Greetings to our VFN Family and Friends.

We are thrilled to welcome Kate Bove as the keynote speaker for this year’s annual conference, “Navigating Transition: Empowering Journeys of Change.” Since graduating from Mount Mansfield Union High School in 2007, Kate has navigated many different facets of the transition to adulthood, including post-secondary education, employment, housing, recreation, community, and self-advocacy. 

Kate grew up in Jericho, Vermont and attended schools in the Mount Mansfield Unified Union School District, graduating from high school in June 2007. After high school, Kate attended the Center for Advancement of Post-Secondary Studies (CAPS) program in Armenia, NY and the Succeed Program at the University of Vermont. 

Kate currently works in Dining Services at St. Michael’s College and volunteers at the Family Room. When she is not working or volunteering, Kate takes swimming and piano lessons, participates in Special Olympics, and attends the Unitarian Universalist Church. Kate also attends Zeno Mountain Farm, a camp for people with and without disabilities. Kate says her family is her greatest support system, helping her navigate many different transitions throughout her life. 

Kate has valuable insights to share with families, professionals and other youth about the importance of learning how to use your voice, having high expectations for people with disabilities, and incorporating a healthy dose of whimsy and fun into your day. One of Kate’s favorite quotes is the Special Olympics motto: “Let me win, but if I can’t win, let me be brave in the attempt.” 

We hope you will join us in-person to hear more of Kate’s story and enjoy our engaging workshops at our conference this year. Registration closes March 23^rd.

From the heart,

Michelle Kessler

Interim Executive Director

Registration Closes March 23rd!

VFN Annual Conference - April 8, 2025

"Navigating Transition:

Empowering Journeys of Change"

Our 2025 Annual Conference "Navigating Transition: Empowering Journeys of Change"

will be held in-person on April 8

at the University of Vermont

Dudley H. Davis Center

from 9:00 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.

Registration will close on Sunday, March 23rd!

This year’s conference will focus on the intersections of education and health for children/youth with disabilities or special health needs. Health and educational professionals will engage in collaborative activities with families and youth as they examine the challenges during critical transitions throughout a child’s developmental journey.

Participants can attend interactive workshops on topics including:

• Person-Centered Financial Planning
• The Transition from Pediatrics to Adulthood
• Care Coordination 101
• Strengthening Partnerships within the Transition Team
• Transitioning from Adolescent to Adult Mental Health Services
• Youth Panel

This conference promises to equip attendees with practical knowledge and essential tools through expert speakers, interactive workshops, and invaluable networking opportunities. The VFN conference aims to empower families and children/youth with disabilities or special health needs navigate their individual paths toward a brighter future.

Visit our 2025 Annual Conference page for all the details!

Grant Funds Available!

Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism

Vermont Family Network is pleased to announce that we have received a $10,000 grant from the Doug Flutie Jr., Foundation for Autism. Families who have children (from birth to age 22) with an autism diagnosis may request up to $200 for needed equipment, respite, camp, therapies, emergency childcare, or to attend a conference related to their child's diagnosis.



We encourage families from rural areas (e.g. Bennington, Essex, Orleans and Windham counties) to apply. One grant per household. We do receive many requests, and while we may be able to offer funding more than once to a family (not in the same year), our goal is to support as many families as possible, so first-time applicants will be prioritized. 



The Doug Flutie Jr., Foundation for Autism based in Framingham MA, awards grants annually through a competitive application and review process. The signature grants that the Flutie Foundation distributed this year support traditionally under-served, under-funded, culturally diverse communities reflected in the Foundation’s area of interest by providing a path for educational and vocational skills, supporting recreational and active lifestyles, and ensuring people with autism are safe, supported and informed.

Please visit Get Support to complete an application. If you have questions or need support in completing an application, please email laurel.sanborn@vtfn.org or call 802-876-5315.

VFN is Hiring!

Join our Family Support team

VFN is hiring for the following positions:

Family Support Consultant - Mental Health

Please submit your cover letter, which details how your qualifications match the needs of the position at Vermont Family Network, and a CV or resume via email michelle.kessler@vtfn.org.

Bullying and Harassment in Schools

Bullying happens when a child is ridiculed, humiliated or intimidated repeatedly. Harassment occurs when a student is bullied based on their disability, race, color, etc. These behaviors can look like: name-calling and insults, including those that happen in writing on social media, through email or texts, and threats of physical harm or actual harm.

VFN is part of a coalition of organizations who, in the fall of 2024, launched a storytelling project, Vermont Narratives for Change, to create connections, shed light on harassment, hazing and bullying in schools and ultimately to reduce these behaviors by advocating for positive change in schools. H. 130 “An act relating to expanding the membership and duties of the Advisory Council on Harassment, Hazing, and Bullying Prevention in Schools” is currently active this legislative session and an important part of strengthening state oversight and prevention efforts.

