Sinergia Inc.: Sinergia's 2024 Summer Youth Transition Panel featured alumni from the Autism Initiative’s Integrated Transition Program, sharing their experiences and aspirations. Designed with Isidore Douglas-Skinner from the 2021 cohort, the panel emphasized vital youth self-advocacy perspectives. Held on August 2, 2024, the event included a Q&A session and was accessible via Zoom with English-Spanish interpretation. It also streamed live on Facebook, reaching over 300 viewers, with 55 additional views on YouTube. View the recorded session on our YouTube.

NEPACT General AI Session: We’re excited to announce that Joe LaBelle of the Family Network on Disabilities will host the NEPACT General Artificial Intelligence Session on October 15, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. This session will provide an overview of AI and explore how Parent Centers can use these tools to support families and staff, and guide their work. Join the presentation via Zoom.

2024 NE-PACT Collective Impact Workgroups: The forum will take place on November 19-20, 2024, at the Sheraton Hartford Hotel at Bradley Airport. Registration and room reservations are due by October 4, 2024—registration . The event, intended for key Parent Center decision-makers, will run from 12:00 p.m. on November 19 to 3:00 p.m. on November 20. NE-PACT will cover the cost for two attendees, one of whom should be the Parent Center director. Attendees will be assigned to two workgroups and must stay with their group throughout the forum.

2023-2024 Parent Center Data Collection: It’s that time of year again! The CPIR and National RAISE Center are combining OSEP and RSA data collection requirements into one process, similar to last year. All Parent Centers should have received an email with instructions for Part 1 and Part 2. Part 1 is due Friday, November 22, and Part 2 is due Wednesday, December 18. This page provides the tools needed for collecting and submitting data for the 2023-2024 program year (October 1, 2023 – September 30, 2024), along with supporting materials and an FAQ page. CPIR will host several Data Collection Drop-In Calls for assistance, with sessions on October 2, October 23, and November 13, all at 2:00 p.m. ET. Follow this link to join the calls. 

Call for Proposals: 2025 National Parent Center Conference: We are pleased to announce a Call for Proposals for the 2025 National Parent Center Conference, themed "The Power of Parent Centers: Driving Positive Change." This event will bring together nearly 100 Parent Centers to learn, share, and network. Hosted by CPIR and the four RPTACs, the conference is designed by and for Parent Centers. We look forward to welcoming you to Denver next spring! For details on proposal deadlines, requirements, and preferred topics, click here. The submission deadline is October 18, 2024, and successful proposals will be notified by November 15, 2024. Submit your proposal here. For questions, contact Jackie White at jwhite@pealcenter.org.

CPIR Calendar: Don’t forget to check out the HUB Central Events calendar at the Center for Parent Information and Resources (CPIR) for more webinars and events. Also contact Myriam Alizo, malizo@spanadvocacy.org to add your Parent Center event to the CPIR calendar.

How to Create Non-Profit Surveys: Creating surveys can be a powerful tool for nonprofit organizations looking to enhance donor retention and foster program growth. By actively seeking feedback and insights from their supporters, nonprofits can gain a deeper understanding of donor motivations and concerns. This information not only helps strengthen existing relationships but also paves the way for more effective and targeted fundraising efforts and program development. In this guide on how to create nonprofit surveys, we’ll explore the key reasons why nonprofits should consider harnessing the potential of surveys to drive their missions forward. The Non-Profit Hub has an excellent guide on creating non-profit surveys. This guide addresses:

• How to create nonprofit surveys
• What are the best tools for online surveys
• How often you should send surveys
• Common survey mistakes
• How surveys can help in donor retention
• Tips for creating surveys
• and more!

Serving Parents with Disabilities: The National Research Center for Parents with Disabilities has a range of resources for parents with disabilities and those who support them covering a variety of topics such as child welfare law and its effects on parents with disabilities, firsthand narratives from disabled parents about how they raise their children, and advice for professionals working with specific populations of parents with disabilities. Access the resources.

