April 2020
E-Newsletter
Events, Information and Resources from Family Voices of MN
Resources, information and other parents who understand what you are going through
We Need Your Input!
Family Voices of Minnesota is conducting a short survey of families whose children, youth or young adults have disabilities, chronic health conditions, mental health conditions or require other types of extra supports and services. Participants can choose to be entered into a drawing for two $25 Target gift cards upon completion.
How Are You Coping?

We are here to take your calls, emails, texts or web chats.
And please join us for our upcoming virtual networking groups !

All Family Voices of MN staff and volunteers are parents of children with special health needs and disabilities. We understand what you're going through.

Emergency Planning Tools
As parents of medically complex kids we need to be vigilent in our preparations to assure our child's care in the event that we or they become ill. This excellent article from complexchild.org details ways we can prepare. The article includes links to the important Emergency Information Form for Children with Special Health Care Needs . Read this today!

Important Links

Disability Advocacy and COVID-19 The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) covers resources and actions advocates can take to support people with disabilities’ needs and concerns so they are adequately addressed in COVID-19 efforts. Note that these efforts are in collaboration with hundreds of advocacy organizations around the United States!

Resources for Families Whose Children Are Home From School Check out our growing list of resources and activities for families.

Essential Services During COVID-19 Get information on essential services.

Virtual Groups Continue to Connect Parents and Provide Community
Last week, in the Journaling for Self-Care group, writing instructor and certified journaling facilitator, Brenda Hudson, prompted parents to write a conscious act of kindness to ourselves. It was one of a handful of powerful writing prompts that helped parents release and connect. Join us in May for another great journaling group.
For over a year, Parent Support Navigator, Jess Randall, has been bringing parents together virtually. April's Virtual Parent Group had a great conversation about COVID-19, virtual visits, and distance learning. They discussed neurospsych evaluations, genetic testing, and briefly touched on SMRT and TEFRA. Join other parents for connection, laughter and shared resources in one of our many growing parent groups.
NEW! Virtual Community Coffee Break
We are missing those quick chats in waiting rooms with other parents, hallways with teachers and the comforts of an in-person doctor's visit. Grab a cup of coffee and connect with parents, educators, providers, advocates and others involved in the care of children and youth with special health needs and disabilities. Join us for some casual conversation and to be connected.