Archives: Events

Introduction to Special Education Processes and Procedures According to IDEA

The University Place School District’s Special Services Department is sponsoring a PAVE event for Parents/Guardians/Teachers to learn more about IDEA Special Education Processes and Procedures. Time will be designated at the end of the presentation for you to ask questions. Below are the specific details for this event:

When:  Thursday, May 2, 2024

Time: 5:30pm – 7:00pm

Where: Curtis Senior High School, Staff Development Room

Intended Audience:   Parents/Guardians/Teachers

(childcare will not be provided)

Presenter:  Vanessa Lewis, PAVE  – PTI Coordinator

In person – Awesome Autism Parent Family Support Group

In honor of Autism Awareness month we will have an in person support group! Join us at PAVE HQ! 

Awesome Autism Parent Support Group – The Awesome Autism Parent Support Group is a community dedicated to providing a nurturing and empowering environment for parents and caregivers of children with autism. The primary goal is to offer emotional support, share resources, exchange experiences, and promote a sense of unity among parents, individuals, and families raising and child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The group meets online on the 2nd Wednesday of the month from 12-1 pm PT.

Highlights:

  • Inclusive and Welcoming Environment: The support group is a safe space where all parents, regardless of their background or experiences, are welcomed and embraced.
  • Information Sharing: Valuable information about autism, including the latest research, therapeutic interventions, educational strategies, and community resources, is shared within the group.
  • Guest Speakers and Workshops: The support group might invite guest speakers, such as autism experts, therapists, educators, and medical professionals, to provide insights and guidance on various topics related to autism and parenting.
  • Emotional Support: The support group offers a platform for parents to express their feelings, frustrations, and joys without judgment.

Live Virtual Training – Student-Led IEP Meetings: Empowering Self-Advocacy and Ownership

This training emphasizes the importance of involving students in their own IEP meetings, aiming to empower them with self-advocacy skills and a sense of ownership over their educational journey. This training not only strengthens the students’ voice in their education but also fosters a collaborative environment where students, educators, and families work together to set achievable goals and create a more inclusive and supportive educational experience.

Live Virtual Training – Navigating 504: Rights and Responsibilities

This training aims to clarify the rights and responsibilities under Section 504 to ensure that students with disabilities receive equal access to education and school activities. Through a blend of informative content, practical exercises, and discussions, participants will become adept at navigating the complexities of Section 504, from eligibility and evaluation to the development and implementation of 504 plans.

Live Virtual Training – Unlocking the Potential: A Guide to Interpreting IEP Data for Student Success

Building Blocks to the IEP, BIP, and Assistive Technology Evaluation data drive IEP goals, which drive services and supports.  Building foundational knowledge of data reporting methods used in educational evaluation results, this interactive discussion will prepare parents to participate in discussions regarding interventions and supports, including Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP) and Assistive Technology.

Tacoma, In Person! Tools 4 Success Conference 2024

Dream, Imagine and Shape Your Future!
March 26, 2024
Time: 8:00 am – 2:00 pm

The Tools 4 Success Conference is designed for youth, young adults, and community members who experience a disability to dream, imagine and shape their future!

Conference Date: March 26, 2024

Location: Tacoma Community College!

Conference agenda:

  • 8:00 – 8:30 – Registration, Building 15
  • 8:30 – 9:15 – Choice of 8 Workshops
  • 9:25-10:10 – Choice of 12 Workshops
  • 10:20-11:05 – Choice of 12 Workshops
  • 11:10 – Lunch, Building 11
  • Resource Booths 9:30 -12:00, Bldg. 11
  • 12:00 – 1:00 pm, Building 2

Please complete the registration form below.  After you submit your registration, you will receive a confirmation email and then a few days before March 26th you will receive a reminder email with any more important information.

Any questions contact Nicol at 253-278-5952 or email us at tools@wapave.org

Thank you!

EmpowerEd Webinar Series – Essential Knowledge for Navigating Systems

Each webinar is 90 minutes. Webinars are accessible to participants in all time zones and will be recorded for later viewing on demand. Registered attendees can access the recordings for up to two weeks following the scheduled webinar.

Time: 11am PT/ 12pm MT/ 1pm CT/ 2pm ET

February 20
Discover TRICARE’s Big Three: Basic Plans, ECHO, and ABA
The webinar “Discover TRICARE’s Big Three: Basic Plans, ECHO, and ABA!” aims to provide information and insights into the three primary components of the TRICARE healthcare system. It will cover the Basic Plans, which are essential healthcare coverage options for military members and their families, along with an explanation of the Extended Care Health Option (ECHO), designed to support eligible family members with specific medical or developmental needs. Additionally, the webinar will delve into Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapies available through TRICARE for children with autism spectrum disorder. Attendees can expect to gain a comprehensive understanding of these vital components and how they contribute to the well-being of military families.

February 27
The S.M.A.R.T in IEP
The webinar “The S.M.A.R.T. in IEP” focuses on supporting military families with children who have Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). It aims to provide strategies and insights to help military families navigate the IEP process effectively. The acronym S.M.A.R.T. stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound, highlighting key aspects of setting goals within an IEP. By attending this webinar, military families can learn how to ensure that their child’s IEP goals are tailored to their unique needs, measurable, attainable, relevant to their education, and set within a specific timeframe.

March 19
Unlocking 504
The webinar “Unlocking 504” is dedicated to supporting military families with valuable information and guidance regarding Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. This webinar aims to help families understand the rights and accommodations available under Section 504 for their children in educational settings. By attending this webinar, military families can learn how to navigate the process of unlocking the potential benefits of Section 504, ensuring that their children receive the necessary accommodations to thrive academically and beyond.

