RIPIN (Rhode Island Parent Information Network): We are highlighting Youth/Young Adult Leadership Council member Nathan Markley, who launched a new radio show, The Nathan Markley Show, on Friday, March 6, from 6:05 PM to 7:00 PM Nathan co-hosted the program with his father, airing live on WNRI 1380 AM & 99.9 FM and streaming online (recommended for listeners outside of Rhode Island). A promo video is available here, and episodes will also be recorded and shared afterward on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. The episode included a discussion on IDEA and the Department of Education, with guest Sue Donovan joining the conversation.

Region A Drop-In Call: The next Drop-In call will take place on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM EST. Heather George from PBIS will serve as the TA presenter, focusing on Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). Join the call here.

2026 NEPACT Follow-Up Forum: NEPACT will host its 2026 Follow-Up Forum on Tuesday, June 2, from 12:00 PM (lunch included) to 5:00 PM and Wednesday, June 3, from 7:30 AM (breakfast included) to 3:00 PM. The event will be held in Crystal City / Arlington, VA. Additional details and registration information will be shared with the Parent Centers that registered to attend. The forum will explore how we can achieve collective impact across our region in areas including empowering staff for success, early childhood (with a panel presentation featured at the forum), transition to adult life, working with Native American/Indigenous families, working with LEP and immigrant families, and working with military-connected families.

The Military Families convening will take place on June 4 from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the same location. The Native American Families Convening will be moved to a virtual format in Summer/Fall 2026.

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.

Using Thoughtful Language in Nonprofit Communications: The words nonprofits use in their communications can shape how communities feel welcomed, respected, and understood. Big Duck, a nonprofit communications firm that works with mission-driven organizations, offers helpful information on creating a language guide for your nonprofit and a list of language guides that support inclusive, consistent messaging. These tools help organizations communicate more clearly with the people they serve while avoiding language that may unintentionally exclude or alienate audiences. Developing shared language practices can also strengthen internal communication and help staff represent the organization’s mission with clarity and respect. Learn more here.

Helping Families Support Self-Advocacy Skills in Children with Disabilities: Developing self-advocacy skills early can help children with disabilities build confidence, communicate their needs, and become active participants in their education. Families play a critical role in helping children learn how to talk about their strengths, challenges, and supports in ways that foster understanding and independence. The Self-Advocacy Storytelling Toolkit from ECAC, the Parent Center in North Carolina, offers activities and guidance that help youth reflect on their experiences and practice sharing their stories with others. These tools can help families and educators encourage children to speak up for themselves while promoting greater awareness that disability is a natural part of human diversity. Learn more here.

Your Journey to Self-determination Series: The Center for Appropriate Dispute Resolution in Special Education (CADRE) is highlighting its Your Journey to Self-Determination Series, an online set of courses designed to help students build essential skills for self-determined decision-making and active participation in their educational planning. The series includes short, accessible lessons that introduce key concepts such as finding your voice, listening for understanding, managing emotions and conflict, collaborative problem-solving, and participating in educational planning meetings. Find it here.  

Trauma and Violence: Professionals who work with families navigating disability services, education systems, or economic challenges often encounter individuals experiencing high levels of stress. Trauma-informed approaches can help staff respond with empathy while creating safe and supportive interactions. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides practical guidance on implementing trauma-informed practices across organizations, including strategies that support respectful communication, trust-building, and stronger relationships with the communities they serve. Learn more here.

Field trips fight absenteeism: A powerful tool, not just a day off: Arts organizations like Act One are stepping in to cover costs as Arizona schools grapple with chronic absenteeism rates that have doubled since the pandemic. Read more here.

Language Access: Trump Administration Reverses Decades of Progress: For decades, the Civil Rights Division led a governmentwide effort to ensure that people with limited English proficiency receive meaningful access to federally funded programs and services. No longer. Read more here.

Anti-Bullying Resources: Bullying is repeated aggressive behavior that can present in the form of threats, physical assault, and intimidation that is intentional and involves a difference in power and/or strength. Find resources here.

Transforming Foster Care with Voices of Lived Experience: Truly transformative foster care reform is only possible when the individuals who have personally experienced the child welfare system have leadership roles in changing it. Find out more here.

