Encircle Families
advocacy
March 31, 2026
A New School, A New Start
Kim and her family live in the East Valley, where their neighborhood school recently underwent changes that affected where students would attend. The school her…
March 31, 2026
When Your Child’s School Shuts Its Doors
If your child’s school is closing, there are steps you can take to help make the transition smoother.
March 17, 2026
Accessibility Standards for Universal Changing Stations
The U.S. Access Board is working on new national standards for universal changing stations. These are large, adjustable tables that help people with disabilities get…
April 18, 2025
Rejecting Harmful Misinformation: Autism Is Not an Epidemic
By framing autism solely as a tragedy, Kennedy dismisses the beautiful, complex identities and contributions of millions of people around the world.
April 10, 2025
ACTION ALERT!
Use your voice to oppose cuts to crucial programs and services for families of children with disabilities.
March 24, 2025
Parent Advocacy
“It’s important not to take these movements for granted. All these rights that we are used to in this society today came about because somebody…
March 24, 2025
Advocacy Skills Are a Family Affair
With guidance from Encircle Families, Susie Turrey and her son Levi learned to speak up for the supports he needed—transforming his education and building confidence…
March 24, 2025
A VERY IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR – SPRING 2025
This edition of Connecting focuses on the power and importance of parent and family advocacy. Now more than ever, the perspectives of parents and family…
March 7, 2025
Cuts to Medicaid
This information is sourced from the AAPD Disability Policy Download (January/February 2025), which provides updates on key disability policy issues. For the full newsletter, click…
February 11, 2025
What Does the US Department of Education Do?
The U.S. Department of Education may not be responsible for daily classroom instruction. Still, it plays a key role in ensuring that students—especially those from…
February 5, 2025
An Immediate Call to Action on Funding Threats to DDD Services
(February 5, 2025) —Our coalition of disability organizations—Ability360, Arizona Achieve, Arizona Developmental Disabilities Planning Council, Arizona Statewide Independent Living Council, Care 4 the Caregivers, Direct Advocacy & Resource Center,…