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"Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning.”
~ Albert Einstein
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Welcome to the November edition of the Buzz from the Hub! It’s hard to believe the year is almost coming to a close. This has been a time of change and uncertainty for many, but as the holidays arrive, we hope you’re able to slow down, spend time with loved ones, and focus on what brings you joy. This month’s newsletter begins with a featured resource highlighting supports available to families during the holiday season. As always, you’ll also find helpful resources for every stage of life, from early childhood through young adulthood and beyond.
In this issue of the Buzz from the Hub you’ll find the following resources:
- Could Assistive Technology Help Your Child?
- U.S. Department of Education Announces Release of Record $500 Million for Charter Schools Programs
- Resources for Your Teen, from 14 to 21 Years: Overview
- Supported Decision Making
- Cultivating Leadership: Mentoring Youth with Disabilities
Finally, don’t miss the virtual events scheduled in November and December in the Upcoming Events section.
Best wishes and happy reading,
The CPIR Team
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Holiday Overwhelm: Resources for Families and Providers
The holiday season is often filled with joy, but it can also bring added stress and overwhelm for many families. In this blog post, the California Training Institute (CalTrin) provides resources available to help parents and caregivers manage their stress as well as information on organizations that provide assistance to families.
Read the blogpost here.
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Could Assistive Technology Help Your Child?
This article explains how assistive technology (AT) can be valuable for providing immediate support while other services or therapies are still being explored and implemented. AT can range from simple tools like picture schedules or stress balls to advanced text-to-speech software and can help children who struggle with communication, sensory regulation, learning, or social interaction, even before a formal diagnosis.
Read the article here.
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U.S. Department of Education Announces Release of Record $500 Million for Charter Schools Programs
In case you missed the announcement, the U.S. Department of Education announced the release of 500 million dollars for charter school programs. The Department will award an additional $51.7 million in supplemental funding to existing State Entity grantees to support the creation or expansion of charter schools focused on civics education; career and technical education; and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, among other innovative charter school models.
Read the announcement here.
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Resources for Your Teen, from 14 to 21 Years: Overview
The article from Informing Families outlines key resources and steps for supporting youth ages 14-21 as they prepare for adult life. It focuses on early transition planning, building independent living and employment skills, and leveraging school-based services before they end at age 21.
Read the article here.
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Supported Decision Making
When a young person with a disability reaches the “age of majority,” their legal rights shift from their parents to them. This means they begin making their own decisions about things like school, health care, and finances. Many young adults benefit from support when making decisions, and there are options and resources available to help. This page provides resources to guide families and youth through this transition.
Explore the resources here.
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Cultivating Leadership: Mentoring Youth with Disabilities
This page from the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) outlines how mentoring can play a vital role in supporting youth with disabilities by developing leadership, interpersonal, and career-readiness skills. It also highlights the research-backed benefits of mentoring (such as improved academic outcomes, self-confidence, and work-transition success) and identifies characteristics of effective mentoring relationships.
Access the page here.
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Furthering Disability Rights and Patient Advocacy with Dr. Ann Deschamps
Join this FISA Foundation webinar with Dr. Ann Deschamps, Vice President of TransCen Inc. and Director of the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center, and Dr. Josie Badger, for Furthering Disability Rights and Patient Advocacy: The Role of the ADA in Healthcare. This lunch and learn will explore how healthcare systems, providers, and advocates can improve accessibility, uphold patient rights, and navigate the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Learn about common accessibility requirements, practical steps for advocating when rights aren’t met, and key ADA Center resources to support patients, providers, and advocates in creating more inclusive, equitable healthcare.
When: Thursday, November 13, 2025
Time: 12 pm ET
Register here.
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From Intention to Impact: Implementing the Adult Ally Toolkit
Join Erin Black and Michael Scanlon for a practical walk-through of the Adult Ally Toolkit—a resource created to strengthen youth–adult partnerships and elevate youth voice in everyday practice. Learn how to launch the toolkit in your program and adapt its tools, stories, and podcasts to support meaningful youth engagement across your organization. This session includes a rapid tour of the final product and practical next steps for using the Adult Ally Toolkit as the powerful conversation starter and implementation tool it’s designed to be.
When: Monday, December 15th, 2025
Time: 2 pm ET
Register Here!
*ASL interpretation & Spanish interpretation will be offered!
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Publication of this e-Newsletter is made possible through Cooperative Agreement H328R230009 between OSEP and the SPAN Parent Advocacy Network (SPAN). The contents do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Department of Education, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government or by the Center for Parent Information and Resources.
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The Center for Parent Information & Resources at SPAN | 570 Broad Street, Suite 702, Newark, NJ 07102
800-654-7726 | parentcenterhub.org
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