Family Support Services
We provide information, training, resources, and support to families of children with disabilities and special health care needs in Arizona. Experienced staff lend an understanding ear and assist families in identifying and locating appropriate resources. Workshops offer training in a variety of skills including advocacy, effective communication and collaboration techniques. Our newsletter, Connecting, reaches more than 10,000 parents and professionals and e-news alerts are shared by request with a growing list of interested individuals.
Parent Leadership Opportunities
For 28 years, Parent-to-Parent support has been the heart of Raising Special Kids. Each year, more than 600 families in Arizona are connected with veteran "mentor" parents who have walked a similar path, and who understand the challenges of raising a child with a disability or special health care need. Opportunities are available for parents to develop leadership skills, participate and serve in public policy and decision-making roles. Volunteer Family Faculty provide training for professionals in health, education and social services.
Special Education Information
Raising Special Kids is Arizona's Parent Training and Information Center (PTI), one of over 100 centers authorized under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to provide assistance in special education to families and schools. Services include Individual Education Program (IEP) and 504 consultation for families. Training and consultation is available for schools, teachers and other professionals.
Healthcare Information
Assistance in health care systems navigation includes guiding families to appropriate resources and supports in the community including information for effectively using systems of care. Raising Special Kids is the Arizona chapter of Family Voices, a national network which advocates for health care services and provides information for families with children and youth with special health care needs. Arizona Family Voices is active in the development of initiatives related to pediatric transition to adult care, Medical Home, Telehealth/Telemedicine systems, parent and youth leadership, and community development. Arizona's Family Voices chapter operates in partnership with the Arizona Department of Health Services, Office for Children with Special Health Care Needs (OCSHCN).
Transition to Adult
To make transitions into adult life successful, young adults with disabilities and special health needs must be prepared and knowledgeable. Individuals and families need information and supports to make effective decisions when facing issues such as adjusting to a new home environment, meeting new work and school challenges, selecting a doctor, and coordinating medical insurance. In a recent state survey, 96% of youth with disabilities and special health needs reported that they did not receive any transition support and guidance. Raising Special Kids provides resources and guidance to teens and their families to assist them in making successful transitions to adulthood.
Training & Workshops
Workshops are available free for families to aid in acquiring skills and information beneficial to parenting children with disabilities or special healthcare needs. Programs for resident physicians in pediatrics and nursing students relay information about parents' perspective on issues relating to medical services. Parent Panels and staff-led workshops are available to students in education, medical and social service fields.
To refer a family or for more resources for professionals in health, social services and education, please visit our I'm a Professional page.
Raising Special Kids is a 501 © (3) nonprofit organization. All programs and services are offered at no charge to families. For more information, call (602) 242-4366, or (800) 237-3007 toll free.