Event Calendar
This calendar is set up by city to make it easier to search what is happening near YOU!
The primary goal of this peer-led group is to offer connection, mentoring, education, sharing of resources, exchanging experiences, and to promote a sense of unity among parents, individuals, and families living with medical complexities. Gain insight from the challenges and successes of others facing similar experiences.
This group supports:
Trainings: The trainings are designed to be interactive and engaging. Participants have opportunities to ask questions, participate in discussions, and share their own experiences.
Open Discussions: During meetings, families engage in open and honest discussions about various aspects of parenting children with medical complexities. Topics might include navigating the healthcare system, accessing educational resources, managing daily routines, promoting social interactions, and self-care for the whole family.
Shared Experiences: Parents share their personal experiences, challenges, and strategies they have found effective.
Awesome Autism Parent Support Group – The Awesome Autism Parent Support Group is a community dedicated to providing a nurturing and empowering environment for parents and caregivers of children with autism. The primary goal is to offer emotional support, share resources, exchange experiences, and promote a sense of unity among parents, individuals, and families raising and child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The group meets online on the 2nd Thursday of the month from 12-1 pm PT.
Highlights:
- Inclusive and Welcoming Environment: The support group is a safe space where all parents, regardless of their background or experiences, are welcomed and embraced.
- Information Sharing: Valuable information about autism, including the latest research, therapeutic interventions, educational strategies, and community resources, is shared within the group.
- Guest Speakers and Workshops: The support group might invite guest speakers, such as autism experts, therapists, educators, and medical professionals, to provide insights and guidance on various topics related to autism and parenting.
- Emotional Support: The support group offers a platform for parents to express their feelings, frustrations, and joys without judgment.
PAVES Pierce “Parent 2 Parent Support Groups” offers a nurturing space for caregivers to connect, share experiences, and find guidance. Parents come together to discuss challenges, celebrate successes, and exchange practical strategies in raising children with disabilities. Through mutual understanding and empathy, this group provides emotional support, valuable resources, and a sense of community, helping families navigate the unique journey of caring for their exceptional children with care and strength.
Please note that all parent support groups supply the following:
- An intentional space for parents to find others who share their life experiences.
- Facilitated meetings/gatherings focused on several topics that reflect the parent’s/caregiver’s perspective and needs on raising children/youth/adults with disabilities.
- Information and resources on PAVE programs, services, and upcoming events.
- Live parent-to-parent emotional support
*Additionally, support groups specific to a cultural and linguistic community (Native, Spanish-speaking, and Black & African American families) will be supported by a PAVE facilitator that is a cultural/linguistic match for the families served.
Register Here
Black/African American Family Support Group – The Black/African American Family Support Group provides a safe, validating, and empowering space for parents, caregivers, and families of African descent so they can find understanding, strength, and resources to navigate their unique and often challenging and isolating journey of raising Black/African American children or family member with a disability. This group gathers online on the 2nd Saturday monthly and the 4th Saturday of the month in-person from 9 – 10 am PT.
Highlights:
- Cultural Sensitivity: The support group is familiar with the cultural nuances, historical context, and systemic challenges that Black and African American families may encounter. It ensures that the support provided is culturally sensitive, relevant, and respectful of participants’ experiences.
- Community Building: The group offers a platform for parents to connect with others who share similar experiences, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie.
- Guest Speakers: The support group may invite guest speakers who are experienced professionals, community leaders, or parents themselves to share their insights, expertise, and personal journeys, offering inspiration and practical advice.
- Celebration of Diversity: The support group celebrates the diversity within the Black and African American community and highlights the strengths and contributions of individuals with disabilities, promoting a positive narrative that challenges stereotypes.
- Resource Sharing: The support group provides information about available resources, services, and programs that cater to the needs of Black and African American families, including therapists, educational materials, and assistive technologies.
Padre a Padre Grupo de Apoyo para Familias Hispanohablantes / Spanish Speaking Family Support Group – Padre a Padre es un grupo de apoyo para familias hispanohablantes que tienen niños, jóvenes y adultos con discapacidades. Este grupo reconoce los desafíos que estos padres enfrentan son unicos y tiene como objetivo crear un espacio seguro e inclusivo donde puedan conectarse, compartir experiencias y obtener recursos informativos.Este grupo de apoyo se reúne mensualmente el tercer martes de 6:30 p. m. a 7:30 p. m. (hora del Pacífico).
