Event Calendar
This calendar is set up by city to make it easier to search what is happening near YOU!
April 30th, May 2, 7, & 9
9:00am PT/10:00am MT/11:00am CT/12:00pm ET
Workshops are scheduled for a duration of 2 hours, with an additional hour allocated for addressing any remaining questions and answers that may not have been covered during the 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.
April 30:Understanding IDEA: Overview of IFSPs, IEPs, & Special Factors
May 2:Pathways to Military Medical & Medicaid Benefits for Exceptional Families
May 7: Section 504 Plans
May 9:Demystifying Key Components of an IEP
Share Community Stories. Build Community Voice. Develop Community Plans to Strengthen Families Locally
The SFL Collaborative seeks to increase family & community resilience to prevent child maltreatment and foster care entry. We invite you to have a seat at the table and make your voice heard. With your help, communities are creating stronger supports for families and children.
Join parents, volunteers, community agencies, schools, and tribes, in partnership with DCYF in building stronger, healthier communities and families.
**Stipends are available to those who attend this meeting in an unpaid capacity.
No need to register!
Meeting ID: 737 702 3071
In partnership with The Arc of Tri-Cities and Benton -Franklin Counties Special Education PTA
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.
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
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.
Share Community Stories. Build Community Voice. Develop Community Plans to Strengthen Families Locally
The SFL Collaborative seeks to increase family & community resilience to prevent child maltreatment and foster care entry. We invite you to have a seat at the table and make your voice heard. With your help, communities are creating stronger supports for families and children.
Join parents, volunteers, community agencies, schools, and tribes, in partnership with DCYF in building stronger, healthier communities and families.
**Stipends are available to those who attend this meeting in an unpaid capacity.
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.
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.
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