduating from…
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Medicaid or Medicare-Which Covers Long-Term Care?
This quick tip sheet explains which of these programs covers long-term care either in your home, or in a nursing home or other care facility.…
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How to Afford Family Caregiving, Part 3: Offset Some Costs of Caregiving
Being a family caregiver can be financially stressful. This tip sheet, part 3 of a 4-part series, tells you how to find benefits for those…
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How to Afford Family Caregiving, Part 1: Paid Leave and Job-protecting Unpaid Leave in WA State
Being a family caregiver can be financially stressful. In addition to taking on the costs of caring for a close friend or family member, caregiving…
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Kinship Caregiving
Relatives raising the child(ren) of a family member (Kinship Families) Kinship families are families in which children live with and are being raised by grandparents,…
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For Care Partners/Caregivers of Individuals Living with Parkinson’s Disease
At Lifespan Respite WA, we focus on caregivers. Our team gathered resources specifically for caregivers from the organizations listed below, to support you in your…
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Recipe for Navigating School
Great takeaways: “So that when you are ready to navigate the schools you are ready for what may come up and assure your child’s rights! …
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My Family’s Sensory and Adaptive Needs for the Holidays
The holidays are a fun and festive time that often includes lots of change in schedules, foods, bright lights, loud unexpected sounds, new people, and…