Federal School Vouchers: Ten Things to Know: Check out this piece in the Hechinger Report here.

Five Competency Domains for Person-Centered Planning: Person-centered planning is a dynamic way to learn about the choices and interests that make up someone’s idea of a good life — and to identify the services and supports needed to achieve that life. It is not something you do to a person, nor is it something you do for a person; instead, the person directs person-centered planning with support from a facilitator as needed and desired. Learn more here.

Writing Techniques for Explaining Complex Data: How can we write about complex data in ways that are accessible by the general public? Find some tips here.

One State’s Approach to Dispute Resolution: The PA Office for Dispute Resolution (ODR) provides the resources for families and educational agencies to resolve educational disputes for children served by the early intervention system, students who are gifted (or thought to be gifted), and students with disabilities (or thought to have disabilities). Check it out here.

Settlements in Special Education Litigation: New Procedures Could Make Settling More Difficult and Create Compliance Risks for School Districts: This article from the NJ Principals and Supervisors gives us information about how principals and supervisors think about special education settlements. Their perspective is that new federal procedures for approving settlements in special education disputes may make it harder for school districts to resolve cases quickly. Because the updated rules require more detailed documentation and closer federal oversight, the principals and supervisors argue that this could delay agreements and increase compliance risks for districts. The piece highlights concerns from district education attorneys who say the changes may unintentionally discourage early resolution and create additional administrative burdens. Read full article here.

Effective Strategies: Preventing school dropout often begins long before high school. When students feel safe, supported, and connected to their teachers and peers, they are more likely to stay engaged in school over time. Families and educators can help by encouraging children to ask questions, talk about their needs, and practice self-advocacy. These skills help students feel confident seeking help when challenges arise later in their education. For some students, flexible learning options such as career and technical education programs or credit recovery pathways can help them stay on track toward graduation. Learn more strategies here.

Developmental Surveillance vs Screening: “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” offers practical developmental surveillance tools for health care providers, including a presentation that explains the difference between ongoing developmental surveillance and formal screening. It also guides providers on using the CDC’s milestone checklists to strengthen early identification of developmental delays or disabilities and improve timely support for young children and their families. Access presentation here.

How Dismantling the US Department of Education Would Harm Students: Read this piece from the National Education Association here.

Education Department official warns 2 accreditors over DEI standards: The U.S. Department of Education has warned two accrediting agencies that their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) standards may conflict with federal requirements. The Department raised concerns that certain DEI expectations could pressure colleges to adopt policies that infringe on academic freedom or violate nondiscrimination laws. The accreditors have been asked to clarify their standards and demonstrate compliance with federal regulations. Read more here.

Foster Care Does More Harm Than Good, But No Harm Can Change Me: In this youth‑written piece, a former foster youth reflects on how the foster care system caused more harm than help, describing experiences of instability, trauma, and a lack of genuine support. Despite these challenges, the author emphasizes personal resilience and the determination to grow beyond the system’s failures. The article calls for deeper understanding of the lived experiences of youth in care and the urgent need for meaningful reform. Read Article here.

How Grandparents Can Best Provide For A Grandchild With A Disability: Many grandparents of children with disabilities can take the same tax-cutting steps we did to help protect their grandchild’s long-term financial security and independence. Learn more here.

About Healthy Weight and Growth: With rising healthcare costs and increasing stress on families, many people are looking for ways to support their health at home. While medical care is very important, everyday habits can make a meaningful difference in long-term health. Simple actions such as eating balanced meals, staying physically active, getting enough sleep, and managing stress can help reduce the risk of many chronic conditions. Small steps, like daily movement, staying hydrated, or eating whole foods, can build healthier routines over time. For caregivers and families, prioritizing wellness can help support both physical and mental well-being. Learn more health tips here.

The Impact of Homelessness and Housing Instability on Children’s Education:  Homeless and housing instability can have multiple negative impacts on children’s education. Learn more and find resources here.

How AI Can Empower Not Replace Educators: Artificial intelligence is often framed as a threat to education, but in the latest episode of Rewriting the Narrative, host Ben Tillotson explores a more hopeful and practical reality. Listen to episode here.

