Greetings to our VFN Family and Friends.

The recent federal government policy changes are affecting the children, families, and partners we support every day. The recent announcement regarding the closure of the Department of Education and the reorganization of the Department of Health and Human Services, including impacts to the Administration for Children and Families, raises deep concerns about how critical services and protections will be affected. While we have not yet received notice of direct impacts on VFN’s funding, we know that these changes and this uncertainty translate into instability for the very systems meant to keep our Vermont children with disabilities and special health needs safe. We are closely following the news, monitoring policy changes, assessing potential impacts, and preparing to adapt so we can continue providing essential support to Vermont families.

During these times of uncertainty, our strongest foundation is you - our supporters, partners, and donors. Your commitment to VFN’s mission fuels the work we do every day, ensuring children and families get the help they need. One of the most impactful ways you can support VFN is by becoming a recurring monthly donor. A gift of just $20 per month helps VFN continue its mission supporting our vulnerable Vermont children and their families. A $100 monthly supports the organization and ensures it can continue providing these services and support at no cost to Vermont families.

When you give monthly, you amplify your impact. Small, consistent contributions add up to lasting change. It’s also an easy and convenient way to support a mission you care about, ensuring that your generosity continues to make a difference month after month. To set up a monthly donation, visit our VFN website, where you can choose the amount that works best for you. Now, more than ever, we need strong, dedicated supporters who believe in the power of collaboration, the connection of community, and the resilience of children and families.

Thank you for being part of this incredible mission and supporting VFN!

With gratitude, 

Michelle Kessler

Interim Executive Director

A Note of Gratitude for our 2025 Conference

"Navigating Transition -

Empowering Journeys of Change"

On April 8, our Vermont Family Network community came together at UVM's Davis Center for our annual conference, "Navigating Transition: Empowering Journeys of Change." The day was filled with meaningful connections, powerful insights, and practical strategies focused on supporting transitions to adulthood for children and youth with disabilities or special health needs.

We were honored to welcome Kate Bove for our opening conversation. Rather than a traditional keynote, Kate engaged in a candid dialogue, sharing her remarkable journey navigating post-secondary education, employment, independent living, and community engagement. Kate's experiences as a Special Olympics Global Messenger and gold medalist provided an authentic perspective on the importance of self-advocacy and family support during life transitions.

Participants explored workshop topics, including person-centered financial planning, healthcare transitions, care coordination fundamentals, strengthening team partnerships, and navigating mental health services. A highlight was our youth panel, where young advocates shared stories and insight about their experiences transitioning from high school to adulthood.

The conference's impact was immediate and profound. One youth speaker appreciated "having a microphone to amplify their voice," noting how meaningful it was to be genuinely heard. A parent shared she left "feeling more hopeful than when she walked in." At the same time, a provider in attendance described it as "one of the most engaging conferences they had attended in recent memory."

None of this would have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors:

• Vermont Pathways to Partnership
• Children with Special Health Needs
• Vermont Center for Independent Living
• University of Vermont Medical Center
• The Osher Center for Integrative Health
• Vermont Developmental Disabilities Council
• Building Bright Futures
• Timber Lane Pediatrics
• Rutland Regional Medical Center

We're deeply grateful to everyone who participated, presented, exhibited, volunteered, and supported this essential community-centered event. By bringing together families, youth, educators, and healthcare professionals, we continue strengthening partnerships that empower children and families throughout their unique transition journeys.

Together, we're building a more inclusive and supportive

Vermont for all families!

Self-care for Youth with Disabilities:

A Short Film Developed by Youth Advocates and

Vermont Family Network

Vermont Family Network was awarded a mini-grant from SPAN Parent Advocacy Network to deepen connections with youth advocates by co-creating a transition resource. A group of five young people between the ages of 17-22 collaborated with VFN staff to develop content for a short film about self-care for youth with disabilities. The youth participants offered valuable insights and perspective about the topic as well as ways to ensure it was accessible and engaging for a diverse group of people. One participant said, “It means a lot to me that you decided to take on this project. Transition is a really hard time in one’s life.” Another said, “I loved going to the meetings! They were fun and it was good to be a part of it.”