Applying for a Job: The Young Person's Guide: An excellent resource for young adults beginning their job search. It covers key topics such as evaluating pay, growth opportunities, and choosing between in-person and remote jobs. The guide also offers tips on creating a professional online presence, securing references, and developing networking skills. Additionally, it includes a list of valuable resources to support the job search journey.

Getting to Yes in Challenging Times: Getting to Yes demonstrates a straightforward, universally applicable method for negotiating personal and professional disputes without getting taken—and without getting angry. Check out their free videos.

Schools Have Made Slow Progress on Record Absenteeism, with Millions of Kids Still Skipping Class: Chronic absenteeism has increased since the pandemic, with one in four U.S. students missing significant school time. Schools are trying creative solutions to address this, such as offering recess or mentorship programs. For example, a Massachusetts high school improved attendance by allowing students to play sports during lunch. Other schools are providing transportation or mental health support to keep kids in class. However, many students continue to face challenges, including mental health struggles and financial difficulties. Read more here.

Benefits of Multilingualism: In today’s global society, being multilingual, multiliterate, and multicultural offers numerous advantages. Whether someone grows up bilingual, learns a language in school, or picks one up later in life, there are tangible benefits. These include delaying cognitive aging, gaining college credits, and securing better job opportunities. Multilingualism serves as a valuable asset for both English learners and native speakers, enhancing personal and professional development in a variety of ways. Learn more.

Data Anonymity and The SHRN Student Health and Well-being Survey in Primary Schools: Anonymized School Health Research Network data offers key insights for schools, local authorities, Public Health Wales, and the Welsh Government to shape policies that enhance children's and young people's health and well-being. The data allows these entities to develop targeted strategies for improving outcomes, explore the full piece for more information.

Adoption Triad: How Implicit Bias can Affect Family Connections in Adoption: Strengthening a child’s connection to their family of origin and culture fosters resilience, enhances emotional well-being, and helps establish a lasting support system. These bonds positively impact all members of the adoption triad and others involved in the child's life. During Kinship Care Month in September, we honor and celebrate these vital familial relationships, highlighting their importance in adopted children’s lives. Read more.

Project 2025 and Universal Vouchers: First Focus has an excellent analysis of many of the education proposals in Project 2025, including universal vouchers. The first sentence of the education section says, “Federal education policy should be limited and, ultimately, the federal Department of Education should be eliminated.” One of the key provisions is a step-by-step plan to transfer taxpayer dollars to private schools under the guise of empowering families “to choose among a diverse set of education outcomes.” See more.

Issues in Ethics: Cultural and Linguistic Competence: The ASHA page defines cultural and linguistic competence as the ability to effectively interact with individuals from diverse backgrounds. It emphasizes the importance of understanding and respecting cultural differences in communication styles, values, and practices. This competence is essential for professionals working in cross-cultural situations, as it helps ensure equitable and effective services for all clients. The page also highlights strategies for enhancing cultural and linguistic competence in practice. Check it out here.

2024 Kids Count Data Book: Access tons of data on children across the country and in your area.

Black students are still kicked out of school at higher rates despite reforms: Before his suspension, Zaire Byrd was a thriving student, active in school plays and athletics. However, after defending himself in a fight outside of school, Byrd was suspended and sent to an alternative school, despite claiming self-defense. The incident, labeled a “group fight” by administrators, nearly derailed his education and highlighted challenges within the disciplinary system. This article explores Byrd’s experience and the broader implications for students facing similar situations. Read more here.

The Working Together Online Learning Series: These five interactive, self-paced courses from CADRE offer families and educators practical strategies to collaborate and address conflict. The series is designed for anyone involved in supporting children and youth with disabilities. For more information, click here.

Intervening to Prevent a Dropout: The resource on PBS LearningMedia explores strategies to prevent student dropouts by addressing early warning signs and implementing targeted interventions. It highlights the importance of family engagement, personalized support, and collaboration between schools and communities to keep students on track for graduation. The content is particularly useful for educators and anyone working to reduce dropout rates among youth. Learn more here.

