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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Traumatic Brain Injury in Youth
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…
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Support a Child’s Resilience by Pointing to the Positive
Children learn best when they feel safe, relaxed, loved, and confident. Emotions that are the opposite can make learning a struggle. Researchers who study Adverse…
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Advocacy Tips for Parents
When a child has a disability, parents often learn that getting their child’s needs met requires persistence, organization, and advocacy. Advocacy is an action. A…
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Bullying at School: Key Points for Families and Students with Disabilities
Transcript of this video is below: When students with disabilities are bullied, schools are legally responsible to end the bullying. By law, schools must act…
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Life After High School: Tools for Transition
Helping a student with disabilities prepare for life after high school requires thoughtful organization and planning. This presentation describes three ways to support this important…
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Adolescent Health Care Act Provides Options for Families Seeking Mental Health and Substance Use Help for Young People Resistant to Treatment
A Brief Overview The Adolescent Behavioral Health Care Access Act, passed into law by the Washington Legislature in 2019, gives parents and providers more leverage…
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Supported Decision Making is an Option for Adults with Disabilities
A Brief Overview Full Article When a young person turns 18, most decisions are now up to them. In Washington State, age 18 is the…
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Procedural Safeguards: How to File a Special Education Complaint
This training has information about parent rights and describes a process for filing a community complaint. When parents believe their child’s school has done something…
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Families Who Receive In-Home Care Services: Take Note of 2022 Changes
A Brief Overview Everyone who gets state-funded in-home care in Washington is affected by a new employment structure for Individual Providers (IPs). The Consumer Direct…
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Quick Start Your Advocacy in Two Steps
Asking for something you want or need for yourself or someone you love can take courage and inner strength. The ask is easier when you…
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Friendships & Taking Care of Yourself: PURPAS
Great takeaways: Meet new people, have fun, and talk about what you like to do! Find a good new friend, learn to take the bus,…
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Navigating Life After Early Intervention Services
Great takeaways: Get on waitlists and get engaged in community programs! Connect with other parents Grace for yourself & find what works for you! “Our…