SPAN Parent Advocacy Network, Inc.

09/09/2026

What do young people want Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) professionals to know?

Strong VR services start with listening to youth—and making sure their voices, goals, and choices are at the center of the process.

“What Youth Want VR Professionals to Know” offers practical guidance for building trust, strengthening communication, supporting self-determination, and making services more meaningful to young people.

Take a look and hear what youth want professionals to know: https://tinyurl.com/3vwzare7

09/08/2026

: Your first job search can begin with a few practical actions.

For teens and young adults with disabilities, this video can help you explain what you can contribute, identify the support you may need, and advocate for your employment goals.

Watch now: https://youtu.be/hsixc98FbCo

09/07/2026

This Labor Day, we celebrate the dignity of work—and the right of everyone to have the opportunity to contribute, belong, and thrive.

For people with disabilities, meaningful employment is about more than earning a paycheck. It can mean independence, purpose, community, and the opportunity to build the life they choose.

At SPAN, we remain committed to helping young people with disabilities and their families navigate the path to adulthood and advocate for the opportunities and supports they need to succeed.

Today, we honor all workers—and continue working toward a future where opportunity truly includes everyone.

09/04/2026

Lyft has removed barriers for riders with developmental disabilities, according to a recent article in Disability Scoop.

“Through the program, participating home and community-based services providers can authorize a budget and pay directly for on-demand rides for people with developmental disabilities as part of their menu of Medicaid waiver services,” the article reads.

Lyft is taking steps to allow more people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to access rides paid for through Medicaid home and community-based services programs.

09/02/2026

Connecting young people to Vocational Rehabilitation can open doors—but knowing where and how to start matters.

Created by YETI, “The Top 10 Ways to Connect Youth to Vocational Rehabilitation” offers practical strategies for helping youth and families navigate the transition to adulthood—from starting early and reducing barriers to building strong partnerships and making sure youth voice stays at the center of the process.

Whether you’re a family member, educator, VR professional, or other transition partner, these 10 strategies can help strengthen the path from planning to opportunity.

Explore the Top 10 here: https://tinyurl.com/yxah8h95

09/01/2026

September is Deaf Awareness Month, a time to recognize Deaf culture, sign languages, and the leadership and contributions of Deaf people. International Week of Deaf People will be observed September 21 to 27, 2026, under the theme “Declaring Deaf People’s Human Rights.”

For families of children and youth who are Deaf or hard of hearing, access to language, information, education, and community support matters. SPAN joins families, youth, educators, and advocates in recognizing the importance of communication access, fair treatment, belonging, and Deaf people leading decisions that affect their lives.

Learn more here: https://wfdeaf.org/international-week-of-deaf-people-2026/

09/01/2026

: Setting goals for your future starts with small steps! Whether your goal is related to school, work, independence, or your personal life, writing it down and choosing one small action to take this week can bring you closer to achieving it.

What is one goal you have for your future?

Watch this video to learn more: https://youtu.be/_vkLn1Qve60

08/31/2026

: A baby’s self-confidence begins with feeling safe, loved, and supported. When caregivers respond to their baby’s needs, offer encouragement, and create predictable routines, they help build the trust that supports exploration and learning.

ZERO TO THREE shares practical ways to be a secure home base, support problem-solving, celebrate effort, and give babies time to practice new skills from birth to 12 months.

Learn more: https://www.zerotothree.org/resource/developing-self-confidence-from-birth-to-12-months/

08/28/2026

As part of a specialized graduate-level certification program designed to train professionals to teach people with disabilities how to travel safely, students navigate an airport while blindfolded.

“Special education professor and program coordinator Amy Parker said there is hidden work for people with disabilities when traveling. She said orientation and mobility specialists play an important role in helping people travel safely and confidently,” the article reads.

There are just 12 programs nationwide that train people to teach those who are blind, visually impaired or deafblind. Part of the process is learning the hidden work of travel for people with disabilities.

08/26/2026

Transition planning works best when young people have a real voice in shaping what comes next.

In this YETI podcast episode, Michael, Elizabeth, and Billy talk about starting with a young person’s strengths and interests, building self-advocacy skills in everyday life, and how adults can listen more intentionally to youth and families throughout the transition to adulthood.

🎙️ Watch the video podcast: https://tinyurl.com/mu83nsvb