Parent & Family
This section offers resources, guidance, and tools specifically for parents and family members supporting children, youth, and young adults with disabilities. Family engagement is vital to child’s development and a student’s success. Topics include understanding special education, navigating IEP and 504 plans, accessing community services, building advocacy skills, and supporting children at home and in the community.
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Recipe for Navigating School
Great takeaways: “So that when you are ready to navigate the schools you are ready for what may come up and assure your child’s rights! …
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My Family’s Sensory and Adaptive Needs for the Holidays
The holidays are a fun and festive time that often includes lots of change in schedules, foods, bright lights, loud unexpected sounds, new people, and…
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Sensory-Friendly Holiday Tips
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…
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What Medical & Social Service Professionals Need to Know
What Lifespan Respite WA does: The website is Google-translatable and accessible. We offer interpretation if arranged in advance for almost any language. Email us in…
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Respite Offers a Break for Caregivers and Those They Support
Caregivers and care recipients develop unique rhythms and relationships. Sometimes, both need to press pause and reset. Pathways to Respite, an online booklet published by…
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Help for Military Families: Tips to Navigate Special Education Process in Washington State
For families new to Washington State, this article includes state-specific information about special education systems. PAVE wants to extend a warm welcome to your entire family…
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Telling Your Story with a Purpose: How to Inspire Action in Two Minutes
You can make a real impact by sharing your personal stories with lawmakers and community leaders. By clearly describing a challenge and offering a solution, you help others understand…
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Parent to Parent (P2P) Connects Caregivers Statewide for Support
Family caregivers for children with disabilities and special healthcare needs may feel isolated or uncertain about where to seek help for their children and themselves.…
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Self-Care is Critical for Caregivers with Unique Challenges
Caring for individuals with disabilities or complex medical needs can be emotionally and physically draining, making intentional self-care essential for long-term well-being. Simple practices like…
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Childcare-What to Know When Your Child has a Disability
When a parent or family caregiver needs care for their child with a disability, finding safe, appropriate, and affordable care will be a priority. There…
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School Support Plans for Deployment-Tips for Parents
When a military parent deploys, children—especially those with disabilities—may show changes in behavior, emotions, or learning. With the right support at home and school, these…
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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…