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: Parent And Family
Family can include parents, grandparents, siblings, and other relatives in your immediate family circle.
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
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
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
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
Measles, Childhood Immunizations, and Washington State
Overview: Full Article: Prior to the COVID 19 outbreak in 2019, Washington State experienced several large outbreaks of measles. Why is that an issue? Measles is a virus that is preventable through immunization (getting a vaccine) and was almost completely eliminated in the United States by 2000. This changed when a social movement popularized the Read More
What Will Happen When We’re Gone? Planning for the Future for Your Child with Disabilities, Part 2: Age 13 through Adulthood
Overview: Full Article Thinking about the future when you will no longer be available to help your child because of death or a condition where you cannot participate in their care can be emotionally difficult. On top of that, this planning process is full of important decisions with significant impacts on your child’s future. To Read More
What Will Happen When We’re Gone? Planning for the Future for Your Child with Disabilities, Part 1: Ages Birth to 12
Overview: Full Article Thinking about the future when you will no longer be available to help your child because of death or a condition where you cannot participate in their care can be emotionally difficult. On top of that, this planning process is full of important decisions with significant impacts on your child’s future. To Read More
ABLE: An Account to Overcome the SSI Resource Limit for Adults with Disabilities
A Brief Overview Full Article Living with a disability can be difficult and costly. Adults who receive benefits from the Social Security Administration because of disability often are challenged to improve their life circumstances because of a $2,000 resource limit. This limit means that a person receiving payments from Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or the Read More
Giving the Gift of Sensory-Regulation: Supporting a Happy Holiday Season for All
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, that is, until… Sensory overload can happen to anyone. It is not specific to any single age or disability. In fact, it can also happen to people who do not have a disability. Whether your sensory systems are functioning as usual for you or disordered, your body needs Read More
Home for the Holidays: The Gift of Positive Behavior Support
A Brief Overview Full Article Holidays can be challenging for families impacted by disability, trauma, grief, economic struggles, and other stressors. The holiday season has its own flavors of confusion. Families with children who struggle with behavior may want to head into the winter with plans in place. Anticipating where trouble could bubble up and Read More
Medicaid Waiver Benefits for Military Families
When considering medical benefits for family members with special needs, military families often overlook Medicaid, a health benefits program established by federal law. Medicaid covers basic and long-term health care services for eligible children, pregnant women, parents with dependent children, adults aged 65 or older, and individuals with disabilities. Eligible dependents of military families can Read More
Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP), Part 2: How Does EFMP Benefit Military Families?
A Brief Overview Full Article The Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) is a mandatory program for all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces that helps military dependents with special medical or educational needs. The Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force each have an Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP). The Coast Guard, which Read More
Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP), Part 1: What Makes a Military Family Exceptional?
A Brief Overview Full Article The Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) is a mandatory program for all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces that helps military dependents with special medical or educational needs. The Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force each have an Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP). The Coast Guard, which Read More