If you have any questions regarding schools’ obligations to protect students with disabilities who are harassed in school, please contact the VFN helpline at 802-876-5315 or info@vtfn.org.

VFN collaborates with the Larner College of Medicine and the College of Nursing and Health Sciences to provide opportunities for future healthcare providers to learn about family centered care directly from families. Members of VFN’s family faculty share their stories in panels as well as 1:1 with medical students.

This spring our family faculty members are busy hosting 3^rd year students during their pediatric rotation as well as sharing their stories to panels of nursing and health science students. Our family faculty participants receive a $50 stipend as well as paid parking and there are opportunities for in-person and virtual participation. If you are interested in learning more or becoming a member of our family faculty, reach out to Ashley at ashley.michaud@vtfn.org.

News from the Puppets

The Art of Being Resilient

The PiE team has been having a lot of conversations about resilience lately. It can mean different things to different people, but at the heart of it, resilience is “the capacity to withstand or recover quickly from difficulties.”

Over the years, we’ve seldom received direct requests for shows about resilience. What we have noticed is an increase in requests for shows about housing/food insecurities, healthy eating habits, disability awareness, abuse awareness, and bullying prevention. These are all topics that hint at deeper disparities that require us to delve into systemic socioeconomic and power imbalances that go far beyond a 35-minute puppet show and a song about kindness.

At the heart of all these shows is one question: “Can you help my students be more resilient?” The puppets team is looking at how we can answer that, and other difficult questions, like:

• How do kids get out of bed in the morning if they know someone in their life doesn’t accept something about who they are?
• Where can kids find their helpers? Find resources?
• What/where are the safe spaces in their community?
• How can kids find their inner resilience when external factors may be against them?

The PiE team is currently working on writing grants to help fund this new and exciting puppet program. We believe it is a critical topic in today’s world. We look forward to sharing more on this as we dig into research, development, and writing!

If your school has a need for our programming and is able to pay, please reach out to Karen at karen.sharpwolf@vtfn.org to discuss your options.

IEP Transition Planning

with Outside Agencies

Many young adults with disabilities will need employment and community supports and services in adulthood. IDEA entitlement to educational services is only in place until your child graduates from high school. It is therefore important for agencies and organizations that provide adult services to be invited to your child’s IEP meetings when the topic is transition to adulthood. While there is no specific timeline for when adult service organizations can become involved in the student’s transition planning, it is best to plan early. These partners can bring invaluable information for developing a meaningful person-centered transition. Sometimes, these agencies can provide services prior to graduation. Examples of partners are HireAbility, Developmental Disabilities Service Providers, and VT Council for Independent Living. 

Please contact our Family Support Consultants at Vermont Family Network at 802-876-5315 or info@vtfn.org if you have questions about the transition plan in your high schooler’s IEP. Check out VFN’s Transition Toolkit for Youth with Disabilities for more information.

Funding for Families

VFN has two respite funds available to families who are not currently receiving respite funding from other sources. Respite is a planned break for parents or caregivers, which allows time to spend with other children, to schedule necessary appointments, or to have an opportunity to rest and recharge.

The Vermont Family Network Family Support Fund is for Vermont families with children up to 21 years of age who have a chronic physical, medical, or developmental condition. This funding is for:

• Vermont residents from birth up to 21 years
• Have a chronic physical, medical, or developmental condition
• Requires health and related services of a type or amount beyond that required by children generally
• Children and families who earn at or less than 500% of the Federal Poverty Level

Eligible families may access up to $1,500.00 per grant year for both medically necessary expenses and for respite combined. The fund is last resort, meaning other resources would be explored first. This fund is made possible through a grant from the Vermont Department of Health Children with Special Health Needs program. Please call 802-876-5315 for more information.

Our Vermont Respite Support Program is for Vermont families with children up to 19 years of age who have a chronic physical, medical, mental, or developmental condition OR:

• are experiencing circumstances such as: homelessness, economic hardships, and/or DCF Family Services involvement
• are suspected of a diagnosis and waiting for an evaluation
• require health and related services of a type or amount beyond that required by children and youth generally

You may also be eligible if you are:

• a parent/caregiver with a disability that has a child (up to the age of 19) living at home
• a relative caregiver with a child(ren) living with them
• a parent/caregiver of an adopted child(ren)

Families may access up to $1000 per year through a voucher reimbursement process. This fund is made possible through a generous grant from the Vermont Department of Children and Families - Child Development Division. Please contact laurel.sanborn@vtfn.org for more information.

Sibshops

We’ve had a busy and fun Sibshop year so far with activities such as apple picking, serving the elderly by spending time creating crafts and playing games with them, Murmurations aerial dance, and snowshoeing with our younger group and bowling and games with our tween/teen group. 

