As parents of children with disabilities, life can often feel like a roller-coaster—full of highs, lows, and unexpected turns. While we’ve been very fortunate that our entire family has embraced our son, and that we live in a neighborhood that has gone above and beyond to include L in all activities, there have still beenContinueContinue reading “SD # 21: Creating a “Circle of Care”: Support Networks for Families in Participant-Directed Services”
Tag Archives: Special Education
SD #20: Setting Up the “Business Side” of a Participant Directed Program
Once your Participant Directed Program (PDP) has been approved, the next step is to set up the “business side” of the program. This part may sound intimidating at first, but with the right tools and support, it becomes manageable — and even empowering. For detailed guidance, be sure to reference the PDP Toolkit and theContinueContinue reading “SD #20: Setting Up the “Business Side” of a Participant Directed Program”
Transition 101 #13: Back-to-School Transition Planning Review
It’s September, which means families everywhere are settling back into the rhythm of the school year. This is the perfect time to pause and do a “back-to-school transition planning review.” Keeping track of key dates and requirements now will save you stress later—and help ensure that your teen or young adult with disabilities stays onContinueContinue reading “Transition 101 #13: Back-to-School Transition Planning Review”
SD #18: Exploring the Transition Binder in Unique Learning System—and How It Can Benefit Your Program
As families build Participant Directed Programs for their young adults, one of the biggest questions is: How do we find the right tools and curriculum to support our child’s goals? In our son L’s case, two of his priorities identified in his person-centered plan were moving out of our home and finding employment. To helpContinueContinue reading “SD #18: Exploring the Transition Binder in Unique Learning System—and How It Can Benefit Your Program”
Transition 101 #12: Updated DESE Graduation Requirements — What This Means for Your Student
In July 2025, the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) released Special Education Policy Memo SY2025-2026 — 2: Graduation and Transition Planning for Students with IEPs. For many parents of teens or young adults with disabilities, this memo raises important questions about how and when their child graduates, and how it impacts ongoingContinueContinue reading “Transition 101 #12: Updated DESE Graduation Requirements — What This Means for Your Student”
#Life Without a Filter 