Carissa Garabedian, Author at KnowDifferent.net

SOAR365 Volunteer News & Updates

June 3, 2020 By Carissa Garabedian

Since the pandemic began in early March, SOAR365’s top priority has been to protect the health and well-being of our clients, staff, and volunteers, and all decisions made regarding our programs, services, and activities have been guided by that priority. Now that businesses and organizations across the Commonwealth are starting to reopen, we want to hear your thoughts about this re-entry process! SOAR365 has a task force working right now on a reopening plan that will be thoughtful, slow, and cautious, and your feedback can ensure that we are covering all bases. Whether you are an active or potential volunteer, your opinions and observations can give us a better understanding about what policies & protocols need to be in place in order for you to feel comfortable and safe as you resume your service or consider a new opportunity.

Cameron K. Gallagher Foundation Zoom: Questions about Parenting During the Pandemic

June 2, 2020 By Carissa Garabedian

Questions about Parenting During the Pandemic?
You are not alone.
Ashley Morgan Soukup, MA, LMFT leads Conversations with CKG.
Join our Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87531776581
Cut and paste link in browser.

RAIN’s Virtual Programming , Week Of June 1, 2020

June 2, 2020 By Carissa Garabedian

RAIN’s Weekly Virtual Events

June 1, 2020 By Carissa Garabedian

June’s Here ..

June 1, 2020 By Carissa Garabedian

Have you been counting how many days we have been home? I think it is 80?! I did start counting and then stopped and started again, so I am not sure. What I am sure of is that life can feel a little heavy and hard right now. A pandemic within a pandemic and for most of us on this site, managing a loved one with special needs. How do we do it? I do not have the “right” answer, as each of us will find the way that works best for us. What I can remind you of, is this:

PEATC Summer 2020 Transition University Virtual Training

June 1, 2020 By Carissa Garabedian

Transition University will offer a 5-session self-paced online series to help parents/guardians navigate the transition process for their school age child and prepare for the adult world.

Life is full of transitions. For families of children with disabilities thinking about the future can bring mixed emotions. Some families are just trying to make it through day-to-day challenges and might not feel they have the energy to think about what happens after high school. Others may want to plan for that transition, but are confused by unfamiliar language, complex steps, and the many agencies that may be involved in adult services.
Join us for this FREE 5-week SELF-PACED online course that focuses on providing parent-friendly transition information to help make transition planning easier. This course is designed for parents/caregivers of elementary, middle or high school students that receive special education services, but is open to everyone. The goal is to share factual information on transition services and to help make the transition from school services to the adult services world less confusing.
Topics covered in this course will include:
-What is Transition and Why is it Important?
-Transition Services in the IEP
-Supported Decision Making, Power of Attorney, Guardianship and Age of Majority
-Future planning including Special Needs Trusts, ABLE accounts and Letters of Intent
-Transitioning into Independent Living (employment, further education, housing, etc.)
-Connecting to Your Community and to Adult Services
– and much more!
The course begins June 7, 2020 and will be open until July 20, 2020.
Each session will open on Sunday and be open the remainder of the course.
Sessions contain video content, written content, discussion opportunities and resources.

VCU ACE Lunch & Learn June 4, 2020 , Communication Strategies

June 1, 2020 By Carissa Garabedian

VCU-ACE hopes that you and your families are staying healthy and safe. We just finished our 7th Lunch & Learn and are thrilled with the participation from families, friends, service providers, and self-advocates. We will continue to bring these to you weekly! You can register each week at https://vcuautismcenter.org/te/lunchandlearn.cfm . If you would like to share the post-cards with others they are attached for the entire month of June.

VCU-ACE Lunch & Learn June 11 . Why On Earth Does My Child Do That ? Free Zoom

June 1, 2020 By Carissa Garabedian

Aveanna Is Here For You and has Immediate openings

June 1, 2020 By Carissa Garabedian

Aveanna knows how important it is to take all of the measures they can to ensure the safety of their families at all times, especially during COVID. They have put in place extra safety measures, and are still offering telehealth therapy and ABA sessions, in addition to normal face-to-face options. They have immediate availability to schedule evaluations for any families interested in our services.

I’m Determined Youth Summit Sharing Some Of the Schdule

June 1, 2020 By Carissa Garabedian

Everyone is invited to join us at the I’m Determined Parent Summit this year – from the comfort of your own home.
No registration required. The virtual experience is being offered June 8-12.

This year’s youth sessions will be focusing on some of these elements, so come ready to learn about them, and also practice these skills! We’ve heard Delaware will be there…what other states will be represented? Comment below where you will be joining from.

Learn more here