A Brief Overview Full Article Parents of individuals with autism have many different experiences when watching their child’s development, navigating school years and relationships, and building community and belonging. When developmental milestones aren’t met in typical timeframes, families may seek a diagnosis, medical interventions, and/or support from school. CDC numbers show that 1 in 36 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.
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 can better prepare for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, whether in future education, training, or workforce. Here’s an expanded list with different examples for each factor, considering the Read More
What is Person Centered Planning?
What it is? Person-centered planning is all about making decisions that focus on you as a unique individual. It’s about listening to what you want and need, and then working together to make those things happen. Get Involved! Become a Person Centered Planner. Training sessions are starting soon! Seize this chance to make a positive Read More
Transition Triangle
The planning process to support a student with disabilities toward their adult life plans requires coordination and organization. This graphic provides a visual overview of the work and who is responsible to help. The center upside down triangle describes key questions for a student as they move through school and toward adulthood: The three colored Read More
Ready for Work: Vocational Rehabilitation Provides Guidance and Tools
A Brief Overview Full Article Teenagers and young adults with disabilities have additional considerations when deciding what life looks like after high school. The transition planning process begins in middle school, when all Washington State students work with counseling staff to begin their High School and Beyond Plan. For students with disabilities, that lengthy planning Read More
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 standing, but acts as a guide for guardians, Power of Attorney agents, and trustees. It can be provided to your selected guardians and a copy can be saved with the Read More
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 available to support individuals after they become legal adults at 18. Age of Majority: In Washington, 18. An adult is responsible for educational, vocational, financial, and other decisions unless other Read More
What’s Next? High School Transition Planning Timeline
Description of the above graphic: What’s Next? High School Transition Planning Mapping the Future Check these milestones to ensure high school paves a pathway for young adult success and achievement! Ages 13-14Student begins High School and Beyond Plan in Middle School—a WA State requirement for all students. Ages 15-16IEP includes a Transition Plan, aligned with Read More
Purple Up! Celebrating the Month of the Military Child
A Brief Overview 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 make sacrifices while their service members protect our nation’s safety. Purple is the official color of the military child. It’s a combination of all the colors of Read More
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 webinar series called “Disability Teaches Us: Meaningful Inclusion,” and additional training materials and resources are available on the Family Engagement Collaborative Website. This website is part of the Inclusionary Practices Read More
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 for telling others what you need and want in a respectful and direct way. Anyone can be a self-advocate. Speaking up for yourself or someone else can help you be Read More
Medicaid Basics
A Brief Overview Full Article Medicaid is a federal health care program that each state manages based on their own states legislative system. It is set up for individuals and families with limited income or special circumstances such as a genetic, medical, or job or accident-related disability. This health care covers physical and mental health Read More
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 children within their boundaries, ages birth through 21 who have disabilities. Any child can be brought to the attention of a school district by any person (parent, school personnel, or Read More
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. Other characteristics often associated with autism are engagement in repetitive activities and stereotyped movements, resistance to environmental change or change in daily routines, and unusual responses to sensory experiences. Autism Read More
Pathways to Support for School Aged Children
Transition Planning for Children Aging Out of Early Intervention Services through Early Support for Infants and Toddlers (ESIT) When an infant or toddler receiving early intervention services from Washington’s Early Support for Infants and Toddlers (ESIT) program approaches the age of three (3), the Family Resource Coordinator (FRC) begins transition planning for when the child Read More