Strong Families. Strong Futures. | | |
Greetings to our VFN Family and Community Partners.
At Vermont Family Network, a collaborative leadership team now guides our organization—bringing both expertise and lived experience to everything we do. And this year, we're celebrating a law that shares that same belief in partnership.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) turns 50. Since 1975, IDEA has ensured that every child has the right to a quality public education, or a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) that is individualized for them. It promises that children can learn alongside their non-disabled classmates as much as possible, in the "least restrictive environment."
IDEA also gave parents a voice and made them key partners in their child's education. VFN is one of over 100 federally designated Parent Training and Information Centers (PTIs) whose purpose is to support and teach parents and caregivers about their rights under IDEA. PTIs provide individualized help and training on topics like Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), communicating with schools, and helping your child with disabilities get the services they need to succeed. They empower parents to be confident and active partners in their children's learning and growth. Watch this informative video on the history of the IDEA.
For 50 years, IDEA has promised that every child belongs. At VFN, we're honored to walk alongside families as they navigate these rights—answering questions on our helpline, sitting with parents before IEP meetings, and reminding caregivers that they are the experts on their own children.
This work is only possible because of supporters like you. If VFN has been part of your family's journey, or if you believe every Vermont family deserves a trusted guide through complex systems, we invite you to consider a gift in honor of IDEA's 50th anniversary. Every contribution—of any size—helps us continue showing up for families when they need us most.
From the heart,
The VFN Leadership Team
Please note that our office will be closed for the holiday season
from 12/24/2025 to 1/1/2026.
We look forward to connecting when we return on 1/2/2026.
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VFN 2026 Annual Conference
Save the Date!
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Our VFN 2026 annual conference
"Pathways Through Change: Empowering Families at Every Stage" will be held on Tuesday, April 28th between 8:30-3:30 at the
UVM Dudley H. Davis Center.
We are excited to announce that our keynote speaker will be Jeneva Burroughs Stone, author and advocate for health care and disability rights.
Stay tuned for more details. Registration will open after the new year!
If you are interested in becoming a 2026 sponsor, please reach out to Joanne at joanne.fitzgerald@vtfn.org.
If you are interested in being an 2026 exhibitor, please reach out to Rachel at rachel.boyers@vtfn.org.
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Family Support Fund
Does your Vermont child under the age of 21 have a chronic physical, medical, or developmental condition? Do they need health and related services beyond what children typically need? Are there medically necessary services or items not covered by their health insurance?
Vermont Family Network may be able to help through our Medically Necessary Supplemental Funds (MNSF). MNSF is part of our Family Support Fund, which also includes respite funding for children with medical diagnoses who are not eligible for other respite programs. Our Family Support Fund is made possible through a grant from the Vermont Department of Health Children with Special Health Needs program. Please see our flyer and/or contact Diane at diane.bugbee@vtfn.org to learn more. Please note that our office will be closed for the holidays starting 12/24/2025 and we will respond after we return on 1/2/2026.
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Day of Giving
This December, our VFN Sibshop youth spread holiday cheer by filling vases with festive seasonal flowers and delivering them to Williston Place, where they were used to decorate the dining room tables. The visit created a welcoming and joyful atmosphere as the Sibs and adult residents came together for an afternoon of connection and conversation. Over delicious cookies and warm holiday beverages, stories were shared, laughter filled the room, and new friendships began to form. This special gathering offered a meaningful opportunity for intergenerational connection, reminding everyone of the joy that comes from giving, community, and spending time together during the holiday season.
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In a facilitated IEP meeting, a neutral person, or facilitator, helps guide the IEP team discussion ensuring everyone has a chance to speak, information is clearly communicated and understood, and keeping the focus on the needs of the child. The facilitator doesn’t take sides or make decisions—their task is to help the team communicate respectfully and work toward shared solutions. A facilitated IEP meeting can reduce stress, prevent misunderstandings, and create a more positive, productive IEP meeting. If you and your school are interested in setting up a facilitated IEP meeting, please fill out the Facilitated IEP Request Form.
If you have any questions about your child’s upcoming IEP meeting, please contact the VFN helpline at 802-876-5315 or info@vtfn.org.
