July 2025
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
~ Helen Keller
Welcome to July’s edition of the Buzz from the Hub! Summer seems to be flying by and with so much happening and changing; we hope you have found some time to relax, reflect, and enjoy this time of the year. In this month’s Buzz you’ll find information on:
- PACER Center’s disability advocacy videos
- Screen time & early learning advice
- A guide from Formed Families Forward to support kids in crisis
- Youth collaboration toolkit
- Tips for families to help prepare young adults for work
- Practical routines for smoother days
Last, but not least, check out the virtual events scheduled in July in the Upcoming Events section.
Best wishes and happy reading,
The CPIR Team
Featured Resource!
Disability Advocacy Videos for Families
The PACER Center has created a set of short videos in multiple languages that address parent’s common questions and concerns about advocating for their child with a disability at school and beyond. Tip sheets are also available in English and Spanish and can be found in the video’s description.
Watch the videos here in English, Spanish, Somali, and other languages.
Shareable Resources
Early Childhood |
Support Early Language Development in a Digitally-Saturated World
Does digital media help or hinder language development in infancy and early childhood? How can parents and caregivers know what truly supports early learning? Children and Screens’ newest tip sheet, Early Childhood Language Development in a Digital World provides research-backed insights on the interplay between digital media and early language skills. It also offers actionable tips for parents to maximize the benefits–and avoid the pitfalls–of new technologies.
Education |
Children and Trauma: What Can You Do?
In today’s world, whether it is due to natural disasters, global conflicts, sudden acts of violence, or bullying in school, childhood trauma is a serious and valid concern. This 1-page fact sheet by Formed Families Forward, the CPRC serving foster, kinship, and adoptive families of children and youth with disabilities and other special needs in Northern Virginia, provides information to understand the types of trauma, potential responses to the trauma, and ways to support a child who has experienced trauma.
Youth |
Youth Collaboration Toolkit
Developed as a partnership between the National Youth Forum on Homelessness (NYFH) and True Colors United, this toolkit was initiated by NYFH and the content was shaped by their voices. The ideas and concepts included in this toolkit will help ensure that young people are authentically engaged while collaborating with the affirming adults in their lives.
Young Adults |
Finding a Fulfilling Employment Match: Tips for Parents Preparing for a Child’s Future
Although, many states have made progress on finding competitive, integrated employment for young adults with disabilities, many still face significant challenges finding jobs that are a good match for their talents, abilities and interests. In this article, Arturo Cazares, gives tips for parents as they plan for their children’s futures.
Read the article here.
Parent Leadership |
How to Plan the Best Summer Schedule for Special Needs Kids
Children have now been home for a few weeks and you didn’t plan ahead for these summer months! You realize that not having a schedule and letting the kids sleep in for as long they want is not really working out. Is it too late? No, it is always better late than never and there is still an opportunity to set a schedule that will work for your family. In this article you’ll find helpful tips on how to create a summer schedule.
Upcoming Events
Empowering Youth Engagement: Insights from RAISE Mini-Projects
RAISE mini-grant recipients will share their experiences co-creating resources with youth leaders with disabilities, strengthening engagement, fostering innovation, and building lasting partnerships.
When: July 21, 2025
Time: 2 p.m. EST
Part 1: The Essentials – A Cross-Roles Guide to NTACT:C’s Greatest Hits
In this first session of the Pathways to Possibilities webinar series, we’ll explore foundational resources that support quality transition planning across stakeholder groups. From assessment tools to interagency collaboration frameworks, we’ll walk through how educators, VR staff, families, youth, and others are applying these tools to improve outcomes.
When: July 31, 2025
Time: 2:00 pm EST
Looking for more events? Check out
the Hub Central Event Calendar
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Publication of this e-Newsletter is made possible through Cooperative Agreement H328R230009 between OSEP and the SPAN Parent Advocacy Network (SPAN). The contents do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Department of Education, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government or by the Center for Parent Information and Resources.
