Caregiving, Strong Support Systems, and Finding Your Voice

Caregivers and those who support people with disabilities handle a variety of important tasks, from personal care and mobility assistance to educational advocacy and job placement. Caregivers and other allies offer their knowledge, compassion, and a variety of practical skills.

Starbridge is committed to supporting not only people with disabilities but their families/caregivers and allies as well. Through our workshops and webinars, and comprehensive services, we are here for you.

In this issue, you’ll see our upcoming workshops and events in the community, plus an important announcement on the future of Bridges. You’ll also meet a student and her parent who, with Starbridge’s support, are finding success.

From Track to Transformation: A Devoted Parent Helps Guide Daughter to Independence

How one student, her mom, school staff and Starbridge teamed up to turn anxiety into self-sufficiency.

Earlier this year, something incredible happened. Autumn, a student who once struggled with severe anxiety, took a huge leap forward. This choice was not just in her academics, but in life. With the support of her mom, Jennifer, and the guidance of staff and Starbridge, Autumn is proving that change is possible when families, schools, and students work together.

For months, simply attending school was a major hurdle for Autumn. But after slowly building confidence, she made a courageous decision: she joined the track team. The physical activity wasn’t the biggest barrier. It was navigating the logistics of which bus to take, on which day, and at what time.

Recognizing this barrier, Autumn worked with school staff to learn how to read the bus schedules and locate her assigned bus. She even learned how to identify the six or so adults stationed outside during dismissal.

That’s when the real work began.

Jennifer, Autumn’s mom, leaned into a new approach that focused on teaching skills rather than solving problems. By stepping back, she gave her daughter room to step up. Together, they’ve been building Autumn’s self-advocacy skills, helping her manage conflict, identify her needs, and navigate barriers.

And it’s working.

Soon after, Autumn attended her very first Committee on Special Education (CSE) meeting in preparation for high school next year. She came in with a list of thoughtful questions and comments. Jennifer gave her space to speak, only jumping in when truly needed. The school counselor provided gentle prompts, but the floor was all Autumn’s.

The result? A completely different tone from previous meetings. The staff listened, responded to her input, and even adjusted her high school plan based on what she shared. It wasn’t about starting over. It was about understanding what needed to shift to better support her growth.

Jennifer left the meeting filled with pride for both her daughter, her own growth as a parent. Autumn used her voice, and that voice was heard. She now feels like a true partner on the team supporting her child.

Looking ahead, Jennifer has a plan for how to continue supporting Autumn as she develops new habits and faces new challenges. She’s committed to breaking the cycle and the progress is already showing. Autumn just announced she’s joining the robotics club next.

From track to tech, Autumn’s journey is a reminder that with the right support, caregiving and a focus on empowerment, students can succeed.

And we celebrate those achievements!

Starbridge empowers people with disabilities and their families to achieve success in education, employment, and healthy living. Learn more about how we partner with families and schools at www.starbridgeinc.org.

Tips for Caregivers: Managing the Holidays Safely

For caregivers of children with disabilities, holiday safety can mean managing sensory overload, maintaining routines, preparing for travel, creating clear communication with hosts, simplifying plans, and prioritizing self-care to stay resilient.

Managing the Environment & Routine

Create a Safe Sensory Space: Designate a calm, low-light room or corner with noise-canceling headphones, weighted blankets, or familiar toys for breaks from stimulation.

Stick to Routines: Maintain regular schedules for meals and sleep as much as possible to reduce anxiety.

Simplify Events: Scale back on decorating or hosting; focus on one or two meaningful traditions rather than trying to do everything.

Control Noise: Avoid flashing lights or loud, overlapping conversations; use soft decor and reduce noise levels.

Travel & Socializing

Prepare for Travel: Use role-playing or videos to practice new steps (like security), pack familiar snacks, and build in extra time.

Communicate with Hosts: Clearly explain your child's needs (e.g., no hugs, food sensitivities, accessibility) and triggers (loud noises, specific textures) ahead of time.

Pack a Comfort Kit: Bring familiar activities, comfort objects, and even preferred foods to new places.

Set Boundaries: Practice simple scripts for interactions, coach others on appropriate greetings (fist bumps vs. hugs), and be prepared to say "no" to over-committing.

Physical Safety & Self-Care

Prevent Wandering: Be extra vigilant, especially in new places with pools or traffic; consider GPS devices or safety bands.

Simplify Gift Opening: For children with fine motor difficulties, make opening presents easier, or simplify the process overall.

Prioritize Caregiver Health: Schedule downtime, ask for help, and remember self-care is essential for supporting your child.

Focus on Gratitude & Presence: Practice mindfulness and focus on positive interactions to reduce stress and enjoy the season.

A Word of Hope

"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much."

- Helen Keller

Introducing Hardcopy Version of Bridges!

