Center for Disability Leadership - CDL

05/28/2026

Behind every resilient family is an incredible Support Parent. 🫶 Check out this amazing post from Parent to Parent USA and click below to give the ultimate gift of connection! 💜

💜 Give the Gift of Connection! 💜

Behind every family navigating a complex diagnosis or disability is a need for someone who truly understands. Our volunteer Support Parents are those lifelines—providing trained, trauma-informed, and deeply empathetic mentorship to families when they need it most.

We want to send these incredible mentors to the national Support Parent Summit, where they will gain crucial skills in self-care, active listening, and healthy boundaries to continue strengthening our community.

But we can’t do it without you. 🙏

Your generosity will help cover the costs to give a Support Parent the opportunity to learn, recharge, and connect with peers from across the country.

✨ How you can help:
👉 Click the link to donate today: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/gift-of-connection-send-a-support-parent-to-the-summit
👉 Share this post with your friends and family to help us spread the word!

Thank you for helping us support the parents who support everyone else. 🫶

05/27/2026

😮 WAIT, WHAT?! Did you know Virginia Medicaid could cover 100% of your employer health insurance premium? Yes, even the part taken right out of your paycheck!💰

05/26/2026

🌊 Over 150 solar-powered, remote-operated track systems have been installed on public beaches, allowing wheelchair users to independently glide right into the ocean. Complete with accessible changing rooms and wooden walkways, this national initiative is transforming inclusive coastal tourism. 🎉

05/19/2026

True inclusion starts with understanding. 💡 From embracing fidgets to respecting sensory needs, hit share to pass these quick tips along to your circle!

😍Care Card ~ Understanding & Supporting Neurodivergence

Are you uncomfortable 😣 saying what you REALLY think? Let us do it for you! Just forward this to friends and family or share it with a comment on social media.

Please Do 🙌

CELEBRATE THE "SPARK": Encourage interests. Recognizing passions and incorporating them into activities can lead to engagement.

ALLOW "STIMMING" & FIDGETS:
Natural movements like humming, rocking, or using a fidget toy help regulate their nervous system.

PROVIDE MULTIPLE PATHWAYS:
Some students might excel at a verbal report or a drawing rather than a traditional written essay.

ALLOW FOR EXTRA TIME:
Neurodivergent brains might need extra time to read or process verbal prompts. Wait, allow time, and be patient.

BE FLEXIBLE: Learning and listening look different and eye contact can be uncomfortable. Doodling might help with focus.

Please Don't ✋

FORCE EYE CONTACT: This can unintentionally downplay the significant energy required to stay regulated or "mask."

DEMAND "WHOLE BODY LISTENING": Stillness doesn't equal learning. Many neurodivergent folks actually process information better when they are doodling, fidgeting, or pacing.

TREAT SENSORY NEEDS AS PREFERENCES: If someone says lights are too bright or a room is too loud, please take it seriously. This can cause physical and mental discomfort for some people.

I Can …

✅Partner on accommodations
✅Provide tools
✅Share "special interest" tips
✅Explain specific sensory needs

Who are we?
tinyurl.com/CFI-PPD-VCU

1 ON 1 SUPPORT | ALWAYS FREE

Find us on Instagram: center4familyinvolvement

The Center for Family Involvement is affiliated with: VCU School of Education Association of University Centers on Disabilities Partnership for People with Disabilities

05/18/2026

Want to be a better ally to medically complex families? Please repost this to help us spread this essential guide! 🌍We are dropping new Care Cards all week to bridge the gap between caregivers and the people who love them 😍

😍Care Card ~ Supporting Families Dealing with Complex Medical Needs

Are you uncomfortable 😣 saying what you REALLY think? Let us do it for you! Just forward this to friends and family or share it with a comment on social media.

We will be posting unique Care Cards ALL WEEK!

Please Do 🙌

CREATE A CAREGIVER CARE PACKAGE: Drop off a bag with earplugs, sleep masks, face wipes, and other comfort items for long hospital stays.

PROVIDE FUEL: Give the gift of easy meals or gift cards for gas and food. Travel costs add up quickly.

MANAGE THE HOUSEHOLD:
Offer specific help with siblings, pets, lawn care, cleaning, etc.

CHECK IN: Keep calling or texting regularly, even if I don't respond. It helps me feel less alone.

BE SPECIFIC WITH HELP: Example: "I'm at the store, what can I drop off?" or "l have 2 hours on Tuesday to help with laundry."

Please Don't ✋

SAY "EVERYTHING WILL BE OK":
It might not be. This diminishes how heavy and complex my family's situation can be.

SAY "I DON'T KNOW HOW YOU DO IT": We do it because we have to; and our entire life is impacted. Saying this reminds us of how much we've adapted to manage these complexities.

COMPARE TO TYPICAL ILLNESS:
Please don't compare a complex medical journey to routine appointments or procedures. Everything we deal with is far more involved than the "typical" experience.

I Can ...

✅Do a specific errand
✅Provide a meal
✅Support a sibling
✅Drop off a care package

Who are we?
tinyurl.com/CFI-PPD-VCU

1 ON 1 SUPPORT | ALWAYS FREE

Find us on Instagram: center4familyinvolvement

The Center for Family Involvement is affiliated with: VCU School of Education Association of University Centers on Disabilities Partnership for People with Disabilities

05/15/2026

Supporting an aging parent is overwhelming. Let this Care Card tell your friends and family exactly how to help. 🫶 Share this to take the guesswork out of support!

😍Care Card ~ Supporting Caregivers of Aging Parents

Are you uncomfortable 😣 saying what you REALLY think? Let us do it for you! Just forward this to friends and family or share it with a comment on social media.

We will be posting unique Care Cards ALL NEXT WEEK!

