Read Useful Articles
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Learning in School
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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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Abbreviation Cheat Sheet
*Adapted from OSEP’s complete list of acronyms Washington State Specific Terms Military Terms
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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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Frequently Asked Questions for Life After High School
What is person-centered planning? Person-centered planning focuses on you! It’s about making plans for your future based on what you like, need, and dream about.…
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Disability Teaches Us: Meaningful Inclusion Series
Families have an opportunity to learn about how children with disabilities can be included meaningfully and successfully in classrooms with their non-disabled peers. A three-part…
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How to Request an Evaluation for an Individualized Education Program (IEP)
Use this step-by-step checklist to track your child’s progress through the evaluation process. Child Find is the requirement that all school districts must identify all…
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Washington Special Education Categories
Autism: a developmental disability significantly affecting verbal and nonverbal communication and social interaction, generally evident before age three, that adversely affects a student’s educational performance.…
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Exploring Assistive Technology: Understanding, Access, and Resources for All Ages and Abilities
Brief overview: Full Article You can also type “assistive technology” in the search bar at wapave.org to find other articles where assistive technology is mentioned.…
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IEP Tips: Evaluation, Present Levels, SMART goals
Getting services at school starts with evaluation. Eligible students get an individualized Education Program (IEP), which describes a student’s present levels of performance and how…
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Special Education Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my child has a developmental delay? If you suspect that your child might have a developmental delay, you should talk…
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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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Who’s Who on the IEP Team
The IDEA requires that certain individuals be included in the IEP team, and their input is valuable in creating a plan that addresses the unique…
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Communication Log
Maintaining a clear record of who said what and when is simplified with a school communication log. This tool streamlines the organization and retrieval of…
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Educational Program Options for Children Aged 3-5 Years Old
Inclusion Preschool Programs Inclusion preschools, sometimes called developmental preschools, are special classes in the school district for children aged 3 to 5 with special needs.…
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Preparing for Productive and Effective Conversations with Education and Service Providers
Here are our top three tips for making every conversation with your child’s IFSP or IEP team an opportunity to show them what makes your…
Parent & Family
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Advocacy Tips for Parents
When a child has a disability, parents often learn that getting their child’s needs met requires persistence, organization, and advocacy. Advocacy is an action. A…
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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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Families Who Receive In-Home Care Services: Take Note of 2022 Changes
A Brief Overview Everyone who gets state-funded in-home care in Washington is affected by a new employment structure for Individual Providers (IPs). The Consumer Direct…
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Legal Resources for Highly Mobile Military Families
Military families have unique circumstances that can call for out-of-state or specialized assistance. For example, when they move to a new duty station, they may…
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Temporary Caregivers of Military Children: Guide to Essential Information
If you are a grandparent, other relative, or family friend taking care of children while their parent or parents are deployed or on other duty,…
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Find Civilian Services for Your Child With a Disability When You Leave the Military
A guide to finding civilian supports and services when your service member separates or retires from the military if you have a child (including an…
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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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Families with Disability Concerns Take Extra Care when Planning for Emergencies
A Brief Overview All families prepare for emergencies, but extra planning is critical when a loved one has a disability. The Family-To Family Health Information…
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Quick Look: How to Prepare for a Virtual Meeting
Schools and families continue to meet virtually to discuss special education services during the closures related to the coronavirus pandemic. Here are tips to help…
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Ideas to Support Children and Families Impacted by Abuse, Trauma and Divorce
Brief Overview The National Education Association (NEA) recognizes that childhood experiences related to domestic abuse, trauma or divorce affect education. This article includes recommendations for…
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Relatives Raising Children Face Unique Challenges
Imagine a knock on the front door at night. Outside is a police officer, bringing a child to the safe-haven of a grandparent’s home. A…
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I want the kind with the people and the pictures
By John O’Brien After a Difficult Start… Institutionalized from age three to twenty-three in a place where “they treated us like animals”– Mike has composed…