A summary of the project and the film was shared at the annual RAISE Summit in mid-April, and the video is linked to VFN’s Transition Toolkit in the Health and Wellness section. Many thanks to the youth who were a part of this work! We look forward to more opportunities to collaborate with young people in the future.

Graduation Ceremony Participation for

Students in Special Education

Vermont's "Walk with your Class" law applies to all students who, because of their disability, need to remain enrolled in school after graduation to complete their secondary education, including transition-related services. This means that even if your high schooler will be remaining in school beyond their senior year, they can participate with their peers in the graduation ceremony. For information on any transition to adulthood-related concern, check out the VFN Transition Toolkit for Youth with Disabilities.

If you have questions about your high-schooler and their options, please contact the VFN Family Support Program at 802-876-5315 or info@vtfn.org.

Support Parents Needed

Have you Ever Wondered About Being a Trained Support Parent?

Please consider volunteering as a trained support parent. As one parent to another, your listening ear can make a huge difference. The two part training is short and easy, consisting of a 2-hour Zoom training and a self-guided PowerPoint.

Parent matches do not require much time. The average trained support parent texts and emails a few times with the referred parent and speaks on the phone once or twice. Requests to serve as a trained support parent are sporadic, and can be infrequent to a few times a year, depending on the specific diagnosis or condition that is requested.

You do not have to be an expert. Being able to listen with compassion and maintain confidentiality are the most important skills. You are never alone. VFN match facilitators are available to support any questions that arise.

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact us and we will find a time that works for you!

If you have questions or want to set up a training time that works for your schedule, please contact Marie at marie.fetterhoff@vtfn.org.

The Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) gives parents an active role in their child’s IEP team, from special education evaluation to IEP planning to monitoring their child’s progress. If parents or family members of a child with a disability are not known or available, an education surrogate parent will act in this role. Department of Children and Families (DCF) manages the intake process and the Vermont Agency of Education coordinates the Vermont Education Surrogate Parent Program. Like parents, education surrogate parents of children with disabilities are granted a significant decision-making role and are involved at every step of the special education process. Here at VFN, we help Vermont Education Surrogate Parent volunteers the same way we provide support to parents.



If you have any questions about the rights of parents or education surrogate parents of children with disabilities, please contact the VFN Family Support Program at 802-876-5315 or info@vtfn.org.

News from the Puppets

What is it Like to Be A PiE Puppeteer?

The Puppets in Education team has had many puppeteers over the decades. Some have been employees; others have been volunteers. Some have had performing experience, others have had none.

Currently, our team has four puppeteers and two “adults,” people who act as the teacher figure during our shows, similar to the adults in Sesame Street. All puppeteers have the opportunity to be an “adult,” but our dedicated adults are former puppeteers who are now strictly “out front.”

On show days, our puppeteers are often on the road by 6:30 a.m. Upon arriving at the school, they check in and start loading in all the equipment needed for a show day. They then set up the stage and prep for the first show. This usually takes about an hour.

Our puppeteers will do as few as two shows or as many as five shows in a day. Each puppet show is 35 minutes long, with our workshops (which also contain puppets) lasting 45 minutes. They may do the same puppet program all day or switch it up between two or even three different programs. Luckily, the puppeteers no longer have to memorize the scripts!

After a day of shows, the puppeteers strike the stage, load the van back up, and return home. For most of our puppeteers, this is a part-time, per-diem job. Which means they are working other jobs that allow for a flexible schedule so they can continue doing this labor of love.

If your school has a need for our programming and is able to pay, please reach out to Karen at karen.sharpwolf@vtfn.org to discuss your options.

Sibshops

Tweens and Teens Sibs

This year Sibshops piloted a Tweens and Teens Group that met at St. Mark Bowling and Game Room in the North End of Burlington. The Sib tweenagers ages 11 and older met to bowl, play ping pong, pool, and arcade games and to hang out with other sibs their age that share the experience of having a brother or sister with a disability or chronic health needs.

This year’s group met three times, and we had six youth who were new to Sibshops register for the program. If you have a tweenager interested in joining the group or would like to know more about Sibshops, please email Marie at marie.fetterhoff@vtfn.org for more information.

