Looking to the future can feel exciting, hopeful, confusing, overwhelming—or all emotions at once. For families supporting a young person with a disability, it’s never too soon to begin planning to ensure a smooth process from the teen years toward whatever happens next. This toolkit supports families as they organize this multiyear project. For a Read More
Category: Resources by Age
Website links, articles, and documents for more information based on your child’s age.
How to Decide on a Post-Secondary Program Worksheet
The following information is part of the college readiness workbook. You can download this and other parts of this workbook for your personal use. Each document is fillable. Fill in your answers to the questions. Talk With Each Other Talk Together About Your Concerns With Student Support Services Not all programs provide the same accommodations, Read More
How to Decide on a Post-Secondary Program
The following information is part of the college readiness workbook. You can download this and other parts of this workbook for your personal use. Each document is fillable. Talk with Each other Talk together about your concerns with Student Support Services * High school counselors and teachers are resources for connecting with colleges and training Read More
College Experience Terms
The following information is part of the college readiness workbook. You can download this and other parts of this workbook for your personal use. Each document is fillable. These are some terms for post-secondary education programs that are unique to those supporting students with intellectual disabilities. Click on each term for more information. Transition and Read More
Possible Accommodations for SAT and ACT Entrance Exams
The following information is part of the college readiness workbook. You can download this and other parts of this workbook for your personal use. Each document is fillable. Extended time Reading and seeing accommodations Recording responses Use of four-function calculator Assistive technology Breaks Other accommodations COVID – 19 Updates: Source: Accommodations and English Learner Supports Read More
Prior Written Notice (PWN): An Important Document to Read and Understand
A Brief Overview Full Article When family members and school staff meet to discuss a student’s services, certain things have to happen. One requirement is for the school to take notes and share those notes with the family within a reasonable amount of time (usually a few days) after the meeting. Those notes are formatted Read More
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
You can print this page as an accessible PDF! Download here 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 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
MIC3-School Issues Covered by the Interstate Compact
This resource gives you details about situations covered by the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children (“MIC3”). Use it to help you decide if you can apply the Compact to resolve a school issue for your child. Then you can follow the Step-by-Step Checklist to use the Compact for your child’s situation. Transferring records, Read More
MIC3 Step-by-Step Checklist-Resolve School Issues with the Interstate Compact
This resource shows you specific steps to take to resolve school issues for your child, using the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children. It gives you contact information for people who can help you for different situations covered by the Compact. To help you decide if your child’s situation is covered by the Read More
Military Family Resources for Youth and Young Adults Transitioning from High School
The links below will help you find resources for employment or post-high school education in any state to which you may move. NEW: Directory-University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDDs) Directory of LEND programs Employment Employment Center at your installation (check out the installation website-under Morale, Welfare and Recreation) List of Vocational Rehabilitation agencies Read More
Autism Spectrum Disorder: Information and Resources for Families
A Brief Overview A short YouTube video by Osmosis.org provides an overview of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). A medical diagnosis of autism is not required for school-based evaluations or interventions. Read on for more information. Families concerned about a child’s development can call the state’s Family Health Hotline at 1-800-322-2588. This toll-free number offers help in English, Read More
Can I still walk with my classmates at the end of my Senior Year, if I participate in a transition plan?
Information on Transition Plans Students often ask the question “If I participate in a transition plan between the age of 18-21, does that mean I can still walk with my classmates at the end of my senior, or fourth, year?” The answer is a resounding YES!! In 2005 State Legislation passed Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill Read More
When will my Student Graduate?
Dear Reader, There seems to be some confusion about “When will my student graduate?” Here’s an attempt to clarify some questions and make the transition to adult life a little easier. First, there is a difference between “Graduation” and “Exiting” the public school system. Graduation includes walking with your classmates while wearing a cap and Read More