For parents and caregivers who have children with disabilities
We all have fears and anxieties for our children when they embark on a new stage of life. For parents and caregivers who have a child with a disability, those feelings can be even more pronounced. But whether starting at a new school or returning for the new school year, planning ahead and being prepared can make a huge difference for our children with disabilities.
We have compiled some resources that can help you and your family plan for every stage of their journey.
myBooklet BC
MyBooklet BC is A FREE online tool that families and people with disabilities can use to create a beautiful and personalized information booklet for a loved one or for themselves.
Early learning toolkit – for families/caregivers with a child with a disability aged 2 to 10
P4P Planning Network
We all share the same dream for our children—a life filled with friends, joy and opportunities. As a parent of a child with a disability, you already have a lot on your plate. But there are things you can do NOW that will make a huge impact on your child’s future. The Early Planning Toolkit will get you started.
Transitioning into Highschool – Toolkit for Families
P4P Planning Network
Starting high school is a big step on a young person’s journey to adulthood. It’s an exciting time of personal growth, new discoveries, and opportunity. As a family member of a student with a disability, you have an important role to play in their success. We’ve put together some important things that you can do NOW to make this change, in your teen’s life a smooth transition. This toolkit will help you get started.
Planning for Beyond Graduation Toolkit
P4P Planning Network
The transition to adulthood can be an overwhelming phase in a young person’s life. There are many things that need to be done to prepare for life beyond graduation. It’s never too early to get started!
This toolkit can help you get a head start. It shows you how to use your time wisely, to think critically and make smart choices so you and your loved one are more in control of what comes next. This period in your child’s life holds so many possibilities and there are so many opportunities to start building a good life beyond graduation.
8 Things I Wish I’d Known When My Son With Special Needs Started School
By Alexandra Samual
An oldie but a goodie, This may have been written in 2015 but it is still very helpful today. Alexandra has contributed to our blog in the past and is a CBC tech columnist. She lives with her family in Vancouver.
Back to School during COVID-19 Resources
Autism Community Training (ACT)
Parents of students with diverse needs, including autism, have been very concerned at the start of the new school year in British Columbia. The lack of concrete information from the Ministry of Education has contributed to the uncertainty. The pandemic has left many families confused as to how to best support their child’s learning needs while keeping them and their families healthy. ACT has gathered resources below which we hope will be of assistance to families, and the professionals who support them.
Preschool Transitions – Preparing for Change Together
Family Support Institute
This workshop is designed for both parents and professionals to learn new tools and strategies for sound planning during any transition years.
Growing Up – Planning for a full and meaningful life
P4P Planning Network
Planning the best possible life for your child with a disability means challenging yourself to be proactive and to ‘think differently’ at every age and stage. The purpose of this booklet is to encourage conversations and questions that assist in forming a strong foundation for planning
If you have any resources you’d like us to add to the list, please email bkent@planinstitute.ca.