We have a fantastic group of Sibs that enjoy getting together and spending time and supporting each other. We look forward to our upcoming Sibshops of rock climbing, mini-golf, bowling and our end-of-the-year celebration at Oakledge this summer.

To learn more about Sibshops, contact Laurel Sanborn at laurel.sanborn@vtfn.org or 802-876-5315.

Genetics Corner

Newborn screening in Vermont is a vital public health program that ensures early detection of serious but treatable conditions in infants. Shortly after birth, a few drops of blood are collected from a newborn’s heel and tested for a variety of genetic, metabolic, and endocrine disorders. This screening helps identify conditions such as cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, and congenital hypothyroidism before symptoms appear, allowing for early intervention and treatment.

The Vermont Department of Health oversees the newborn screening program in collaboration with the New England Newborn Screening Program at the University of Massachusetts Medical School who does the testing of samples. Your healthcare provider or someone from the newborn screening program will share the results and follow up with you. The state follows national guidelines and recommendations, regularly updating its screening panel to include disorders that meet public health criteria for early detection and treatment. The program also includes hearing screening and critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) screening to identify potential hearing loss or heart defects early in life. Baby's first test and The Newborn Screening Family Education Program both have helpful information for families!

It can be scary and overwhelming learning that the results of your newborn screening are abnormal or need additional testing. If you or a loved one need support at anytime during this process reach out to Ashley at 802-876-5315 or info@vtfn.org.

Wellness Window

Spring Transitions &

Nature's Healing Touch

As spring arrives, families caring for children with special health care needs often navigate unique challenges caused by seasonal changes. Nature can be a powerful ally during these transitions, even when children are spending time indoors.

Simple Ways to Bring Nature Inside

• Sensory Plant Station: Create a small area with different textured plants like soft lamb's ear, firm succulents, or aromatic herbs that provide calming sensory experiences.
• Nature Sounds: Play gentle recordings of birdsong, rainfall, or flowing water during transition times to create a consistent sensory environment.
• Put on your “Awe” lenses: Even a single plant, nature photograph, or window bird feeder can provide a soothing focal point and connection to the outdoors. Notice the all the amazing colors you see, textures you feel and fragrances you smell.

Nature-Based Transition Supports

• Morning Nature Ritual: To establish a predictable routine, begin each day with a simple nature connection, such as watering a plant together or observing sunlight patterns.
• Nature Transition Cues: Use natural elements to signal schedule changes (a pinecone for quiet time, a flower for mealtime), making transitions more predictable.

Adapting to Individual Needs

• Position nature elements at accessible heights for children with mobility concerns, gradually introduce sensory aspects for those with sensitivities, and consult healthcare providers about specific plants that support your child's environment.

Caregiver Moment

• Remember that nature nurtures caregivers, too. Even brief moments tending to plants, sitting/walking outside and observing seasonal changes can provide restoration during demanding days.

"In nature's constancy, we find strength for change."

Free Online Workshops

March 13 at 1:00 p.m. "The Vermont Graduation Readiness Tool"

This workshop will cover the concept of the graduation readiness tool and how IEP teams, which include parents/guardians should use it. The timing of graduation for students with disabilities can be hard to determine especially for students with complex and intensive needs. This tool helps the IEP team better “see” when graduation should happen because for students on IEPs graduation is not just about meeting the graduation requirements, it is also about reasonable and appropriate access to transition services. This tool helps teams make sure students are ready to graduate.

Presenter: John Spinney - Postsecondary Transition Coordinator at the VT Agency of Education

May 1 at 1:00 p.m. "The New Adverse Effect Rule"

This session will review the State’s new Adverse Effect rule and its impact on eligibility evaluations for disability identification, as well as the provision of special education and related services.

Presenter: Ernie Wheeler - Educational Consultant at the Vermont Agency of Education

Postponed - new date TBD for "Digital Wellness Series - Workshop 3: Digital Wellness for Families"

"Empowering Families in the Online World" is an online empowerment series presented by Grow Digital Skills. In this third workshop we will be sharing information on "Digital Wellness for Families" which includes: Balancing screen time with offline activities; Setting up tech-free zones and times at home; Encouraging positive online interactions

Presenter: Emmy Hilliard - VFN Co-Director of Family Support - Health and Grow Digital Skills Coordinator

Our workshops are online using the Zoom meeting platform. 

If you are unable to attend the live presentation, you can still register and we’ll send you a link to the recording of the workshop which you can watch on your own time, unless otherwise noted. We appreciate when you register for our workshops as we need that data for our grant reporting.

Registrations are also posted under Upcoming Events on the landing page of our website. In case you missed our last series of workshops, you can find a full list on our VFN website. Check in regularly as we add more workshops to our schedule!

We save workshops on our website and YouTube channel.

Join our closed Facebook group specifically for parents of adult children

Join our closed Facebook group

for all parents

Contact our Helpline at (802) 876-5315 or info@vtfn.org