Read Useful Articles
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Learning in School
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The Power of Data: Shaping IEPs and 504 plans for Student Success
Data plays a crucial role in special education, helping teachers, parents, and support teams create effective learning plans for students with disabilities. By understanding data,…
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Getting to Know the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP)
The Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) is an essential tool designed to support infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities. This guide provides a…
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Ensuring Safety and Inclusion: Adding an Emergency Action Plan to the IEP or 504 Plan
Emergency Action Plans are crucial for ensuring the safety of students with disabilities during crises like earthquakes, fires, or active shooter events. These plans should…
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Beyond School Walls: A Guide to Homeschooling in Washington State
Homeschooling is a popular and flexible educational option for many families. “Home-based instruction” (HBI), as it’s referred to in Washington State law, must meet specific…
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Simple Instructions on How to Get Help From PAVE!
How to Get Help from PAVE (Simple Instructions) This page shares a short video that shows how to request help from PAVE. If you prefer…
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Early Intervention: How to Access Services for Children Birth to 3 in Washington
New parents often worry about their child’s growth and development, especially when comparing with other children. Early intervention can be crucial for children with developmental…
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Section 504: A Plan for Equity, Access and Accommodations
A student with a disability is protected by multiple federal laws. One of these laws is the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. This law is enforced…
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Transitioning Rights and Accommodations from IDEA to ADA and 504
The table below outlines the transition from the protections and accommodations provided under an Individualized Education Program (IEP) to the rights and accommodations under the…
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What Parents Need to Know when Disability Impacts Behavior and Discipline at School
Behavior is a form of communication, and children often try to express their needs and wants more through behavior than words. When a young person…
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Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3), Part 3: How the Compact Protects Academic Progress toward Graduation
The Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3, pronounced “mick three”) is the more commonly used name for the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunities for Military…
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Your Child’s Application for Developmental Disabilities (DDA)
A Step -by-Step guide to submitting and application for DDA on behalf of your child. The Washington State Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) provides services for…
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Procedural Safeguards: Student and Parent Rights in Special Education
A Brief Overview: Full Article The Procedural Safeguards are a written set of legal protections under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) designed to…
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Placement: Deciding Where a Student Spends the School Day
Where and when a student goes to school is called the placement. The Individualized Education Program (IEP) describes how much time a student spends in…
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IDEA: The Foundation of Special Education
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a federal law that was passed in 1990 and has been amended. The IDEA provides children with…
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When Parents and Schools Disagree: Navigating Special Education Disputes
A Brief Overview: Full Article The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires that each state education agency provide ways to solve disagreements between parents…
Parent & Family
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How to Have Good Communication with Your Child or Youth’s Doctor
When your child is impacted by chronic healthcare needs or disability it can be very important to learn to talk with the healthcare professionals that…
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Understanding the Health Impacts of Measles
According to the American Pediatric Association, measles was eliminated in the United States in 2000, when there was a year without recording an endemic spread…
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Simple Instructions on How to Get Help From PAVE!
How to Get Help from PAVE (Simple Instructions) This page shares a short video that shows how to request help from PAVE. If you prefer…
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Giving the Gift of Sensory-Regulation: Supporting a Happy Holiday Season for All
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, that is, until… Sensory overload can happen to anyone. It is not specific to any single age…
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Bullying at School: Resources and the Rights of Students with Special Needs
Students with disabilities who are bullied at school have legal protections, and schools have added responsibilities to ensure their safety and well-being. When acts of…
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Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3), Part 3: How the Compact Protects Academic Progress toward Graduation
The Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3, pronounced “mick three”) is the more commonly used name for the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunities for Military…
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Ages 3-5 Transition Toolkit
Ages 3-5 Transition Toolkit A Guide to Washington Services for 3-5 Year Olds with Disabilities New parents have a lot to manage. Concern about whether…
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School Services That Can Be Billed to Medicaid
Brief Overview: Full Article Individualized services that children receive through their IEP or IFSP may be covered by Medicaid. Medicaid will pay for health-related services…
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LGBTQ+ and Disability Rights in School
A Brief Overview Full Article LGBTQ+ is an acronym that stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (or sometimes questioning), and others. The “plus” represents other…
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Apple Health for Kids: Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHiP) in Washington State
Overview Where to apply or find more information about Apple Health for Kids: Full Article In Washington State, Medicaid, which includes the Children’s Health Insurance…
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7 Factors Linked to Post – High School Success
These factors can offer valuable guidance for current high school students with disabilities, their families, and educators. By focusing on these areas, students with disabilities…
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Glossary of Terms for Future Planning
Legal Documents Letter of intent: a personal document expressing your wishes for your child which are not included in the will. It has no legal…
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Self-Advocacy: Becoming an Active Member in Your Community
Brief overview: If you have ever defended your rights or the rights of other people, you were acting as an advocate. Self-advocacy means taking responsibility…
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Measles, Childhood Immunizations, and Washington State