Please Do 🙌

BE SPECIFIC WITH HELP: EXAMPLE: "I'm at the store, what can I drop off?" or "l have 2 hours on Tuesday to help with laundry."

KEEP INVITING ME: Please keep asking me to join, even if I usually say no. It reminds me I'm still part of the community.

HELP WITH "INVISIBLE" CHORES:
Take something off my plate like mowing the lawn, taking out the trash, or picking up a prescription.

OFFER "LOW-ENERGY" HANGOUTS: I might not be able to go out, but I'd love for you to drop by with coffee and chat for a while.

ASK ABOUT "THEM": Ask about my parent's life. It's nice to remember who they are and take the focus off of their current needs.

Please Don't ✋

SAY "LET ME KNOW WHAT I CAN DO:” It puts the pressure on me to think of a task and ask for help. Just offer a specific action.

COMPARE TYPICAL AGING: If my parent is living with dementia or a major illness, please don't compare it to "normal" forgetfulness.

PRESSURE ME TO "TAKE A BREAK": I know I need rest, but I might feel guilty leaving. Just offer to be there so I can rest nearby.

I Can ...

✅Do a specific errand
✅Provide a meal
✅Sit with my parent
✅Hang for a short time

Who are we?
tinyurl.com/CFI-PPD-VCU

1 ON 1 SUPPORT | ALWAYS FREE

Find us on Instagram: center4familyinvolvement

The Center for Family Involvement is affiliated with: VCU School of Education Association of University Centers on Disabilities Partnership for People with Disabilities

05/14/2026

Need help explaining complex behaviors to friends or family? Let us do the talking. 🫶 Save, share, and stay tuned for new Care Cards all week!

😍Care Card ~ Navigating Complex Behaviors

Are you uncomfortable 😣 saying what you REALLY think? Let us do it for you! Just forward this to friends and family or share it with a comment on social media.

We will be posting unique Care Cards ALL WEEK!

Please Do 🙌

RESPECT THE RED ZONE: When a child is in a "meltdown," their logical brain is offline. Focus on safety and calm first.

IDENTIFY THE TRIGGER: Understanding the "why" of behavior can help prevent it. Look for patterns with transitions, noise, tasks, etc.

CO-REGULATE FIRST: Your calm is their greatest resource. A low, steady voice and neutral expression helps in regulation.

OFFER A "RESET" SPACE: Designate a safe space to retreat to to help regulate. Frame this as a brain or sensory break.

CELEBRATE THE RECOVERY:
Welcome them back calmly. Acknowledging their effort builds confidence.

Please Don't ✋

GET INTO A POWER STRUGGLE:
State the expectation calmly once, then give them physical and emotional space to comply.

CORRECT IN FRONT OF PEERS:
Publicly calling out behaviors increases anxiety and defensiveness. Avoid using shame, handle corrections gently and privately to preserve dignity.

ASSUME IT'S MANIPULATION:
Most complex behaviors are a stress response, not a choice. Remember the person isn't giving you a hard time, they are having a hard time.

I Can ...

✅Share "early warning" signs
✅Provide regulation tools
✅Share successful strategies ✅Collaborate on a safety plan

Who are we?
tinyurl.com/CFI-PPD-VCU

1 ON 1 SUPPORT | ALWAYS FREE

Find us on Instagram: center4familyinvolvement

The Center for Family Involvement is affiliated with: VCU School of Education Association of University Centers on Disabilities Partnership for People with Disabilities

05/13/2026

📣Calling all Young Adults with both vision and hearing loss ages 14-22!

🌟 The Virginia DeafBlind Young Adults Retreat is happening July 10th-12th in Charlottesville, VA.

🎓 Join us as we plan for life after high school through fun and engaging activities!

Register: https://tinyurl.com/2026VADeafblindRetreat

Have questions or looking for more information? Send us an email at [email protected].

05/13/2026

📣 Parents of adults with disabilities: Save this. Share this. Let us do the hard talking for you!

😍Care Card ~ Parents of Adults with Disabilities

Are you uncomfortable 😣 saying what you REALLY think? Let us do it for you! Just forward this to friends and family or share it with a comment on social media.

We will be posting unique Care Cards ALL WEEK!

Please Do 🙌

BE SPECIFIC WITH HELP: Instead of asking what can I do, try, "I'm at the store, what can I get you?" or "I can come over for two hours."

KEEP INVITING ME: Please keep asking me to join, even if I usually say no. It reminds me I'm still part of the community.

REMEMBER MY CHILD IS AN ADULT: Speak directly to my son/daughter and engage with them based on their age, not their disability.

OFFER "LOW-ENERGY" HANGOUTS: I might not be able to go out, but I'd love for you to drop by with coffee and chat for a while.

ACKNOWLEDGE THE CIRCUMSTANCES: It's OK to talk about how different your lives are. Validation and honest conversations are incredibly meaningful.

Please Don't ✋

TELL ME THAT YOU UNDERSTAND: Without lived experience, it's impossible to fully understand how complicated my life is.

ASK ABOUT "THE FUTURE" BLUNTLY: Planning for when I am no longer here is a heavy emotional load. Please don't ask "what will happen to them?" unless I bring it up first.

COMPARE TO TYPICAL ADULTHOOD: Please don't compare my experience to common milestones or your empty nesting phase. Our timeline is different.

I Can ...

✅Do a specific errand
✅Provide a meal
✅Sit with my adult child
✅Hang for a short time

Who are we?
tinyurl.com/CFI-PPD-VCU

1 ON 1 SUPPORT | ALWAYS FREE

Find us on Instagram: center4familyinvolvement

The Center for Family Involvement is affiliated with: VCU School of Education Association of University Centers on Disabilities Partnership for People with Disabilities

05/12/2026