Este grupo apoya con lo siguiente:
- Accesibilidad: el grupo de apoyo es para hispanohablantes, lo que garantiza que las barreras del idioma no impide que los padres busquen y reciban ayuda.
- Intercambio de información: el grupo ofrece información precisa y actualizada sobre diversas discapacidades.
- Conexiones entre compañeros: este grupo facilita las conexiones y las amistades entre los padres. Esto les permite aprender de las experiencias de los demás y asi construir una comunidad de apoyo.
- Sensibilidad cultural: este grupo de apoyo trata de estar a la par con sus valores culturales. Tomamos en cuenta nuestra cultura y tratamos de incorporarla para celebrar y preservarla.
Padre a Padre is a support group for parents/caregivers whose native language is Spanish that are raising children, youth, and adults with disabilities. This group recognizes these parents’ unique challenges and aims to create a safe and inclusive space where they can connect, share experiences, and access resources. This support group meets monthly on the 3rd Tuesday from 6:30 –7:30 pm PT.
Join other young adults 18 – 26 years of age with disabilities and connect online or in-person in Tacoma. Share, discuss, listen, brainstorm, and shape your future! Check it out, join monthly, or when you can.
When Do We Meet?
Day: 3rd Wednesday of each month
Time: 4-5pm PT
Location: Hybrid
Virtual: Zoom
In-Person:
PAVE Office
6316 S. 12th St.
Tacoma WA 98466
What to Expect…
Fun: Meetings will use technology, visuals, and games to keep things fun and engaging with simple language and various ways to communicate. You do not need to be tech savvy. We got you.
Guest Speakers: Self-advocates with real-life experience will share their stories and wisdom.
Topics: Bullying, friendships, safety, community advocacy, college, working, volunteering, housing, and more.
Engagement: It’s up to you! Each meeting will be facilitated to assure all have a chance to join in, ask questions, share their experience, or listen, stay quiet.
IEP 101 provides an introduction to Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), explaining their purpose and how they support students with disabilities. This training will guide families through the qualification process, outlining the steps to ensure their student receives appropriate educational support.
No need to register!
Meeting ID: 737 702 3071
Join teens who are 13 – 17 years of age with disabilities to connect online to share, chat, listen, brainstorm, and shape your future!
Check it out, join monthly, or when you can.
When Do We Meet?
Day: 4th Wednesday of each month
Time: 4-5pm PT
Location: Zoom
What to expect….
Fun: Meetings will use technology, visuals, and games to keep things fun and engaging with simple language and various ways to communicate. You do not need to be tech savvy. We got you.
Guest Speakers: Self-advocates with real-life experience will share their stories and wisdom.
Topics: Bullying, friendships, safety, community advocacy, college, working, volunteering, housing, and more.
Engagement: It’s up to you! Each meeting will be facilitated to assure all have a chance to join in, ask questions, share their experience, or listen, stay quiet.
We’re here to help with IEPs and other documents—no registration needed, just show up! Join us on the 4th Friday of each month (except December) from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Round Table Pizza on George Washington Way. First come, first served, so swing by, grab a slice, and let’s tackle those documents together!
Black/African American Family Support Group – The Black/African American Family Support Group provides a safe, validating, and empowering space for parents, caregivers, and families of African descent so they can find understanding, strength, and resources to navigate their unique and often challenging and isolating journey of raising Black/African American children or family member with a disability. This group gathers online on the 2nd Saturday monthly and the 4th Saturday of the month in-person from 9 – 10 am PT.
Highlights:
- Cultural Sensitivity: The support group is familiar with the cultural nuances, historical context, and systemic challenges that Black and African American families may encounter. It ensures that the support provided is culturally sensitive, relevant, and respectful of participants’ experiences.
- Community Building: The group offers a platform for parents to connect with others who share similar experiences, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie.
- Guest Speakers: The support group may invite guest speakers who are experienced professionals, community leaders, or parents themselves to share their insights, expertise, and personal journeys, offering inspiration and practical advice.
- Celebration of Diversity: The support group celebrates the diversity within the Black and African American community and highlights the strengths and contributions of individuals with disabilities, promoting a positive narrative that challenges stereotypes.
- Resource Sharing: The support group provides information about available resources, services, and programs that cater to the needs of Black and African American families, including therapists, educational materials, and assistive technologies.