Overview: Full Article: Prior to the COVID 19 outbreak in 2019, Washington State experienced several large outbreaks of measles. Why is that an issue? Measles…
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What Will Happen When We’re Gone? Planning for the Future for Your Child with Disabilities, Part 2: Age 13 through Adulthood
Overview: Full Article Thinking about the future when you will no longer be available to help your child because of death or a condition where…
Military Families
Health & Wellness
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What Will Happen When We’re Gone? Planning for the Future for Your Child with Disabilities, Part 2: Age 13 through Adulthood
Overview: Full Article Thinking about the future when you will no longer be available to help your child because of death or a condition where…
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What Will Happen When We’re Gone? Planning for the Future for Your Child with Disabilities, Part 1: Ages Birth to 12
Overview: Full Article Thinking about the future when you will no longer be available to help your child because of death or a condition where…
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Medicaid Waiver Benefits for Military Families
When considering medical benefits for family members with special needs, military families often overlook Medicaid, a health benefits program established by federal law. Medicaid covers…
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Gender Affirming Care
A Brief Overview Gender identity has become a hot topic in today’s political world. But beyond the politics, there are many young people that are…
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Infant Early Childhood Mental Health
A Brief Overview Full Article New parents may struggle to know whether their child’s emotional development is on track. They may have a feeling that…
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Traumatic Brain Injury in Youth
A Brief Overview Full Article A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an injury that affects how the brain works. TBI can affect people of all…
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Children Do Well if They Can: A Behavioral Strategy from Ross Greene
Child Expert Ross Greene wants adults to rethink the way they support children who struggle with their behavior. He offers two reasons children behave in…
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Respiratory Disease Health Advisory
Washington State is experiencing an overwhelming number of children and babies being hospitalized for respiratory diseases. The CDC has issued a Health Advisory for the…
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Related Services in School and Beyond can Support a Child’s Development and Learning
A Brief Overview At school, related services help children with disabilities benefit from their special education by providing extra help and support. Options for related…
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Tips to Organize Your Child’s Medical and School Documents
A Brief Overview Full Article Care planning and a well-organized system to keep track of important documents can save time and create comfort during uncertain…
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Summer Daily Activity List – Taking care of YOU!
Daily Activity List PAVE has created a suggested list of activities to follow every day this summer. Give yourself grace if you cannot do everything…
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Mental Health Education and Support at School can be Critical
A Brief Overview Alarming statistics indicate the pandemic worsened many behavioral health outcomes for young people. Governor Jay Inslee on March 14, 2021, issued an emergency…
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WISe Provides Team-Based Services for Washington Youth with Severe Behavioral Health Disorders
A Brief Overview Full Article Children and youth with intensive needs related to behavioral health may be eligible for services from a statewide program called…
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Children’s Long-Term Inpatient Program (CLIP) Provides Residential Psychiatric Treatment
A Brief Overview CLIP serves children ages 5-17 by providing mental-health treatment and school in a secure, residential facility. Read on for more information about…
Youth
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Glossary of Terms for Future Planning
Legal Documents Letter of intent: a personal document expressing your wishes for your child which are not included in the will. It has no legal…
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Glossary of Key Terms for Life After High School Planning
ADA: Americans with Disabilities Act. Prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all public and private places open to the general public. Adult Services: Programs…
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Self-Advocacy: Becoming an Active Member in Your Community
Brief overview: If you have ever defended your rights or the rights of other people, you were acting as an advocate. Self-advocacy means taking responsibility…
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What Will Happen When We’re Gone? Planning for the Future for Your Child with Disabilities, Part 2: Age 13 through Adulthood
Overview: Full Article Thinking about the future when you will no longer be available to help your child because of death or a condition where…
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Special Education Terms
Glossary of Terms Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): also known simply as dispute resolution or procedural safeguards; options for resolving disagreements between parents and school districts;…
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Step-By-Step Guide to Requesting Accommodations on SAT and ACT Exams
The transition from high school to college can be a daunting experience for any teenager. Part of the transition process is preparing for and taking…
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Movers, Shakers, and Troublemakers: How Technology Can Improve Mobility and Access for Children with Disabilities
A Brief Overview Connecting to the World through Mobility I want to invite you to take 30 seconds and think back to when you were…
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Gender Affirming Care
A Brief Overview Gender identity has become a hot topic in today’s political world. But beyond the politics, there are many young people that are…
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Traumatic Brain Injury in Youth
A Brief Overview Full Article A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an injury that affects how the brain works. TBI can affect people of all…
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Support a Child’s Resilience by Pointing to the Positive
Transcript: Children learn best when they feel safe, relaxed, loved, and confident. Emotions that are the opposite can make learning a struggle. Researchers who study…
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Summer Daily Activity List – Taking care of YOU!
Daily Activity List PAVE has created a suggested list of activities to follow every day this summer. Give yourself grace if you cannot do everything…
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Supported Decision Making is an Option for Adults with Disabilities
A Brief Overview Full Article When a young person turns 18, most decisions are now up to them. In Washington State, age 18 is the…
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Military Family Resources for Youth and Young Adults Transitioning from High School
The links below will help you find resources for employment or post-high school education in any state to which you may move. Directory-University Centers for…
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Stay Stubborn! One Girl’s Self-Determination while Navigating Healthcare
By Kyann Flint Being stubborn is the right approach when it means self-determination. Having the drive to learn what you want and need and then…