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Family Faculty -
Stories That are Making an Impact
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Our Family Faculty participants recently presented at the College of Medicine to first-year medical students. The stories the families shared left a deep impact on the students. Here is what some of the students had to say:
- "I gained insight into just how many different things families and caregivers are juggling at once, and how as a provider I can make such an impact by having an awareness and connection to community resources to help support and guide them."
- "I learned that approaching each case as a whole person, and not just the symptoms they present with, will be the most valuable tool as I pursue medicine."
- "Always listen to the patient, they often are the experts."
- "The importance of listening, taking an extra moment to make sure the patient feels heard, even if answers may not be readily available. Having the humility to connect with a patient who is hurting even when we don’t have the answers."
- "It was incredible to hear this family's story. The passion, love, time and advocacy that the parents give their children on a daily basis is both moving and inspiring. I would love to participate in this kind of event/session multiple times throughout med school."
If you are interested in learning more about the Family Faculty Program, please contact Ashley at Ashley.michaud@vtfn.org.
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The Gift of Volunteering as a Support Parent
As a trained volunteer support parent in VFN’s Parent Match Program, parents often receive as much as they give.
Parents who are paired with a parent match support parent say:
- “It feels so validating to connect with another parent who understands.”
- “I was feeling like I was the only one I knew who had a child like mine and felt so isolated and alone. That changed from the moment my support parent shared her child’s story with me.”
Parents who volunteer as support parents say:
- “I realized I was in a place where I wanted to help other parents.”
- “At first, I felt like, what do I have to offer? After my first parent match, I realized that just fully listening and understanding was all I needed to do.”
To the support parents who have texted, called, and emailed
another parent with support...THANK YOU!
You have made a difference!
If you feel you are in a place to give back to another parent in a similar situation you can:
1. Complete the Volunteer Support Application
2. Register for an upcoming 2026 Support Parent Training
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January 13th 12-2pm (Tuesday)
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February 10th 6-8pm (Tuesday)
Email Marie at marie.fetterhoff@vtfn.org with questions or to enroll in our volunteer support parent training.
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The Love We Bring
When a year comes to a close, it is natural to look back and reflect on our experiences. This was not an easy year for nonprofits and those attempting to provide services for, well, pretty much anyone in any kind of need. Many times, it felt like an uphill battle, with our warrior cry being, “People matter!”
Speaking on behalf of both Puppets in Education and Vermont Family Network, I believe that what has gotten all of us through this year has been a sense of determined, radical love. Love for what we do, love for those we advocate for, and love for those we help support. Each one of us is motivated by love. This is our superpower, and this is what is going to win the day.
The puppet’s sole purpose is to go into communities and share a message of love, acceptance, kindness, and empathy. Yes, they can be silly, but at the end of the day, they love each and every one of the students they meet. It makes a difference, that love.
As 2026 peeks its head around the corner, the puppets are committed (and determined) to greet it with even more love, compassion, and resilience. We will model what it looks like to care for our fellow humans, and we will continue to greet each community with the love they deserve.
The love we bring to the table makes a difference. Never let anyone tell you otherwise.
If you are interested in having the puppets visit your school, or if you are interested in funding a day of programming at a school near you, please reach out to Sarah at Sarah.Vogelsang-Card@vtfn.org.
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Genetic Navigation
Raising a child with special health needs, medical complexities and/or a genetic condition brings unique joys, challenges, and discoveries. While every family’s journey is different, one thing remains universal: none of us are meant to navigate this path alone. Building strong connections within your community can make a difference—not only for your child, but for your entire family.
Community connection can take many forms. For some, it may be joining a parent support group where families share experiences, tips, and encouragement. For others, it may involve partnering with local organizations, medical providers, schools, or family faculty programs that offer guidance and practical resources. These networks provide more than information; they offer a sense of belonging and the reassurance that others truly understand your day-to-day realities. Here are some local and national resources that are a good place to start:
Community connections remind us that we are part of something larger. They create space for families to be heard, supported, and celebrated. Whether you reach out to a neighbor, a local organization, or another parent walking along a similar road, each connection can help lighten the load and strengthen your family’s journey.
