Greetings to our VFN Family and Friends.

The recent floods in Vermont have highlighted the strength and resilience of its people when they come together. The flooding on July 10th has affected families, businesses, and individuals throughout the state. Vermont Family Network remains committed to its mission of empowering families, even in the face of this devastating event. At Vermont Family Network, we want families to be aware that they can rely on us for support and information about resources during this difficult time. We understand that the effects of this flood will not be resolved quickly, and individuals, families, children, and youth who have special health needs or disabilities and are vulnerable to harmful and unsafe conditions may need extra help. We are here to support. For my Executive Director report this month, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on the week of July 10^th and what I experienced in my community which may resonate with our readers.

I was in Waterbury Village when the flooding began. There was a lot of angst in Waterbury since many neighbors had experienced the flood levels of Irene, and that Monday, people began checking in on each other and keeping vigilant. We woke up on Tuesday to find a large portion of the village underwater. I am on higher ground, but the brook ¼ mile away had flooded up the street, meandering through homes and yards so that I could almost claim I had waterfront property. The water was not as high as Irene, but it was still and would not recede. Irene had about 12 hours of rainfall compared to the July 10^th flooding, which saw 48 hours of rainfall. Walking through the community that morning was devastating…friends using kayaks to get through the streets to rescue what they could from basements and first floors. People were stunned…but just for a while.

My Waterbury community sprang into action. Everyday citizens rose as leaders and began to take care of each other. Volunteers emerged from everywhere and the town in a quick, coordinated effort leapt into action with every neighbor and business coming forth to help and support each other. It was truly a magical moment of Vermont Strong and gave me the joy that some people experience (okay – ME!) when they watch a Hallmark movie; where a small town faces adversity together and leans in on each other during recovery. Everything from stocking food pantries to creating makeshift childcare centers to bucket brigades, and massive shoveling of sludge – the town rallied and smiled through the devastation. We had our health and our lives. We felt the support of the entire state. I was proud to be part of a caring, connected, community. I saw a town that modeled the tenets of Vermont Family Network – a strong start, lifting family voices, and advancing inclusion of all people. See more here...

From the heart,

Jacqui

Vermont Leadership Series Coming Soon!

The Vermont Leadership Series training consists of three in-person weekend sessions across the State starting in November. In this immersive training, you will learn how to become an effective advocate for those with a federally defined developmental disability. There are three sessions, each led by one of the participating organizations: Green Mountain Self Advocates, The Vermont Developmental Disabilities Council and Vermont Family Network. You will learn about the Disability Rights movement, how to craft your story, and how to cultivate relationships with policy makers. If your application is approved, you will be among a distinct cohort of about 20 other family members and self-advocates who share your passion for advocacy.

We strive to make the environment as supportive and inclusive as possible. You will gain new skills, learn about systems change and about being a leader. You will also have a lot of fun, while making new friends and connections with other community leaders. While the emphasis of the training is legislative advocacy, the skills learned are transferable to other settings. Over 100 Vermonters have already graduated from the Vermont Leadership Series. Is this the year you will make the commitment toward being an advocate for system change? Send an email to Joanne.Wechsler@vtfn.org today with your interest in joining the 2024 Vermont Leadership Series cohort. The deadline to apply is September 22, 2023.

Home Study for Children with Disabilities

Children with disabilities who are home schooled are not entitled to special education services. A school may, however, provide special education services to home schoolers through a Services Plan. If your child participates in a class at the public school and needs supports or services to access the class, then your child may have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for that class. Contact the school Director of Student Support Services to discuss the Services plan or IEP. Bill H-0461, which was signed this summer, simplifies the home study process. Parents will have to attest to, but no longer be required to submit, a minimum course of study, end of year assessments or adaptations to AOE.



If you have questions about home schooling your child with a disability, contact the VFN helpline at 802-876-5315 or info@vtfn.org.

New! Translated Genetic Videos

VFN recently partnered with the New England Regional Genetics Network, Vermont Language Justice and Dr. Andrea Green to create a series of videos about genetics. VT Language Justice and VFN’s own Bidur Rai helped to translate the videos into Arabic, French, Mandarin, Nepali, Somali and Spanish. The videos provide information about different genetic topics, including ‘What is Genetics”, “What Can We Learn from Genetics” and “What to Expect at a Genetic Appointment”. The videos provide easy to understand information about genetic terminology, why a family might meet with a genetics doctor and what types of questions and exams might be done at a genetics appointment.  The videos can be found on the VFN YouTube channel. Please reach out to VFN at info@vtfn.org or 802-876-5315 if you would like to speak to a Genetic Navigator or have any other questions regarding genetics and your family.

Sibshops!

Calling all Sibs! We are gearing up to start a brand new Sibshops Year!

Did you know that after a child is diagnosed with a special health care need or disability, a sibling’s experiences parallel the parents’ experiences? That is why including brothers and sisters is so important and it’s why VFN runs monthly Sibshops throughout the school year.

Sibshops began nationally in 1982; learn more about the history of Sibshops here. Sibshops are fun activities for children ages 8 to 13 who have a brother or sister with a disability or special health care need. They provide an opportunity to connect, share a snack, and discuss the ups and downs of being a “sib,” all while doing a fun activity. All events are facilitated by trained Sibshops Facilitators with the help of a few volunteers.

From a pumpkin patch to a climbing wall, painting and hot cocoa to reptiles, we have planned many fun and exciting outings and activities this year. We even have a community service project planned for our sibs. Check out our Activities Description to see what, where, and when each Sibshop will be.

