Valerie Colavecchio is the mom of a 17 year old boy named Parker who was born with a rare genetic disorder called galactosemia. She is also the statewide Program Manager for Family Support Services at Parent to Parent of NYS, where she takes pride in ensuring that every parent is heard, and understands they are not alone. Valerie recently shared … Read More
How P2P Matches Work
Parents who are raising a child with disabilities or special health care needs often feel overwhelmed and isolated. Parent to Parent organizations connect parents who face similar challenges in raising their children with disabilities or special health care needs. Parents are matched, based on their request, with a trained Support Parent who has walked a similar path. Each year, more … Read More
What’s on Your Special Needs Back-To-School Checklist?
A new school year means a new teacher and maybe even a new school. If your child needs accommodations or is in a special education program, it may mean a new IEP team. Add the transition from summer to the school routine, and your to-do list can quickly become overwhelming. Here is a simple parent-tested way to prepare for back-to-school: … Read More
P2P USA’s Marsha Quinn Featured on Handi-Link
Our Co Executive Director, Marsha Quinn, recently spoke with Cam Wells, host of the syndicated radio program Handi-Link, about the Parent to Parent movement. Listen to the episode below to learn more about who the Parent to Parent network serves, the impact of the pandemic on households with children and youth with special health care needs, and more. Marsha’s interview … Read More
Learn About a New Rescue Medication for Seizures
On July 14, Parent to Parent USA hosted a free learning event for people living with episodes of frequent seizures––and for their care partners. If you missed the live event, you can watch the recording here. You will: Learn about episodes of frequent seizures (2 or more seizures in 24 hours that are different from usual seizures) and why you … Read More
Watch: Navigating Social Security
Social Security is a complex system to navigate. Several benefits programs provide financial assistance to people living with disabilities. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) are the two most common federal programs. Being aware of, and applying for, these benefits is an important part of planning for future care for your child. Does getting started feel … Read More
Watch: AMCHP’s Virtual Roundtables on Telehealth
Parent to Parent USA is proud to support AMCHP’s ongoing telehealth work by providing technical assistance to maternal and child health programs. Through a series of roundtables, AMCHP and its partners have highlighted how telehealth can improve health equity and access to care. In particular, for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN) and their families, telehealth can … Read More
What does Mother’s Day look like for your family?
Mother’s Day is coming up and we know that it can be a hard day for some of us. To the moms who never, ever give up: we want to celebrate you and showcase your stories. So tell us: what does Mother’s Day look like for your family? What do you wish others knew about you as a mom? Tell … Read More
Lenn’s Story
We are honored to introduce board member Lenn Boston of Kalamazoo, MI, a retired U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer, real estate agent, and father of four, including a daughter with Angelman Syndrome. “We all have something that we’ve experienced in life that could possibly help someone else.” Lenn Boston Hear his uplifting and inspiring story about a blended family whose … Read More
“Parent to Parent USA is great for connecting families with each other for emotional support”
We are proud to be in good company in Care.com’s “10 helpful special needs resources and organizations” list. Whether you have a child with special needs or are looking to support a family who does, we’re here for you! “Parent to Parent USA has local groups in almost all states, and is great for connecting families with each other for … Read More