Family Faculty

VFN collaborates with the Larner College of Medicine and the College of Nursing and Health Sciences to provide opportunities for future healthcare providers to learn about family centered care directly from families. Members of VFN’s family faculty share their stories in panels as well as 1:1 with medical students.

This spring our family faculty members are busy hosting 3^rd year students during their pediatric rotation as well as sharing their stories to panels of nursing and health science students. Our family faculty participants receive a $50 stipend as well as paid parking and there are opportunities for in-person and virtual participation. If you are interested in learning more or becoming a member of our family faculty, reach out to Ashley at ashley.michaud@vtfn.org.

Genetics Corner

It can be overwhelming to meet with a genetic specialist and genetic counselor. It is often a confusing and worrisome time in a family’s life. Families might find it helpful to write down the questions they have for the doctor and genetic counselor. While each journey is unique, below is a list of questions that can be helpful for most situations:



• Will genetic testing be ordered?
• What kind of information will this genetic test give?
• Does insurance cover the testing?
• Why do you recommend this test?
• Will my other children or future children be at risk?
• What do I need to know about planning for the future?
• Will the results impact my insurance or life insurance policies?
• What other specialists might need to be involved in care?
• Are there any community resources that my family can access?

For more information on genetics please see our website. To speak directly with our genetic navigator, email Ashley at ashley.michaud@vtfn.org or call 802-876-5315 and ask to speak with Ashley.

Wellness Window

Spring Break Self-Care

Spring break offers a pause from routine, which can be relaxing and challenging for families supporting children with special health needs. As families' schedules shift, finding balance becomes significant.

Preparing for Schedule Changes

• Visual Countdown: Create a simple calendar marking the days until break begins and ends, and review it daily to help children anticipate the upcoming change.
• Maintain Key Routines: While schedules may change, preserve key routines like medication times, meals, and bedtime routines to provide stability.

Creating Balanced Break Days

• Movement Moments: Make time for activities that match your child's needs—a short walk, stretching, or fun backyard play.
• Sensory Considerations: Plan activities with your child's sensory preferences in mind, whether they seek stimulation or need more calming experiences.
• Downtime Done Right: Create zones in your home for everyone to enjoy space for quiet breaks when stimulation feels overwhelming.

Family Connection Ideas

• Focus Time: Set up time to explore your child's interests more deeply, allowing them to be the experts and lead you!
• Nature Moments: Even the smallest outdoor experiences—watching clouds, feeling spring sunshine, or noticing new buds—can provide grounding sensory input.
• Adapted Traditions: Consider spring traditions to accommodate your child's needs, such as creating an adapted egg hunt or enjoying spring foods in a sensory-friendly way.

Caregiver Reminder: Spring break success does not need to be full of busy schedules or picture-perfect adventures. Focus on enjoying those small moments of connection. Prioritize your own moments of rest whenever possible, as your well-being supports your child's.

Free Online Workshops

May 1 at 1:00 p.m. "The New Adverse Effect Rule"

This session will review the State’s new Adverse Effect rule and its impact on eligibility evaluations for disability identification, as well as the provision of special education and related services.

Presenter: Ernie Wheeler - Educational Consultant at the Vermont Agency of Education

May 22 at 10:00 a.m. "Digital Wellness Series - Workshop 3: Digital Wellness for Families"

"Empowering Families in the Online World" is an online empowerment series presented by Grow Digital Skills. In this third workshop we will be sharing information on "Digital Wellness for Families" which includes: Balancing screen time with offline activities; Setting up tech-free zones and times at home; Encouraging positive online interactions

Presenter: Emmy Hilliard - VFN Co-Director of Family Support - Health and Grow Digital Skills Coordinator

Our workshops are online using the Zoom meeting platform. 

If you are unable to attend the live presentation, you can still register and we’ll send you a link to the recording of the workshop which you can watch on your own time, unless otherwise noted. We appreciate when you register for our workshops as we need that data for our grant reporting.

Registrations are also posted under Upcoming Events on the landing page of our website. In case you missed our last series of workshops, you can find a full list on our VFN website. Check in regularly as we add more workshops to our schedule!

We save workshops on our website and YouTube channel.

Join our closed Facebook group specifically for parents of adult children

Join our closed Facebook group

for all parents

Contact our Helpline at (802) 876-5315 or info@vtfn.org