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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How to Have Good Communication with Your Child or Youth’s Doctor
When your child is impacted by chronic healthcare needs or disability it can be very important to learn to talk with the healthcare professionals that…
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Understanding the Health Impacts of Measles
According to the American Pediatric Association, measles was eliminated in the United States in 2000, when there was a year without recording an endemic spread…
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Creating Joyful and Inclusive Holidays: Comfortable Social Spaces for Neurodivergent Individuals During the Holidays
A Brief Overview Full Article Navigating social interactions can be particularly challenging for neurodivergent individuals, especially during the holiday season when gatherings are frequent and…
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Creating Joyful and Inclusive Holidays: Sensory-Friendly Tips for Neurodivergent Loved Ones
A Brief Overview Full Article The holidays are full of sensory experiences. Flickering candles, holiday music, the aromas of food cooking, the fur on an…
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Supporting a Neurodivergent Family Member During the Holidays
The holidays are a fun and festive time that can also be overwhelming, especially for those whose brains operate differently from what is typical or…
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Creating Joyful and Inclusive Holidays: Meeting Neurodivergent Needs While Traveling
A Brief Overview Full Article Navigating social interactions can be particularly challenging for neurodivergent individuals, especially during the holiday season when gatherings are frequent and…
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Giving the Gift of Sensory-Regulation: Supporting a Happy Holiday Season for All
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, that is, until… Sensory overload can happen to anyone. It is not specific to any single age…
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Bullying at School: Resources and the Rights of Students with Special Needs
Students with disabilities who are bullied at school have legal protections, and schools have added responsibilities to ensure their safety and well-being. When acts of…
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Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3), Part 3: How the Compact Protects Academic Progress toward Graduation
The Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3, pronounced “mick three”) is the more commonly used name for the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunities for Military…
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Ages 3-5 Transition Toolkit
Ages 3-5 Transition Toolkit A Guide to Washington Services for 3-5 Year Olds with Disabilities New parents have a lot to manage. Concern about whether…
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School Services That Can Be Billed to Medicaid
Brief Overview: Full Article Individualized services that children receive through their IEP or IFSP may be covered by Medicaid. Medicaid will pay for health-related services…
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LGBTQ+ and Disability Rights in School
A Brief Overview Full Article LGBTQ+ is an acronym that stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (or sometimes questioning), and others. The “plus” represents other…