Planning my Path – A User-Friendly Toolkit for Young Adults

Planning My Path Practical Tips and Tools for Future Planning Presenting our newest resource – the Planning My Path Practical Tips and Tools for Future Planning. This toolkit encompasses a collection of our informative articles, complemented by easy to understand timeline charts to provide you with a solid foundation as you navigate through this crucial transition period. Read More

Steps to Read, Understand, and Develop an Initial IEP

A Brief Overview Full Article After a student is determined eligible for an Individualized Education Program (IEP), the process of building the IEP can feel intimidating. This article provides tips to help family members read through a draft IEP and prepare to participate on the IEP team that will finalize the program before services begin. Read More

Steps to Read, Develop, and Understand an IEP Worksheet

The IEP document is a lot to absorb. You will be better prepared to support your child when you review the IEP draft before meeting with the IEP team for the first time. A child’s education is worth taking time to read for understanding. Subject Service Minutes What Related/Ancillary Services is your child eligible to Read More

Student Rights, IEP, Section 504 and More

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

LGBTQ+ and Disability Rights in School

A Brief Overview Full Article LGBTQ+ is an acronym that stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (or sometimes questioning), and others. The “plus” represents other gender identities including pansexual, Two-Spirit, non-binary, gender-fluid. Youth and young adults with disabilities may also have diverse sexualities and gender identities. LGBTQ+ identities are NOT disabilities, but students with disabilities Read More

Parents, Navigate Adapted Physical Education, IEPs, and 504 Plans

Overview Full article Physical Education (PE) is part of school for all students and may be particularly important for your student with a disability. What are the ways in which PE (general curriculum or Adapted PE) can improve their quality of life, now and into their adult years? This short list may give you ideas Read More

Youth, Explore Adapted Physical Education in Your IEP or 504 Plan

Overview Full article Why is physical education important? How is it helpful to me, as an individual with a disability? Classes can teach you to care for your body and learn physical, mental, and emotional skills that include: How Adapted PE works: Access or accessible means how easy it is to do, to get, or 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

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

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. You get to make big decisions, and the plan adapts as you grow. What happens to my accommodations and services when I graduate or leave high school? In high school, 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

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

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; Washington’s options include facilitation, mediation, community complaint, and due process hearing. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): the federal law that makes it unlawful to discriminate against individuals with disabilities in Read More

Your Child’s Application for Developmental Disabilities (DDA)

A Step -by-Step guide to submitting and application for DDA on behalf of your child. The Washington State Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) provides services for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. DDA is responsible for administering various Medicaid waivers that provide essential services to families who have members who have a developmental disability. Applying for Read More

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 needs of the student. Here are the key members of the IEP team. The team works together to develop a comprehensive plan that addresses the unique needs of the student Read More