A qualitative comparison of parents’ experiences of early childhood expulsion following a legislative ban: Over the past decade, high rates of early childhood expulsion have prompted state and federal policymakers to take action. Efforts include banning or reducing the use of exclusionary discipline in early childhood settings. These measures aim to address the disproportionate impact on young children, particularly those from marginalized communities, and to promote more inclusive and supportive disciplinary practices. Learn more about these initiatives and their impact here.

K-12 Education Reform in the US: Today, the education reform movement is more important than ever before. The many protests in 2020 on policing methods (Black Lives Matter, etc.) refocused the national conversation on institutional bias and inequity. This in turn has focused a spotlight on K-12 education reform, with an emphasis on equity in education. This Let’s Go Learn page provides descriptions of a wide variety of education reforms as well as our own interpretation of where the reform movement is today. In particular, we will identify ways in which today’s digital technology is transforming past reforms with the scalable improvement of educational systems. Read more.

Centering the Experiences and Perspectives of Educational Partners - Five Considerations for Schools and Districts: Focusing on the stories, experiences, and viewpoints of students, families, staff, and community partners—particularly those from historically and presently marginalized groups—is crucial for effectively transforming education systems. Explore these strategies from the California School Climate newsletter here.

A child’s horrific death drove NJ to reform welfare system: The NJ Spotlight News article highlights New Jersey's transformation of its child welfare system, which had faced significant criticism. Through reforms emphasizing prevention, community engagement, and collaboration, the state has improved outcomes for children and families. Key initiatives included enhancing family support services, positioning New Jersey as a national leader in child welfare practices. While progress has been made, the article notes that ongoing challenges remain. Read the article.

Helping Grandparents Understand an Autism Diagnosis: Grandparents can play a vital role in supporting a grandchild with autism by learning about the condition and adjusting expectations. Understanding sensory sensitivities, engaging in suitable activities, and providing emotional support to the family are key. Open communication with the child's parents helps in navigating challenges and fostering a strong relationship with the grandchild. Read more here.

The State of Children’s Health in the US: Check out this great detailed infographic from the NIHCM Foundation here.

SMU professors make comic book to teach educators about homeless students: The Fox 4 News article discusses SMU professors who are addressing homelessness through innovative research and community engagement. Their project, "Uprooted," aims to understand the root causes of homelessness and develop practical solutions. The professors collaborate with local organizations to gather data and create awareness, focusing on long-term strategies to support individuals experiencing homelessness. Their efforts emphasize the importance of community involvement in tackling this complex issue and aim to foster sustainable change, read more here.

U.S. Department of Education Awards More Than $1 Million in Grants to Develop Evidence-Based Models of Family Engagement and Improve Services to Children with Disabilities: The U.S. Department of Education outlines a model demonstration project designed to enhance family engagement in improving services for children with disabilities. This initiative aims to empower families to actively participate in their children's education, fostering collaboration with schools to create more effective interventions and improve educational outcomes for children with disabilities with a special focus on military-connected families. Three Region A Parent Centers, CPAC, RIPIN, and SPAN, are partnering with the University of CT and the PBIS Center in one of three funded model demonstration projects. Read it here.

Do Politicians Realize How Difficult and Rare Immigrating to the U.S. Legally Actually Is? Despite politicians’ claims that immigrants should utilize legal pathways to enter the U.S., the reality is that the immigration system offers very few opportunities for this. The complexities and limitations of legal immigration make it an incredibly challenging and rare process for many. For a deeper understanding of these issues and the barriers faced by potential immigrants, learn more.

UDL and Inclusion: How One School District Transformed Its Community: This Reading Rockets article highlights a school district's transformation through Universal Design for Learning (UDL). By adopting flexible teaching methods and supportive environments, the district improved access for all students, including those with disabilities. Extensive educator training and community collaboration enhanced student engagement and achievement, fostering a more inclusive culture and demonstrating UDL's effectiveness in promoting equitable education. Check it out here.