We're excited to share that coming up in early 2026, we are introducing a new, quarterly, paper version of Bridges! This new hardcopy version will provide you with a deeper dive into topics you care about as well as an expanded listing of webinars, workshops, and events hosted by our community partners.

We will have the same issue in digital version posted on our website.

Would you like to receive a paper copy in your mailbox? Do you know someone who would benefit from receiving a paper version? Email mschaertel@starbridgeinc.org with your name and address to sign up.

Are you an agency or local business who is looking to collaborate to show your inclusive events?
Email marketing@starbridgeinc.org to team up with us!

Upcoming Events and Workshops

Starbridge Events

December

Family Fun & Empowerment at Play Zone. December 17, 4:30pm-6:00pm. Play Zone, 575 Spittler Lane, Limestone, NY 14753. Join us in building connections and friendships with one another at the YMCA Fun Zone! Parents can play in the Play Zone, and/or can meet and connect with other parents. Starbridge will provide pizza and drinks. Requirements are OPWDD eligibility and residence in Cattaraugus or Allegany County. Registration is required – RSVP no later than December 10.
For further information, please contact Kari Cayton at kcayton@starbridgeinc.org or call (585) 259-4576.

January 2026

Advanced Training on Discipline and Suspension: An Attorney’s Perspective. January 14, 12:00pm-1:00pm. This Zoom webinar features attorney Jane Gabriele from Legal Assistance of Western New York. She will provide a legal overview of student discipline and suspension, with a focus on the rights of students with disabilities under IDEA, Section 504, and related laws. Designed for families and educators, the training offers practical guidance for navigating and advocating within the school discipline process. For further information, please email cknaak@starbridgeinc.org or call 585-371-6742. Registration is required!

NYS Diploma and Credential Options for Families. January 28, 12:00pm-1:00pm. This Zoom webinar describes the current diploma and credential options available to NYS students. It includes information about the credit requirements for graduation in NYS, the multiple pathways to graduation 4 +1 option requirements for all students, the appeal eligibility criteria for all students, the safety net options for students with disabilities, and the exiting credentials available in NYS and the requirements for each. It also introduces participants to the definition of self-determination and its relation to determining individualized diploma and credential options. Presented by the Mid-West Family & Community Engagement Center. For further information, please email cknaak@starbridgeinc.org or call 585-371-6742. Registration is required!

February 2026

Transition from CPSE to CSE/Kindergarten for Parents. February 10,12:00pm-1:00pm. It's time for kindergarten! The transition from preschool to kindergarten can be a time of excitement, but it can also be a source of anxiety. Transitions are made easier when families and providers understand the process. This session will help you to understand the transition process and be an active member of the transition team. We will discuss the difference between services in CPSE and CSE, as well as the purpose of an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Presented by the Mid-West Family and Community Engagement Center. For further information, please email cknaak@starbridgeinc.org or call 585-371-6742. Registration is required!

March 2026

Hope and How Conference 2026. March 10, 8:15am - Registration Opens ; 9:00am-3:00pm - Join us at Monroe Community Collegefor a day dedicated to advancing inclusion, empowerment, and lasting impact. The 2nd Hope and How Conference invites you to come with a lens of learning and building. Together, we will explore real-world strategies and share tools that infuse hope, bridge gaps, and create stronger pathways for individuals, families, and communities. Registration is required!

Testing Accommodations for Students with Disabilities. March 11, 12:00pm-1:00pm. This session was developed to promote the understanding and appropriate use of testing accommodations for students with disabilities. The material is intended to provide information related to the decision-making process and types of testing accommodations, as well as the documentation of appropriate accommodations on the individualized education program (IEP). Presented by the Mid-West Family & Community Engagement Center. For further information, please email cknaak@starbridgeinc.org or call 585-371-6742. Registration is required!

Community Events

January 2026

Person Centered Services - Transition Services Virtual Expo 2026. January 28, 5:30pm-8:00pm. Our transition expo gives families the opportunity to virtually connect with local providers who offer services supporting successful transition to adulthood for students with disabilities. This expo is intended for parents/caregivers of students ages 14-22 who receive special education services. It will take place for our entire service region, including the following counties: Allegany, Cattaraugus, Cayuga, Chautauqua, Chemung, Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Niagara, Ontario, Orleans, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne, Wyoming, Yates.

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Coming in the March 2026 issue:

Wrapping Up the School Year, Participating in the CSE, and Looking Forward to Summer

Share your thoughts and experiences with us! Email us at marketing@starbridgeinc.org

Follow Starbridge on Social Media for stories, resources, and ways to get involved.

Go Monroe - Get Where You Need to Be

School meetings, community & recreational events, even just going out as a family for fun…Go Monroe can help!

For Eligibility Requirements, please click on Go

Monroe (English version ) or Go Monroe (Spanish version)

jmay@starbridgeinc.org.

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