Voluntary departures hit record high as detained immigrants lose hope of getting released or winning in court: As pathways to freedom have narrowed in immigration courts across the United States, a record number of detainees are giving up their cases and voluntarily leaving the country. Learn more here.

How to create an Inclusive Classroom for Diverse Learners: This article highlights key approaches such as differentiated instruction, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and teaching practices that honor student diversity. When educators proactively plan lessons, routines, and environments with all learners in mind, classrooms become places where students feel understood, valued, and equipped to reach their full potential. Read more here.

Pittsburgh spends millions on juvenile detention – research points to cheaper, more effective alternatives: Statistics show a correlation between juvenile detention and adult involvement with the criminal legal system. According to The Sentencing Project, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit, more than a third of people in state prisons have served time in a juvenile facility. Black youth are more than five times more likely to be placed in juvenile facilities than white peers, and two-thirds of state prisoners experienced an arrest before age 19. While kids in detention have the right to receive a free public education and should be offered physical, behavioral, mental health and recreational services, according to state law, detention is not a treatment facility. A variety of alternatives to detention exist that have been shown to be more effective and cost significantly less – such as mentoring programs, family therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and restorative justice programs. Read more here.

8 effective ways to support LGBTQIA+ youth in 2026: Bergen County Therapist is sharing a resource, 8 Effective Ways to Support LGBTQIA+ Youth, which offers practical strategies for families and professionals to create affirming and supportive environments. The article highlights steps such as using inclusive language, respecting identity and chosen names, actively listening, fostering safe spaces, and connecting youth to supportive resources. It also emphasizes the importance of affirmation and reducing stigma in everyday interactions. Read more here.

45% of College Students Struggle With Their Mental Health: Here’s How To Help: Mental health in college students is a big issue on campuses these days. Across the United States, over 45% of college students are struggling with their mental health, contributing to soaring degree incompletion rates of 39%. College life can be very stressful, with tough academics and social pressures — not to mention the transition into adulthood. All of these factors can lead to mental health and substance use challenges. Learn more here.

Some veterans still face deportation; service alone does not guarantee citizenship: Cases involving Veterans are explored, as are requirements for prior service to gain citizenship. There is also information on proposed legislative and regulatory requirements to ease the burden. Read more here.

Native American Children’s Health and Well-Being: Native American children continue to face deep inequities in health, education, and economic stability due to generations of systemic injustice, yet data also highlight areas of resilience and progress within Native communities. The article underscores the urgent need for culturally responsive policies, stronger federal commitments, and solutions shaped by Indigenous knowledge to ensure Native children and families can thrive. Read more here.

What the Research Says about the Best Way to Engage Parents: Research shows being welcoming, responsive, and listening are key to engaging parents. Read more here.

Experiences and Factors Affecting Poverty Among Families Raising a Child with a Disability: Children with disabilities are more likely to live in poverty. Read this review of 48 related studies here.

Investigation Finds ‘Shocking Overuse’ of Seclusion and Restraint in This District: A Missouri school district focused on special education restrains and secludes its students excessively and improperly, in “gross violation” of the Americans with Disabilities Act, a U.S. Department of Justice investigation has found. “During the investigative period, the district treated seclusion and restraint not as crisis responses to be used in rare emergencies but as a routine response to student behavior,” it says. The district must “fundamentally change its practices” to avoid legal action, the letter says. Read more here.

SEL in the Crosshairs: Check out this Harvard Education Review piece on the attack on social-emotional learning here.

Are States Ready for the Approaching Accessibility Deadline? States have until April to meet the federal mandate established under the Americans with Disabilities Act, requiring all digital products be accessible for people with disabilities. Readiness levels vary. Learn more here.

From Service Cliff to Launch Pad: Transition Forward Beyond Special Education: When students age out of special education at 22, it doesn’t have to feel like the edge of a cliff. With preparation, partnership, and belief, it can be a path forward—cleared, supported, and full of possibility. Read more here.

What Does Immigration Detention Do to a Child’s Mind and Body? The American Academy of Pediatrics is sounding the alarm! Immigration detention has significant physical and mental impacts on children, from anxiety and disrupted development to long-term trauma. Read more here.