Archives: Events

Tacoma – Young Advocates

Young Advocates – The Young Advocates Support Group creates a space for young adults to develop leadership and advocacy skills to help them advocate for themselves and prepare for their future. Attendees will learn about different ways they can advocate in their everyday lives and be active advocates in their community. Youth will also have an opportunity to connect with each other and learn about up-to-date resources and community events like youth conferences, internships, camps, volunteer opportunities, sports events, etc. This group meets once a month on the last Friday from 5-6 pm PT.

Highlights:

  • Connect with Peers: Youth will be able to meet others in their community.
  • Fun: The meetings are designed to encourage youth to have fun with the use of multiple tools like technology, visuals, and games. Plain language and multiple communication styles are used.
  • Guest Speaker and Panelist: Self-advocate leaders who have the lived experience of IDD will share their experiences and give words of encouragement.
  • Monthly Topics: Topics can include Bullying, Friendships & Safety, Community Advocacy, College and Housing Supports and much more.
  • Active Participation: Meetings are very interactive with open discussion and dialogue. Participants are encouraged to ask questions, participate in discussions, and share their own experiences.

Online – Parent to Parent Lunch & Learn

P2P Lunch-n-Learn – The P2P Lunch-n-Learn is a dedicated time for parents, caregivers, and providers to access presentations and training from PAVE programs and local Pierce County service providers. Presentation/training topics will vary based on the expressed needs of families in the local community. This group takes place during lunchtime, allowing parents to learn while enjoying a meal in a relaxed and informal setting.  These lunch-n-learns occur virtually on the 1st Thursday of every month from 12-1 pm PT.

Highlights:

  • Topic Based Gathering: Each session might have a specific theme or topic of discussion. Themes could range from handling tantrums and promoting positive behavior to managing screen time, fostering resilience, and supporting learning at home.
  • Trainings: The trainings are designed to be interactive and engaging. Participants have opportunities to ask questions, participate in discussions, and share their own experiences.
  • Inclusive Environment: The training sessions are inclusive and welcoming, catering to parents with diverse backgrounds and experiences

Online – Awesome Autism Parent Family Support Group

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.

Online – Padre a Padre Grupo de Apoyo para Familias Hispanohablantes / Spanish Speaking Family Support Group

Padre a Padre Grupo de Apoyo para Familias Hispanohablantes / Spanish Speaking Family Support Group – Padre a Padre es un grupo de apoyo para familias hispanohablantes que tienen niños, jóvenes y adultos con discapacidades. Este grupo reconoce los desafíos que estos padres enfrentan son unicos y tiene como objetivo crear un espacio seguro e inclusivo donde puedan conectarse, compartir experiencias y obtener recursos informativos.Este grupo de apoyo se reúne mensualmente el tercer martes de 6:30 p. m. a 7:30 p. m. (hora del Pacífico).

Reflejos:

  • Accesibilidad: el grupo de apoyo es para hispanohablantes, lo que garantiza que las barreras del idioma no impide que los padres busquen y reciban ayuda.
  • Intercambio de información: el grupo ofrece información precisa y actualizada sobre diversas discapacidades.
  • Conexiones entre compañeros: este grupo facilita las conexiones y las amistades entre los padres. Esto les permite aprender de las experiencias de los demás y asi construir una comunidad de apoyo.
  • Sensibilidad cultural: este grupo de apoyo trata de estar a la par con sus valores culturales. Tomamos en cuenta nuestra cultura y tratamos de incorporarla para celebrar y preservarla.

Padre a Padre is a support group for parents/caregivers whose native language is Spanish that are raising children, youth, and adults with disabilities. This group recognizes these parents’ unique challenges and aims to create a safe and inclusive space where they can connect, share experiences, and access resources. This support group meets monthly on the 3rd Tuesday from 6:30 –7:30 pm PT.

Online – Black African American Family Support Group

Black/African American Family Support Group – The Black/African American Family Support Group provides a safe, validating, and empowering space for parents, caregivers, and families of African descent so they can find understanding, strength, and resources to navigate their unique and often challenging and isolating journey of raising Black/African American children or family member with a disability. This group gathers online on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month from 10 – 11 am PT.

Highlights:

  • Cultural Sensitivity: The support group is familiar with the cultural nuances, historical context, and systemic challenges that Black and African American families may encounter. It ensures that the support provided is culturally sensitive, relevant, and respectful of participants’ experiences.
  • Community Building: The group offers a platform for parents to connect with others who share similar experiences, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie.
  • Guest Speakers: The support group may invite guest speakers who are experienced professionals, community leaders, or parents themselves to share their insights, expertise, and personal journeys, offering inspiration and practical advice.
  • Celebration of Diversity: The support group celebrates the diversity within the Black and African American community and highlights the strengths and contributions of individuals with disabilities, promoting a positive narrative that challenges stereotypes.
  • Resource Sharing: The support group provides information about available resources, services, and programs that cater to the needs of Black and African American families, including therapists, educational materials, and assistive technologies.

Online – Coffee & Tea with P2P

Coffee & Tea with P2P – This support group is for parents and caregivers seeking support to navigate the various emotions and life adjustments of raising a child, youth, and adult with a disability. This parent group helps connect families to Pierce County community resources, fosters relationships with other parents, and builds a support network for parents feeling isolated. This group meets online twice monthly on the 1st & 3rd Fridays from 10-11 am PT.

Highlights:

  • Open Discussions: During the meetings, parents engage in open and honest discussions about various aspects of parenting children with disabilities. Topics might include navigating the healthcare system, accessing educational resources, managing daily routines, promoting social interactions, and self-care for parents.
  • Shared Experiences: Parents/caregivers share their personal experiences, challenges, and strategies they have found effective in raising children with disabilities.
  • Cultural and Language Sensitivity: Efforts are made to ensure that the group is culturally sensitive and inclusive, respecting the diverse backgrounds and needs of all participants.

Online – Coffee & Tea with P2P

Coffee & Tea with P2P – This support group is for parents and caregivers seeking support to navigate the various emotions and life adjustments of raising a child, youth, and adult with a disability. This parent group helps connect families to Pierce County community resources, fosters relationships with other parents, and builds a support network for parents feeling isolated. This group meets online monthly on the 2nd Tuesday from 7-8 pm PT.

Highlights:

  • Open Discussions: During the meetings, parents engage in open and honest discussions about various aspects of parenting children with disabilities. Topics might include navigating the healthcare system, accessing educational resources, managing daily routines, promoting social interactions, and self-care for parents.
  • Shared Experiences: Parents/caregivers share their personal experiences, challenges, and strategies they have found effective in raising children with disabilities.
  • Cultural and Language Sensitivity: Efforts are made to ensure that the group is culturally sensitive and inclusive, respecting the diverse backgrounds and needs of all participants.

Elma – Special Education Workshop

Join us for our first in person workshop of the school year!

This Special Education Workshop will help you learn about:

  • Evaluations
  • IEP
  • Your student’s rights
  • We will have plenty of time for Q&A

Register today and reserve your spot!

Olympia – Special Education Workshop

Join us for our first in person workshop of the school year!

This Special Education Workshop will help you learn about:

  • Evaluations
  • IEP
  • Your student’s rights
  • We will have plenty of time for Q&A

Register today and reserve your spot!