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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Graduating from NICU: The Joy and Anxiety Finding Your Way to Baby’s Norm
Coming home from the hospital with your baby can be both a joyous and potentially uncertain event, especially for families whose child is graduating from…
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Medicaid or Medicare-Which Covers Long-Term Care?
This quick tip sheet explains which of these programs covers long-term care either in your home, or in a nursing home or other care facility.…
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How to Afford Family Caregiving, Part 3: Offset Some Costs of Caregiving
Being a family caregiver can be financially stressful. This tip sheet, part 3 of a 4-part series, tells you how to find benefits for those…
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How to Afford Family Caregiving, Part 1: Paid Leave and Job-protecting Unpaid Leave in WA State
Being a family caregiver can be financially stressful. In addition to taking on the costs of caring for a close friend or family member, caregiving…
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Kinship Caregiving
Relatives raising the child(ren) of a family member (Kinship Families) Kinship families are families in which children live with and are being raised by grandparents,…
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For Care Partners/Caregivers of Individuals Living with Parkinson’s Disease
At Lifespan Respite WA, we focus on caregivers. Our team gathered resources specifically for caregivers from the organizations listed below, to support you in your…
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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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Respite Offers a Break for Caregivers and Those They Support
Respite offers a short-term break for caregivers and those they support. This article provides information and resources to get started seeking respite services. Resources and…


