Resources for Families
Learn How to Navigate the Special Education System
Let’s face it: navigating the special education system is complicated—and not just for families who are new to it.
Although federal laws describe the services and supports available to students with disabilities, it is not always easy for parents and school staff to come together and agree on appropriate educational services for every student.
No matter your role in education advocacy, The Arc@School’s Advocacy Curriculum is here to help.
Through the curriculum’s online training modules, you will learn about early intervention, IDEA, IEPs, and more—giving you the tools to confidently advocate for the rights of the students with disabilities in YOUR village.
If you’re ready to expand your knowledge and fortify your advocacy to make sure students get the best education they can, check out The Arc@School’s Advocacy Curriculum today!
The Arc’s Center for Future Planning
The Arc’s Center for Future Planning is for parents, guardians, and people with disabilities find the resources to help you, your family, or those you support start building a plan for the future.
When you think about the future, it is important to plan for how you will make decisions throughout your life
People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) make many decisions. These decisions affect every part of daily life, including buying things they need, managing a budget, and talking with doctors about health care. It is very important to plan for how decisions are made and update this plan regularly. This way, everyone can make the decisions they want.
We encourage you to explore the following resources as you start to think about what your plan might look like.
· Get tips on how to start planning
We also recommend watching this video to learn more about why future planning is important, what’s included in a future plan, and how to get started.
Planning ahead provides peace of mind.
Parent Learning Series
The Arc of the Quad Cities Area is hosting a Parent Learning Series focused on providing the tools parents of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities need to be the most effective. Attendees will learn how to create and protect the life you wish for your child, sibling, or loved one.
The series is part of an initiative to provide increased services to families in order to deepen the number of resources and connections for local families that include people disabilities. We couldn’t be more proud to provide these opportunities for parents and caregivers to expand their knowledge base and obtain the resources they need to more effective now and in the future.
If you weren’t able to make it, click below to see a recording of our Zoom session
Fall 2023 Parent Learning Series
Learn About Guardianship with Timothy Gulbranson
Fall 2023 Parent Learning Series
Bringing you Protected Tomorrows: The ABLE Act
Spring 2023 Parent Learning Series
It’s Never Too Early to Start Planning & Setting Up a Special Needs Trust
Spring 2022 Parent Learning Series
High School Transitions- Illinois
Materials from High School Transitions – Illinois session
LEARN MORE: The Fall 2021 Parent Learning Series
Trust vs. Able
Guardianship vs. Powers of Attorney
Protecting Your Special Needs Child or Adult
How to Plan for the Future/How to Take the First Step
Check out past learning series programming
Retiring for Three- A Family Affair
Person Centered Planning
Charting the Journey
The Arc promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and
developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community
throughout their lifetimes.