If you would like help locating a diagnosis specific support group or support with genetic navigation, reach out to VFN’s genetic navigator by calling 802-876-5315 or emailing Ashley at ashley.michaud@vtfn.org.
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Filling Your Cup
When It's Cold and Dark
Winter in Vermont is beautiful, but let's be honest—it's also long. And if you're caring for a child with special health needs, these cold, dark months can feel especially heavy. The quick resets that help in warmer weather—a walk outside, an open window, a few minutes on the porch—aren't as easy to come by. Everyone's inside, the days blur together, and somewhere between the appointments, the medications, the snow days, and the never-ending logistics, you might find yourself running on fumes.
We see you. We know how much you carry.
The truth is, you can't take care of anyone else if you're completely depleted. But we also know that the usual self-care advice—take a bath! go to yoga! Get away for the weekend!—can feel laughable when you're managing complex care and just trying to get through the day. Instead, we want to gently encourage you to think smaller. Tiny moments count. Imperfect breaks still matter. A few minutes here and there can be enough to remind you that you are still in there, underneath all the caregiving.
You deserve those moments. Not because you've earned them, but because you matter too.
A Few Small Things to Try:
- Step outside for just two minutes—even cold air and gray sky can reset your nervous system
- Keep something comforting close by: a warm mug, a soft blanket, a favorite candle
- Lower the bar on one thing this week—done is better than perfect
- Send a quick text to someone who gets it, even if you don't have time for a whole conversation
- Say no to something that's draining you—you're allowed
- Let someone help, even in a small way—you don't have to do this alone
You're doing a remarkable job, even on the days it doesn't feel like it.
Be gentle with yourself this winter.
| | Upcoming Events - Register today! | | |
Free Online Workshops
January 22 at 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. "Rule 4500 in Vermont Schools: Information for Parents & Caregivers"
This workshop is designed for parents and caregivers that would like a clear, accessible understanding of Vermont’s regulations on the use of restraint and seclusion (Rule 4500) in schools. We will walk through when and why these interventions may be used, what protections exist for students, what documentation families should expect, and how schools can partner proactively with caregivers to keep students safe. Time will be reserved for Q&A to ensure attendees leave with confidence and clarity.
Presenter: Ashley Riendeau, M.Ed., School Climate Program Coordinator at the Vermont Agency of Education
January 29 at 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. "Preparing Augmentative Alternative Communication (ACC) user for Transition: Tips and Tools"
For young people with disabilities, there are many moving pieces and processes around the transition from school to adult services. There are unique needs for those with communication disabilities who may use augmentative alternative communication (AAC) systems. There is need to educate new community communication partners about the person’s communication and any technology that is used. Being thoughtful, intentional and systematic about the communication support needs of the individual who is transitioning can increase the chances of their being included in a meaningful way.
Presenters: Ashley Couture, M.S., CCC-SLP, Speech Language Pathologist with True Voice and Communication Consultant with the VT I-Team and Theresa Soares, parent of a young adult with a motor disability and support for parents of young children with and without disabilities
February 10 at 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. "Behavior Threat Assessments in Schools – What Should Families Know?"
A Behavioral Threat Assessment (BTA) gathers information about, assesses and manages dangerous or violent situations in schools. All schools are required to have a trained Behavioral Threat Assessment Team. What are the steps of the BTA process? Who is responsible for carrying out the BTA? How might a BTA be used for a student on an IEP? What role does a parent have if their child is referred for a BTA? Join us for this family-friendly workshop to learn more about BTAs.
Presenter: Cammie Naylor, Staff Attorney with the Disability Law Project at Vermont Legal Aid, Inc.
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.
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VFN Workshop Topics/Speakers Survey
We want to hear your ideas for our upcoming online workshops. What topics interest you? Are there presenters you would recommend?
Let us know your thoughts.
| | Contact Us. We Will Listen! | | Helping Vermont Families thrive for more than 30 years | | | |  |
Office
600 Blair Park Rd, Ste 240,
Williston, VT 05495
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