This free, 6-episode virtual conversation series offers a warm and inviting opportunity to connect with other parents and families of children with differences in or challenges to their development. Through a series of conversations with parents of children with developmental differences, challenges, or disabilities, we will explore the unique and common experiences of loving and raising children whose developmental process and journey is delayed or atypical. We will discuss the challenges and joys of family life with children with a wide array of ways of being in the world. Over the six conversations, we will cover topics near and dear to the hearts and experiences of families as we all learn from each other about how to best support and advocate for our children, the whole family, and our communities.
The six-part series began on Monday, September 26, 2022, and continues through Monday, December 19. All webinars begin at 3 PM ET / 12 PM PT, and are 1 hour followed by a NEW 30-minute Q&A session with our panelists. You are invited to attend any and all episodes that interest you!
All webinars have live Spanish translation and closed captioning available.
Episode 3:
Getting What You and Your Child Need from the Professionals
Monday, November 7, 2022, 3–4:30 PM ET / 12–1:30 PM PT
Families know their child better than anyone else. During this conversation, we will learn with families about their experiences with providers and programs, and what they would like providers to understand about how to communicate and simply be with families in order to build a collaborative partnership.
Episode 4:
What Developmental Differences Mean Where I Come From
Monday, November 21, 2022, 3–4:30 PM ET / 12–1:30 PM PT
Families know their own cultural values better than anyone else. They know how children with developmental differences are understood and cared for in their cultures. During this conversation, we will learn with families about the ways their cultures influence their understanding of their child’s developmental differences and the ways they support their child’s development.
Episode 5:
Siblings Of Children with Developmental Differences
Monday, December 5, 2022, 3–4:30 PM ET / 12–1:30 PM PT
Raising a child with developmental differences affects the whole family, including siblings. Siblings know and experience the child with developmental differences in unique ways. Yet they too have their own distinct needs for their relationships within the family and with others. During this conversation, we will learn with families about their experiences of raising siblings of children with developmental differences. We will also hear from siblings about their unique perspectives.
Episode 6:
The Long View: What Will Happen to my Child When…?
Monday, December 19, 2022, 3–4:30 PM ET / 12–1:30 PM PT
Anticipation of their child’s future is uniquely challenging for families of children with developmental differences and disabilities. Families have long-term hopes, dreams, and visions for their child who they know may need lifelong tender care. During this conversation, we will learn with families about how they envision and prepare for their child’s future, and what families would like the helping professions to know about their journey.
Questions? Contact Eva Rivera