As we prepare to wave goodbye to 2023, we’d like to take a deep breath and reflect on what we’ve learned this year that has made the biggest difference to our kids (and ourselves). We’re wrapping up the year with you in mind — with this best-of list filled with some of the most important things we learned this year (that we can carry into the next)!
That’s why we’re wrapping up the year with you in mind — with this best-of list filled with some of the most important things we learned this year (that we can carry into the next), including tips and how-to’s that make feeling supported a lot easier. We hope our list helps you set goals for the new year to come and wrap this one up on a high note — feeling equipped and supported with the know-how to keep pushing ahead.
- IHSS Career Pathways — 2024: new year, newly extended IHSS Career Pathways program! If you want to claim all the incentives, you have until April 30, 2024 to complete the specialized pathways courses and claim the incentives no later than November 30, 2024.
If you’re an Undivided member, look for our specialized Career Pathways resources coming in January with step-by-step guides, a Q&A event, 1:1 support from Navigators, how-to videos, and more. (If you’re not yet a member, get started here!)
- Autism in girls — Did you know that far more boys than girls are diagnosed with autism? And that girls may “fly under the radar” at school, especially if gendered stereotypes affect the way their behavior is interpreted? Don’t miss our article Autism in Girls, where you’ll learn more about how to support girls with autism, in school and the community.
- Thanks to SB 805, insurance can now pay for evidence-based behavioral health treatment options beyond ABA, including Floortime! Read here to learn more about how insurance is now mandated to cover non-ABA therapies.
- Individualized Health Plans — If your child has healthcare or medical needs, sending them to school can often feel daunting, especially the thought of not being there if they need you. An individualized health plan can go a long way toward communicating exactly how to keep them safe while they’re at school (not to mention some much-needed peace of mind for you).
- Inclusive ESY? Yes, it’s now a thing! Read more about CA’s recent US District Court decision in our article Do schools have to offer inclusive extended school year (ESY)?
- Workshopping IEP goals — “I just love writing IEP goals,” said no parent ever. We’ve all been there — reading and re-reading the goals in our kid’s IEP, wondering if they’re good, bad, or just a hot mess. This year, we made goals a priority. Join us as we flex our goal-setting skills and tackle the basics of workshopping goals for an IEP. We even explore the importance of socialization, and how to help our kids build skills with their peers, by learning how to write socialization goals in the IEP!
- Medi-Cal waivers and appeals — Don’t think you qualify for Medi-Cal? Appealing a denied claim and don’t think you’ll get out alive? Think again! There are many ways Medi-Cal can support you and your kiddos. Read along to find out more about the institutional deeming waiver and tackling the appeal process for a denied claim.
- Down syndrome and intellectual disability — Just as every individual is unique, so is every case of Down syndrome and intellectual disability. So how can we better support our kids from diagnosis and medical care through school and beyond, including finding college programs for them? We sat down with some of the fiercest advocates and experts out there to gain insight into what parents need to know.
- Printable templates — Have you ever wished for a space where you could access printables, templates, and sample letters to make it easier to stay organized and communicate with your IEP team about your child’s needs? We have just the thing for you. Make sure to bookmark our Education and IEP Template Library, where we cover everything from communication logs to IEP binder checklists to sample letters requesting an IEP assessment, and more.
- Build your team — Who are the doctors and therapists on your child’s care team? How do we know who we should be looking for, and what we should be asking them? Who’s in charge here?! Find an overview of how to navigate the complex journey of building a great care team here.
Our most popular video of the year is 3 top tips when applying for IHSS! Watch on YouTube→- If you’ve heard about any disability-friendly holiday events coming up in your area, please let fellow parents know! Share in our private Facebook group →
- Our most-viewed reel of the year is our conversation with autism nutritionist Brittyn Coleman! Check it out on Instagram→
- Looking for any of our newsletters from the past year? Find them on our LinkedIn→
Thank you to each and every one of you for being a part of our community this year. From all our families to you and yours, we wish you much peace and joy in the year to come!
Give yourself the gift of Undivided
Wrapping up the year also means looking toward the new one. All of those stressful to-do’s? — you don’t have to tackle them alone. Give yourself the gift of Undivided and start your new year with a partner!
Undivided is here with our very own desktop and mobile app, a digital Super Binder, expert-backed resources, 1:1 coaching, and a supportive community to help you with whatever you need. If you don’t have an Undivided account already, get started here!
“We are so overwhelmed and so thankful with all you guys do. It is truly a blessing having this type of support, we don’t feel alone anymore. Getting all these gems of knowledge is truly amazing. Thanks again!” — Undivided parent
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This newsletter was originally sent to our subscribers on 12/21/23. Subscribe to our newsletter to get more resources like this in your inbox, and check out our full library of articles, templates, and videos at undivided.io/resources.