April 9
I’m the “I” in IEP
The webinar “I’m the ‘I’ in IEP” is dedicated to assisting military families in understanding and advocating for their child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). With a focus on empowering parents and caregivers, this webinar aims to provide insights and strategies for active participation in the IEP process. Attendees will learn about their crucial role as the “I” in their child’s IEP, including how to effectively communicate their child’s strengths, needs, and goals to the IEP team. By attending this webinar, military families can gain confidence in navigating the IEP process and advocating for the best possible educational outcomes for their child.

April 23
Financially “Dependent”
The webinar “Financially ‘Dependent’: SSI, ABLE Act, and Special Needs Trust” is tailored to support military families with dependents who have disabilities. This webinar aims to provide valuable information and guidance on navigating financial assistance programs such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act, and special needs trusts. Attendees will learn about eligibility criteria, application processes, and the benefits offered by each of these programs. By attending this webinar, families can gain a deeper understanding of the financial resources available to support their dependents with disabilities, empowering them to make informed decisions about their financial future.

May 21
Don’t Stress this PCS
The webinar “Don’t Stress the PCS is specifically tailored to support military families enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) during the Permanent Change of Station (PCS) process. With a focus on addressing the unique needs and challenges of EFMP families, this webinar aims to provide practical guidance and resources to navigate the PCS transition smoothly. By attending this webinar, EFMP families can gain valuable insights and strategies to minimize stress while prioritizing the well-being of their family members.

For more information, view STOMP workshop topic Descriptions

STOMP Virtual Workshop

STOMP workshops provide a chance for military families to access information and resources, fostering connections and sharing knowledge to cultivate a collaborative environment that strengthens family and professional partnerships. Community professionals are encouraged to attend and contribute resources and information.

The sessions will take place virtually via Zoom, and upon registration submission, you will receive a Zoom link.

Workshops based on Eastern Standard Time – The time above reflects PST time below is EST time:
3:00pm – 5:00pm EST
April 4: Decoding the Data
April 11:Demystifying Key Components of an IEP
April 16:Pathways to Military Medical & Medicaid Benefits for Exceptional Families
April 18:Financially “Dependent” Planning for a Child’s Financial Stability

For more information, view STOMP workshop topic Descriptions

Virtual Workshop – Special Education Overview Series for Military Families, Sponsored by Fort Knox

STOMP workshops provide a chance for military families to access information and resources, fostering connections and sharing knowledge to cultivate a collaborative environment that strengthens family and professional partnerships. Community professionals are encouraged to attend and contribute resources and information.

The sessions will take place virtually via Zoom, and upon registration submission, you will receive a Zoom link.

Workshops based on Eastern Standard Time – The time above reflects PST time below is EST time:
12:00pm – 2:00pm EST

March 14: Overview of IDEA, IFSP, IEP, & Other Parts and Special Factors
March 15: Pathways to Military Medical & Medicaid Benefits for Exceptional Families
March 20: Accommodations Across the Lifespan: Section 504 Plans
March 21: Sound the Cadence: Raising Voices in Advocacy

For more information, view STOMP workshop topic Descriptions

Redstone Arsenal STOMP Virtual Workshop

STOMP workshops provide a chance for military families to access information and resources, fostering connections and sharing knowledge to cultivate a collaborative environment that strengthens family and professional partnerships. Community professionals are encouraged to attend and contribute resources and information.

The sessions will take place virtually via Zoom, and upon registration submission, you will receive a Zoom link.

Workshops based on Central Standard Time – The time above reflects PST time below is CST time:
3:00pm – 5:00pm CST
February 8: Overview of IDEA, IFSP, IEP, & Other Parts and Special Factors
February 15: Writing SMART Goals: Developing a User-Friendly IEP Anyone Could Follow
February 22: Transition Plans are part of the IEP
February 29: Financial “Dependent” Planning for a Childs Financial Stability

For more information, view STOMP workshop topic Descriptions

Fort Jackson STOMP Virtual Workshop

STOMP workshops provide a chance for military families to access information and resources, fostering connections and sharing knowledge to cultivate a collaborative environment that strengthens family and professional partnerships. Community professionals are encouraged to attend and contribute resources and information.

The sessions will take place virtually via Zoom, and upon registration submission, you will receive a Zoom link.

Workshops based on Eastern Standard Time – The time above reflects PST time below is EST time:
11:30am – 1:30pm EST 
February 7: Pathways to Military Medical & Medicaid Benefits for Exceptional Families
February 14: Sound the Cadence: Raising Voices in Advocacy
February 21:Accommodations Across the Lifespan: Section 504 Plans
February 28: Demystifying Key Components of an IEP

For more information, view STOMP workshop topic Descriptions

Richland – Support Group and IEP Clinic

Richland Support Group and IEP Clinic, 4th Friday of each month from 11:00 to 1:00. Round Table Pizza on George Washington Way.  Lunch on your own.

Parents are welcome to bring their IEP’s, ask questions and receive support.  All parents and community members are welcome.

Online – Pierce County IDD Legislative Forum

When?

Tuesday November 14th 2023 6:30 to 8:30 Online!

Please join us!  This event is for…

  • Individuals who experience an intellectual and developmental disability (i/dd)
  • Families, friends, and community allies of someone who experiences an intellectual and developmental disability (i/dd)
  • Pierce county legislators and their staff
  • Community members who want to listen, learn, and join us in supporting the legislative priorities in Pierce County

Why does this event take place?   ​

Over 25 years ago pierce county began hosting the legislative forum to educate, inform, collaborate, and create change.  For too long individuals who experience intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), their families, friends, and allies have not been heard.  The point of the forum is to convene into action “nothing about us without us.”  A slogan that indicates the active involvement of persons with I/DD in the planning of strategies and policies that affect their lives.