Insurance in Healthcare Transition

Healthcare transition, like all other aspects of transitioning to adult community living, employment, and services, can be difficult. However, if teenagers and families plan ahead for the healthcare changes that Read More

Autism Spectrum Disorder: Information and Resources for Families

Autism spectrum disorder can affect how a person talks, learns, and relates to others, and every individual is different. Families can learn about early signs, get help with evaluations, and Read More

School to Adulthood: Planning for Life after High School

For families supporting a young person with a disability, it’s never too soon to begin planning for the years after high school. Post-secondary transition planning is the process of getting Read More

Kinship Families: Early Intervention, Special Education, and 504 Plans

Kinship families are created when a relative or close family friend raises a child or children when parents can’t. The relative or friend is often referred to as a “kinship caregiver”. This article will Read More

Students: Get Ready to Participate in Your IEP Meeting with a Handout for the Team

Students of all abilities have the right to a solid education to get ready for adult life. Students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) have a right to participate in IEP Read More

What to Know About Special Education in Private Schools

Families who enroll their child with disabilities in a private school keep important legal protections, though these are different from those in public schools. Public school districts are still responsible Read More

Kinship Caregiving

Relatives raising the child(ren) of a family member (Kinship Families) Kinship families are families in which children live with and are being raised by grandparents, other extended family members, or Read More

Creating Comfortable Holiday Spaces

Navigating social interactions can be particularly challenging for individuals with disabilities, especially during the holiday season when gatherings are frequent and often overwhelming. While some people enjoy socializing, they may Read More

Help for Military Families: Tips to Navigate Special Education Process in Washington State

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 Read More

Expanding Your Child’s Horizons Through Adaptive Play

We have come to learn what an important job play has in the development of a child’s brain and social skill set. Play sets the foundation for learning in infants and toddlers. It fosters social interaction and Read More

Evaluations Part 2: Next Steps if the School Says ‘No’

Families may feel uncertain or discouraged when a school denies a request for special education evaluation or finds a student ineligible for services. Fortunately, there are steps families can take Read More

PAVE Provides Sample Letters to Support Families in their Advocacy

PAVE offers a collection of downloadable sample letters, available in multiple languages, to help families advocate for their children’s educational needs. These letters support clear and effective communication between families Read More

Disability History Month Provides Opportunities for Reflection

The history of disability rights shows how people with disabilities have worked hard to get equitable access, fair treatment, and meaningful inclusion. Key laws and strong community voices have helped Read More

Sample Letter to Request a Functional Behavioral Assessment

Families can formally request a Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) when a student’s behavior interferes with learning. This process helps schools identify the root causes of behavioral challenges and develop a Read More