If your child wants to join us this year, please fill out our Sibshop Registration Form. If you are not ready to commit but want to keep a pulse on our activities and updates for the year, you can email mindy.deibler@vtfn.org to be added to our Sibshops email distribution list. We will be hosting a Parent Information Session during the first 10 minutes of our Sibshops Kick-Off event on Saturday, September 16 at 1 p.m. at the Essex Teen Center (2 Lincoln Street, Second Floor, Essex Junction). Join us to meet the Sibshops Team, learn more about the structure of Sibshops, and ask any questions that you may have.

We look forward to seeing our Super Sibs soon!

Family Voices Magazine

Family Voices launched the first issue of Family Voices En Español! The magazine can be found online in both Spanish and English and was developed in collaboration with family leaders in our network. VFN receives technical assistance such as professional development, trainings, as well as regional and national information from Family Voices.

News From the Puppets -

What Does a PiE Summer Look Like?

It’s no surprise that September through May is the busiest season for the Puppets in Education team. So, when summer finally comes around, we do our best to enjoy it! But that doesn’t mean we spend all our time on the beach.

Summers are a great time for us to slow down and spend quality time with our scripts and programs. We take a good look at all the feedback we received over the school year and apply it to our programming, making sure that we stay up to date on the latest research and school needs. We also take the opportunity to make sure our gear is in good working order, write grants and grants reports, and attend to all the other administrative work that is tough to do during the school year.

But don’t worry – we still have fun! Program Manager Sarah Vogelsang-Card can often be found with her family at the ocean. Curriculum Developer Karen Sharpwolf has been enjoying her yoga practice and family visits, while Master Puppeteer Kate Williams has been focusing on volunteer work with The Safety Team. Master Puppeteer Jon Van Luling just returned from a trip to The Netherlands with his family. And the puppets? They’re doing their best to enjoy the sunshine!

We are already booking fall shows, so if you are interested in having us come to your school, please email Sarah Vogelsang-Card at sarah.vogelsang-card@vtfn.org.

Parent Match Program

News You Can Use!

Support Parent Trainings:

(These Zoom meetings comprise Part 2 of the Support Parent Training. Please complete the Support Parent Volunteer Application if you are interested in becoming a trained Support Parent and to receive Part 1 of the training.)

2023

• Thursday, October 19, 12-2:00 p.m. OR
• Tuesday, October 24, 6-8:00 p.m.

2024

• Wednesday, January 17, 12-2:00 p.m. OR
• Tuesday, January 23, 6-8:00 p.m.

Trained Support Parent Gatherings:

(Virtual format - Zoom link will be sent out to trained support parents closer to the date)



2023

• Tuesday, November 14, 6-7:00 p.m.

2024

• Wednesday, February 7, 6-7:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, May 7, 6-7:00 p.m.

If you have questions, contact Mindy Deibler at mindy.deibler@vtfn.org.

The end of summer is fast approaching, which means that the new school year is just around the corner. Before your kids head back to school, help them enjoy the last few weeks of the summer season!

Try these fun activities for summer memories that will last throughout the year. Paint white sneakers, decorate your sidewalks with chalk, make your own trail mix, get cool with a make-your-own sundae bar for dinner, bake cookies and enjoy eating them with your children, write and mail letters to friends, family or the elderly, throw a fancy tea party, decorate lunch bags, create sock puppets and have a show, or throw a back-to-school bash!

Free Workshops

August 14 at 11:00 a.m. Register for HireAbility Vermont Services for Youth with Hearing Loss - Core Transition Services and Regional Counselor for the Deaf Services

The goal of this workshop is to help families figure out which services are appropriate for their child once they matriculate to high school. HireAbility VT will outline the difference between the two programs and how they work together to best support the high school student with hearing loss. At the end of the presentation, parents will have a better understanding of the types of supports that are available while in high school and how those supports change and expand after graduation.

Presenters from HireAbility VT: Kate Parrish - Coordinator and Counselor of Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing Services, Joey Dutson - Vocational Counselor for the Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing and Kara Haynes - Transition Program Manager

September 21 at 1:00 p.m. Register for "Understanding When and How to Give Public Comment on the Medicaid Rules that Impact Your Family"

This workshop will explain the rulemaking process that state agencies must follow to create or change regulations, what Public Comment is and what role it plays in the rulemaking process, where to find out when Medicaid Rules are open for Public Comment, how to write and submit your comments, and how public comments are considered in the rulemaking process.

Presenter: Rachel Seelig (she, her), Esq. - Director of the Disability Law Project at Vermont Legal Aid

September 28 at 1:00 p.m. Register for "What Every Parent Needs to Know About Learning to Read"

Learning to read is a complex process that does not come easily for many children. This workshop will provide you with a basic understanding of how the human brain learns to read. Parents and caregivers interested in learning more about reading development will leave with a better understanding of what to expect as their child learns to read, signs of early reading trouble, and how to support them when they struggle.

Presenters: Abby Roy, M.A., NCSP, CAGS, A/OGA - nationally certified school psychologist and evaluator at the Stern Center for Language and Learning in Williston, VT and Nicole Chick M.S.Ed, CAS Remedial Reading, AIT/OGA - Founder of Early Literacy Labs, a private literacy instruction and consulting company located in Waitsfield, VT and adjunct professor at Norwich University.

If you are unable to attend, you can still register and we’ll send you a recording of the workshop which you can watch on your own time.

In case you missed our last series of workshops, you can find a full list on our VFN website. Stay tuned as we add more workshops to our fall schedule!

We save workshops on our website and YouTube channel.