A Brief Overview Washington passed a law in 2018 requiring schools to screen young children for the indicators of weaknesses associated with dyslexia and support literacy across all grades. The law took effect in the 2021-22 school year. Dyslexia is a Specific Learning Disability. Students with learning disabilities are eligible for an Individualized Education Program Read More
ADA: Americans with Disabilities Act. Prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all public and private places open to the general public. Adult Services: Programs available to support individuals after they become legal adults at 18. Age of Majority: In Washington, 18. An adult is responsible for educational, vocational, financial, and other decisions unless other Read More
You can print this toolkit as a PDF! Click to download Looking to the future can feel exciting, hopeful, confusing, overwhelming—or all emotions at once. For families supporting a young person with a disability, it’s never too soon to begin planning to ensure a smooth process from the teen years toward whatever happens next. This Read More
A Brief Overview Extended School Year (ESY) services help a student with a disability maintain skills in academic and/or functional areas, such as speech/language, occupational therapy, or behavior. Due to COVID-19, the school and family may also discuss Recovery Services when they discuss ESY. A student may be eligible for Recovery Services if they have Read More
Every family experiences holidays and end-of-year transitions differently. This article provides a sampling of ideas for families with children impacted by special healthcare needs. Here are some quick takeaways: Break the routine, but keep the comfort Some families have been home more than usual due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Virus variants may mean another holiday Read More
This year the waves of information have been high at times, often, and the content can shift or change. And here comes the much anticipated COVID Vaccines. This video was created to address some of the most common questions that may rise to the surface and where to go to find how the vaccine is Read More
A Brief Overview If the school denies a request for a special education evaluation or does an evaluation and determines a student is ineligible for services, families have options. Read on for information about some possible next steps. When there is a dispute about a district’s evaluation, one option is to request an Independent Educational Read More
A Brief Overview All families prepare for emergencies, but extra planning is critical when a loved one has a disability. The Family-To Family Health Information Center provides Information about COVID-19 and updates about local, regional, and statewide healthcare policies and programs. Virginia Commonwealth University offers an Emergency Preparedness Tool Kit for People with Disabilities through Read More
A Brief Overview When families and schools meet to discuss a student’s special education program, they can find Common Ground by remembering that everyone wants the student to receive a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). Two short videos, A Tale of Two Conversations, provide a quick look at how a meeting might feel like one Read More
Learn about the new ways in which you can testify in a committee hearing of the Washington State Legislature. Due to COVID, advocacy or testimony with the Washington State Legislature this year will have to be done remotely, through zoom, which means there are new rules. When testifying over zoom, there are some special things Read More
A Brief Overview School districts have an affirmative duty to locate, evaluate and potentially serve any infant, toddler or school-aged student impacted by disability under the Child Find Mandate — part of special education law. The duty to evaluate is based on a known or suspected disability that may significantly impact access to learning. Data from evaluation then determines eligibility. Read More
A Brief Overview Respite offers a short-term break for caregivers and those they support. This article provides information and resources to get started seeking respite services. Lifespan Respite Washington, a program of PAVE, provides vouchers with up to $1,000 per qualifying household, to fund respite care. Pathways to Respite, an online booklet published by several Read More
A Brief Overview This article provides examples and simple guidance about how to be more strategic in parenting a child who struggles with behavior—during the weird winter of 2020 and beyond. PAVE consulted with University of Washington positive behavior support expert Kelcey Schmitz for this article. Anticipating trouble and making a best guess about the Read More
We are getting ready for our 2022 Auction! Your support is even more vital to the PAVE mission and vision. Hope Agent Sponsor $15,000 Supports 5 Youth Mentors share their hope at 35 High Schools across WA for a full year. Now more than ever youth need to see and hear what’s possible for their Read More