October 2025

Welcome to

AJE's Health Justice Project Newsletter!

As the federal government shutdown continues, its ripple effects are being felt deeply across the District, particularly among families with loved ones serving as unpaid essential workers. The economic toll has been devastating for many, especially for families raising children with disabilities and special healthcare needs.

Yet, in the midst of uncertainty and growing anxiety, Team AJE remains steadfast and inspired. Guided by our north star to educate, advocate, and empower, we continue to advance parent and youth leadership through our Health Justice Project and AJE's comprehensive service offerings, including legal and non-legal support, training and technical assistance, and systemic advocacy.

September was also a month of action and connection. We distributed 50 First Day Wellness Packages at five community sites across four target wards, continued building momentum in coalitions and strategic partnerships, and proudly onboarded nine new Parent Ambassadors into our Community Health Leadership Track. Engagement remains strong in our bi-monthly Community Health Advisory Panel (CHAP) meetings, where families and partners collaborate to strengthen DC’s systems of care.



As we continue to prioritize mutual aid, safety planning, and wellness for families of all ages, stages, and abilities, AJE remains grounded in hope for a future where healthcare is not only accessible but also recognized, protected, and legislated as a fundamental human right.

About the Health Justice Project

The Health Justice Project works so that DC’s CYSHCN and their families have the tools, rights, and support to live healthy, self-determined lives. We’re here to help families, especially in underrepresented communities, learn how to:

• Partner effectively with doctors and healthcare providers

• Understand their healthcare rights

• Secure support for their children in schools and communities



• Raise their voices for needed changes in healthcare systems

Community Resource of the Month

For DC families of children and youth with disabilities and special health care needs who are impacted by the federal government shutdown that started on October 1st and is still ongoing, check out this post that highlights organizational resources in DC that offer support to help bridge the gap during these tough times, and important steps directly impacted family leaders can take right now to protect themselves and their loved ones.

Community Health Advisory Panelist Spotlight

Each month, we highlight a member of the Community Health Advisory Panel (CHAP), honoring their contributions to strengthening DC’s systems of care for children and youth with disabilities and special healthcare needs (CYSHCN) and their families.

This month, we are proud to feature Lei-Sea Sky. Lei-Sea serves as the Government Relations Manager at the DC Mayor’s Office of Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing (MODDHH). Originally hailing from Honolulu, Hawaii, she has studied internationally as well as in various locations across the United States. A recent graduate with a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington, Ms. Sky also received minors in American Sign Language & Deaf Studies, Diversity Studies, Global Studies, and Political Science. Additionally, her experiences as a Deaf woman have endowed her with unique perspectives and a fervent commitment to justice and equity. In her role at MODDHH, Ms. Sky leverages her expertise to oversee policy implementation and leads communications accessibility compliance procedures for government agencies in the District of Columbia.

Parent Ambassadors Program Updates

The Parent Ambassadors Program promotes leadership development for veteran family leaders who have experience navigating the DC systems of care for children and youth with disabilities and special healthcare needs. Our primary goal of the Project is to improve education and healthcare outcomes for children and youth through parent-led advocacy efforts in collaboration with key stakeholders in the DC systems of care and policy decision-makers. Each month, we will share updates of the three leadership tracks of the Parent Ambassador Program, which include: Parent Cafe Leaders, Community Health Leaders, and School-Based Leaders.

Addressing Chronic Absenteeism and Truancy in DC Schools: Criminalization or Restoration?

Chronic absenteeism in DC schools is not just an education issue; it’s a public health concern. As highlighted in the Council hearing, many absences are driven by untreated health conditions, unaddressed mental health needs, and the lack of accessible, trauma-informed services in schools. For CYSHCN and their families, inconsistent access to medical supports or school-based accommodations deepens the cycle of disengagement and mistrust. The absence of coordinated care between families, schools, and healthcare providers leaves vulnerable students navigating systems in crisis rather than systems of care. Addressing absenteeism, therefore, requires integrating health equity strategies, ensuring every child has access to consistent healthcare, counseling, and safe environments that promote both learning and well-being.

While there is broad agreement on strategies to improve attendance, stakeholders noted several challenges. Data collection and reporting remain fragmented across agencies, delaying timely interventions. School leadership and staffing constraints can limit the effectiveness of attendance liaisons and case management programs. Transportation and scheduling barriers, particularly for students attending out-of-boundary schools, remain persistent obstacles. Families facing economic hardship often cannot prioritize attendance without systemic support for childcare, safe transit, and academic enrichment.

Furthermore, certain disciplinary practices, such as denying students access to school events due to absences or behavior, inadvertently discourage engagement. Expert educators like Scott Goldstein of EmpowerEd have advocated for positive incentives rather than punitive measures, emphasizing the importance of fostering a supportive school culture.

To read the blog piece, click here.

About AJE:



Advocates for Justice and Education is the federally designated Parent Training and Information Center and the Health Information Center for DC. AJE seeks to empower families, youth, and the community to be effective advocates to ensure that children and youth, particularly those who have special needs, receive access to appropriate education and health services.

Our passion is empowering families by equipping parents and students with disabilities with the tools they need to be their own advocates.

Have questions? We are here to educate, advocate and empower. Contact us today!