StartNow! Program Life after high school can be challenging, and transitioning to work, college, andindependent living means taking on more responsibilities. Start Now! supports studentswith disabilities in middle school, high school, and during high school transition toenvision their life beyond high school. Start Now! invites and offers interactive opportunities for all students with disabilities to Read More
Why donate and How You can help youth! Do you know a small business that would like to promote their goods or services and help youth? Do you shop, buy from, or support a business that may donate goods or services and we promote their business? Why are we asking? PAVE is a not-for-profit that provides support, training, information, and resources to empower and give voice to individuals, Read More
A Brief Overview PAVE offers this article specifically to assist families navigating special education systems when they are new to our state, or if they have a child or youth who now needs special education The information in this article is available on a downloadable two-page handout. Families can get individualized help by filling out Read More
The Washington State Legislature passed a law in 2019 that changes graduation requirements and may impact students who receive special education services. House Bill (HB) 1599 changes the rules about which tests students must pass in order to graduate and how they can earn a diploma. The new law removes the direct link between statewide Read More
Programs of PAVE Parent Training and Information (PTI) helps with your questions about disability-related services for babies, children, and young people, ages 0-26. PTI provides information, training, and resources to help family caregivers, youth, and professionals. For example, we can help you refer a student for an educational evaluation or get ready for a meeting with Read More
Dear Reader, There seems to be some confusion about “When will my student graduate?” Here’s an attempt to clarify some questions and make the transition to adult life a little easier. First, there is a difference between “Graduation” and “Exiting” the public school system. Graduation includes walking with your classmates while wearing a cap and Read More
Brief overview: If you have ever defended your rights or the rights of other people, you were acting as an advocate. Self-advocacy means taking responsibility for telling others what you need and want in a respectful and direct way. Anyone can be a self-advocate. Speaking up for yourself or someone else can help you be Read More
Brief overview: Full Article You can also type “assistive technology” in the search bar at wapave.org to find other articles where assistive technology is mentioned. What is assistive technology (AT)? Who uses it? Where is it used?Assistive technology (AT) is any item, device, or piece of equipment used by people with disabilities to maintain or Read More
Overview: Full Article Thinking about the future when you will no longer be available to help your child because of death or a condition where you cannot participate in their care can be emotionally difficult. On top of that, this planning process is full of important decisions with significant impacts on your child’s future. To Read More
A Brief Overview Gender identity has become a hot topic in today’s political world. But beyond the politics, there are many young people that are struggling and often it is their physical and mental health that suffers the most from the misunderstanding between sex and gender, and the meaning of gender affirming care. What is Read More
A Brief Overview Full Article Summer camp is an excellent way for children to spend the long summer days. However, camps are often filled quickly, and many are out of the financial reach of families. Here are some alternatives to those summer camps to entertain children and give caregivers some much needed respite. Local parks Read More
A Brief Overview Full Article A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an injury that affects how the brain works. TBI can affect people of all ages and backgrounds. The exact definition of TBI, according to special education law, is referenced later. This injury can change how the person thinks, behaves, and moves. A traumatic brain Read More
A Brief Overview April, the Month of the Military Child, celebrates military-connected children and youth. They show an ability to adapt in the face of unique challenges. They make sacrifices while their service members protect our nation’s safety. Purple is the official color of the military child. It’s a combination of all the colors of Read More
A Brief Overview Section 504 is part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which is upheld by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights. Section 504 prohibits discrimination based on disability in any program or activity that receives federal funding. All Washington state public schools must comply with this federal law. Every student Read More
A Brief Overview Full Article Disability History and Awareness Month in October provides an opportunity for policy makers, teachers, families and people throughout communities to reflect on the disability rights movement. Equity and access are protected by law, yet there is still work to be done to ensure that laws are upheld and that everyone Read More