Abuse and neglect of young people with disabilities alleged at detention center: Disability Rights New Jersey, the state's designated Protection and Advocacy system for people with disabilities, has filed a lawsuit against the Essex County Juvenile Detention Center, its Warden, and Director. The lawsuit aims to enforce their right to access the facility and investigate allegations of abuse and neglect. Federal law empowers Disability Rights New Jersey to monitor and investigate environments where individuals with disabilities reside and receive services. This includes the authority for unannounced, unaccompanied access to settings and records, which is essential for their investigative role, for more information.

iSPARC LGBTQ+ Blog On Mental Health And Employment: Check out the latest post in the Pride Blog. In this edition, five LGBTQ+ staff members at iSPARC volunteered to answer questions about their experiences with mental health and employment. These individuals represent a diverse range of ages, genders, sexual identities, races, and lived experiences. Explore their perspectives and stories here.

Depression, PTSD, & Other Mental Health Conditions in the Workplace: Your Legal Rights: This Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) guidance outlines the legal rights of individuals with mental health conditions, such as depression and PTSD, in the workplace. It emphasizes that these conditions are covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to support affected employees. The guidance also highlights the importance of creating a supportive work environment, free from discrimination and harassment, to ensure that employees with mental health conditions can thrive professionally, read more here

Special Needs Military Families Report Mixed Feelings About Program to Help with Medical Care, Services: A recent Pentagon survey of military families with special needs found that fewer than half were satisfied with the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP), with 57% expressing dissatisfaction or having no opinion. Reactions to the program varied among different military branches. For more details, read the full article.

The Official Newsletter of the Seneca Nation: SNI News focuses on reporting stories relevant to Native American and Indigenous communities, covering a wide range of topics including culture, politics, education, and health. It provides a platform for amplifying Indigenous voices, offering an advantage by highlighting underrepresented perspectives and issues. However, like many niche news outlets, it faces challenges in reaching a broader audience and may lack the resources of larger media networks, potentially limiting its impact. Nonetheless, SNI News plays a critical role in fostering awareness and dialogue on Indigenous matters within and beyond these communities. Check it out here.

PIC of NH Family Engagement Web Resources: NH PIC has a wealth of family engagement resources on their website, including road maps, infographics, and recorded webinars.

Data on Poverty in the US: The Center for American Progress has a wealth of resources on poverty in the US. Check it out here.

Discipline in schools infringes on NJ disability rights, says mom. Why it still happens: Kelly Graziano's son experienced what he describes as the worst day of his life at age 7 due to disciplinary tactics used in New Jersey schools. Despite warnings from experts that these methods are traumatizing and ineffective, they continue to be employed, highlighting ongoing concerns about the infringement of disability rights in education. Efforts by state and federal officials to eliminate such practices have not yet succeeded, raising questions about the effectiveness of current policies in protecting students with disabilities. Read more here.

Social-emotional Growth Linked to Higher Math and English Scores: The NYU article discusses research linking social-emotional growth to improved math and English scores among students. The study found that students who develop social-emotional skills—such as self-regulation, empathy, and teamwork—tend to perform better academically. This connection emphasizes the importance of integrating social-emotional learning into educational curricula to support not just emotional well-being but also academic achievement. The findings suggest that fostering these skills can lead to a more holistic approach to education. Read more here.

AI could be a game changer for people with disabilities: The MIT Technology Review article discusses how AI can improve accessibility for people with disabilities, highlighting innovations like enhanced communication tools and smarter assistive devices. It emphasizes AI's potential to empower users by customizing solutions to their needs, promoting greater independence. However, the article also notes challenges, such as ensuring inclusivity and the importance of user-centered design in developing these technologies. Read more here.

Disabilities Beat: How can colleges improve for disabled students? The WRVO radio discusses ways colleges can enhance support for disabled students by improving accessibility, providing personalized accommodations, and fostering an inclusive culture. It emphasizes the importance of engaging with disabled students to address their unique challenges and ensure their voices shape campus policies. Overall, it calls for proactive measures to promote equity and inclusion. Check it out!

Trauma and Toxic Stress Info Sheet: Check out the information on trauma and toxic stress on this info sheet from Nisidotam. Through voices from First Nations community members across Quebec, the Nisidotam website shares the stories and experiences of disability today. Nisidotam promotes an integrated model to help shape an inclusive approach to support services. All materials are aimed at creating environments that are conducive to building self-determination and awareness, as well as finding or providing necessary support. Access the info sheet.