A Brief Overview Full Article Navigating social interactions can be particularly challenging for neurodivergent individuals, especially during the holiday season when gatherings are frequent and often overwhelming. While some neurodivergent people enjoy socializing, they may prefer calm and predictable environments where they can engage in structured activities. Understanding their unique needs and preferences is crucial Read More
Category: Your Young Persons Disability
Information on different disabilities to better inform you.
Creating Joyful and Inclusive Holidays: Sensory-Friendly Tips for Neurodivergent Loved Ones
A Brief Overview Full Article The holidays are full of sensory experiences. Flickering candles, holiday music, the aromas of food cooking, the fur on an unfamiliar dog, and the sounds of rambunctiously happy family members all provide sensory input. What is a source of joy for one person may be a cause for overwhelm to Read More
Supporting a Neurodivergent Family Member During the Holidays
A Brief Overview Full Article The holidays are a fun and festive time that can also be overwhelming, especially for those whose brains operate differently from what is typical or expected. This difference is called neurodivergence and it encompasses a variety of brain-based disabilities. People often see travel, new food, music, and new social situations Read More
Creating Joyful and Inclusive Holidays: Meeting Neurodivergent Needs While Traveling
A Brief Overview Full Article Navigating social interactions can be particularly challenging for neurodivergent individuals, especially during the holiday season when gatherings are frequent and often overwhelming. While some neurodivergent people enjoy socializing, they may prefer calm and predictable environments where they can engage in structured activities. Understanding their unique needs and preferences is crucial Read More
Bullying at School: Resources and the Rights of Students with Special Needs
A Brief Overview Full Article Students with disabilities who are bullied at school have legal protections, and schools have added responsibilities to ensure their safety and well-being. When acts of bullying involve discrimination based on disability, race, sex, or religion, federal agencies classify those acts as harassment. The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and the Read More
Where to Begin When A Student Needs Help
Where to Begin When A Student Needs Help A toolkit to guide you through the special education process in Washington State When a student has unmet needs and may need new or different school-based services, figuring out what to do next can feel confusing or overwhelming. PAVE provides this toolkit to support families in taking Read More
Apple Health for Kids: Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHiP) in Washington State
Overview Where to apply or find more information about Apple Health for Kids: Full Article In Washington State, Medicaid, which includes the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHiP) is called Apple Health. Medicaid and CHIP are medical insurance programs run by the state and funded by the federal government and the state. The state agency that 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
Autism Spectrum Disorder: Information and Resources for Families
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
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
Disability Redetermination: What Happens to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) When a Child Turns 18?
A Brief Overview Full Article As a continuation to our article, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a monthly financial benefit from the Social Security Administration (SSA) to eligible children and adults. The SSA’s definitions of blind and disabled are the same for both adults and children, although there are some differences in eligibility requirements. Definitions Read More
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
A Brief Overview Full Article What Is SSI? Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a monthly financial benefit from the Social Security Administration (SSA) to people with limited income and resources who are age 65 or older, blind or disabled. Blind or disabled children, as well as adults, can get SSI. Eligibility Requirements To be eligible Read More
Stay Cool When Summer Heats Up
Summertime brings special challenges for families whose children have special needs. Some medical conditions and medications make individuals particularly susceptible to the heat. Be sure to check with your doctor about which medications might increase heat sensitivity. Keep in mind that extreme heat combined with humidity can make a person even more vulnerable. It’s harder Read More
Traumatic Brain Injury in Youth
A Brief Overview Full Article A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an injury that affects how the brain works. TBI can affect people of all ages and backgrounds. The exact definition of TBI, according to special education law, is referenced later. This injury can change how the person thinks, behaves, and moves. A traumatic brain Read More