A Brief Overview Full Article Navigating social interactions can be particularly challenging for neurodivergent individuals, especially during the holiday season when gatherings are frequent and often overwhelming. While some neurodivergent people enjoy socializing, they may prefer calm and predictable environments where they can engage in structured activities. Understanding their unique needs and preferences is crucial Read More
Category: All Articles
This is a page listing in order of latest article written or recently updated. All articles are sorted by the topics above: Learning in School, Parent and Family, Health & Wellness and Youth. Use the drop-downs in each category to further sort and find articles. Or enter the topic in the Search bar above.
Creating Joyful and Inclusive Holidays: Sensory-Friendly Tips for Neurodivergent Loved Ones
A Brief Overview Full Article The holidays are full of sensory experiences. Flickering candles, holiday music, the aromas of food cooking, the fur on an unfamiliar dog, and the sounds of rambunctiously happy family members all provide sensory input. What is a source of joy for one person may be a cause for overwhelm to Read More
Supporting a Neurodivergent Family Member During the Holidays
A Brief Overview Full Article The holidays are a fun and festive time that can also be overwhelming, especially for those whose brains operate differently from what is typical or expected. This difference is called neurodivergence and it encompasses a variety of brain-based disabilities. People often see travel, new food, music, and new social situations Read More
Creating Joyful and Inclusive Holidays: Meeting Neurodivergent Needs While Traveling
A Brief Overview Full Article Navigating social interactions can be particularly challenging for neurodivergent individuals, especially during the holiday season when gatherings are frequent and often overwhelming. While some neurodivergent people enjoy socializing, they may prefer calm and predictable environments where they can engage in structured activities. Understanding their unique needs and preferences is crucial Read More
Holiday Survival Tips For Families with Special Healthcare Needs
A Brief Overview Every family experiences holidays and end-of-year transitions differently. This article provides a sampling of ideas for families with children (of any age) experiencing special healthcare needs or disability. If a child also experiences behavioral difficulties, you may wish to read Home for the Holidays: The Gift of Positive Behavior Support Here are some Read More
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 or disability. In fact, it can also happen to people who do not have a disability. Whether your sensory systems are functioning as usual for you or disordered, your body needs Read More
Early Intervention: How to Access Services for Children Birth to 3 in Washington
A Brief Overview Full Article New parents may struggle to know whether their child’s growth and development are on track. They may have a feeling that a milestone is missed, or they may observe siblings or other children learning and developing differently. Sometimes a parent just needs reassurance. Other times, a child has a developmental Read More
Help for Military Families: Tips to Navigate Special Education Process in Washington State
Brief overview Full Article For families new to Washington State, this article includes state-specific information about special education systems. PAVE wants to extend a warm welcome to your entire family and to let you know that we are ready to support you. If your family has moved here to fulfill a military role, we thank Read More
Bullying at School: Resources and the Rights of Students with Special Needs
A Brief Overview Full Article 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 bullying involve discrimination based on disability, race, sex, or religion, federal agencies classify those acts as harassment. The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and the Read More
Section 504: A Plan for Equity, Access and Accommodations
A Brief Overview Full Article 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 by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights. Section 504 is part of the Rehabilitation Act and it helps protect students from being treated Read More
Open Enrollment for Medicaid and Medicare Dual Eligibility
Brief Overview Full Article Open enrollment for Medicaid and Medicare starts on November 1st, 2024 and ends on January 15th, 2025. The annual opportunity to sign up, renew, or change coverage to best suit your family’s situation. Washington Health Plan Finder has step-by-step instructions for applying and navigators to help with the application process. Help is Read More
What Parents Need to Know when Disability Impacts Behavior and Discipline at School
A Brief Overview Full Article 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 has a disability or has experienced trauma or other distress, adults and authorities may need to put in extra effort to understand. Missed cues and Read More
Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3), Part 3: How the Compact Protects Academic Progress toward Graduation
A Brief Overview Full Article 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 Children. MIC3’s rules provide consistent guidelines for how public schools address the most common challenges military-connected students experience during a PCS (permanent change of station, Read More
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 ensure that students with special needs receive appropriate education. IDEA, implemented under Washington State law, requires schools to provide the parents/guardians of a student who is eligible for or referred Read More
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 different settings. It also includes a statement about how much time the student spends with non-disabled students. The IEP Team, including the parent, makes decisions about placement after talking about Read More