Getting the right help for students with disabilities is made easier when families learn key vocabulary and understand how to use it. PAVE provides videos to support learning about student rights and how to work with the school to get individualized support. Video number 1: Pyramid of Rights Protections for Students With Disabilities The first Read More
Category: 504
A plan that is made to ensure that a child with a disability and is attending a K-12 public school receives accommodations that will support their academic success and access to the general education learning environment.
Section 504: A Plan for Equity, Access and Accommodations
A Brief Overview Section 504 is part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which is upheld by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights. Section 504 prohibits discrimination based on disability in any program or activity that receives federal funding. All Washington state public schools must comply with this federal law. Every student Read More
PAVE Provides Sample Letters to Support Families in their Advocacy
An advocate is someone who works toward a cause or goal. Sometimes the hardest part of advocacy is figuring out what to do next. When a child has unmet needs at school, family advocates can seek changes to a student’s services by asking for an evaluation, a meeting, a behavioral assessment, or something else. Putting Read More
Behavioral Health and School: Key Information for Families
When a student struggles to maintain well-being, achievement at school can be a challenge. This video provides key information for families to seek school-based services for behavioral health needs. Included are two advocacy statements that this information might empower you to say in a meeting with the school: “I want to make sure my student’s Read More
Steps to Read, Understand, and Develop an Initial IEP
A Brief Overview A first-time IEP document is a lot to absorb. This article provides tips to help family members read through a draft IEP and prepare to participate on the IEP team that finalizes the Individualized Education Program before services begin. Remember, the school’s first version is a DRAFT, and family members of 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
Click to print out this graphic 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 Read More
Parent Participation in Special Education Process is a Priority Under Federal Law
A Brief Overview Schools are required to accommodate parents to ensure their attendance and participation at meetings where their child’s special education services are discussed. Those rights are affirmed in a court decision from 2013: Doug C. Versus Hawaii. A meeting that includes family is a higher priority than a renewal deadline. If a deadline Read More
Procedural Safeguards: How to File a Special Education Complaint
This training has information about parent rights and describes a process for filing a community complaint. When parents believe their child’s school has done something inappropriate related to the Individualized Education Program—their IEP—filing a complaint is one option available. This training will help you know where to get a community complaint form and walks you Read More
Long COVID May Cause Disability and Eligibility for Services
Some people infected by the SARS-CoV-2 virus experience long-term symptoms—called Long COVID. If lasting symptoms significantly impact a person’s life, their ability to work, or their access to school, disability laws are in place to protect and support them. Among federal laws that support disability rights are the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Rehabilitation Read More
Support for Youth Whose Post-High School Plans were Impacted by COVID-19
A Brief Overview Students who did not make adequate progress on IEP goals due to COVID-19 may be eligible for Recovery Services. IEP teams are responsible to make individualized, student-centered decisions about this option for additional educational services. Students who turned 21 and “aged out” of their IEP services during the pandemic may be eligible Read More
What to Know about Adapted Physical Education in Washington State
A Brief Overview Full Article Physical Education—what older generations called “gym class”—is part of school for all students. Instruction is provided for development and care of the body. Classes can support motor skills, physical fitness, athletic games, social play skills, teamwork, and much more. How the PE curriculum is adjusted to be appropriate and accessible Read More
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, this guide to essential information is intended to offer you help and resources. It contains useful information about military benefits that provide help with schools, medical care and supports and Read More
School Support Plans for Deployment-Tips for Parents
Why do schools need to know when a parent deploys? Your children spend a large portion of their day in school, so teachers often notice changes or new behaviors. The value of parents and schools partnering to support military-connected children with the stressors of deployment is significant. As you know, having a parent away for Read More
Tips for Communicating as a Member of the IEP Team
A Brief Overview Full Article Whether on Zoom or around a conference table, sitting down with a team of professionals can feel intimidating to families. When a child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) is on the agenda, emotions can overtake a meeting. Getting defensive or angry does not usually help, however. This article provides tools for Read More