Rarely Familiar

01/06/2026

Thank You PACER Center! You can help protect special education and keep IDEA at the U.S. Department of Education - sign the petition today!

According to recent media reports, the U.S. Department of Education intends to move federal oversight of special education to another federal agency – likely either the Department of Health and Human Services or the Department of Labor. PACER opposes this action and needs your help to ensure that the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS), which oversees the funding and implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), stays at the Department of Education.

You can help protect special education and keep IDEA at the U.S. Department of Education - sign the petition today!

According to recent media reports, the U.S. Department of Education intends to move federal oversight of special education to another federal agency – likely either the Department of Health and Human Services or the Department of Labor. PACER opposes this action and needs your help to ensure that the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS), which oversees the funding and implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), stays at the Department of Education.

IDEA is a civil rights law focused on ensuring that students with disabilities receive an appropriate education alongside their peers. The U.S. Departments of Labor and Health and Human Services do not have expertise in special education, and this transfer would result in further uncertainty and confusion for states, school districts, and families.

Sign the petition by Friday, January 16 to show that parents of students with disabilities and other stakeholders across the country oppose this transfer, which would reduce educational opportunities for students with disabilities. Sign the petition at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeDUIEQJwswwi0l_dPEFwypvRmQaXpEz91C7G2IwJKLVzSLPw/viewform

While PACER is closely following these issues, please remember that special education laws and policies remain intact. If you are a Minnesota parent of a child with a disability needing support, please contact us at (952) 838-9000 or pacer.org.

01/03/2026

🎙️ New Episode Alert! 🎧
When Jacob Esser couldn’t find community after his son’s Down syndrome diagnosis, he built one—Dads of Down Syndrome—transforming isolation into brotherhood, advocacy, and collective strength for fathers.

Dive into our latest Rarely Familiar podcast with Jacob, founder of (DODs), to chat about the origins and growth of DODs, the impact of bringing dads together through monthly events, the importance of connection, and the organization’s mission to empower fathers and inspire advocacy.

Learn More:
https://www.rarelyfamiliar.com/podcast/27-one-dads-mission-uniting-fathers-for-down-syndrome-advocacy-and-support|

https://dadsofdownsyndrome.org/

01/02/2026

EVENT HIGHLIGHT, JANUARY 31: Crescent Cove Gala

Tram and Haley have been so fortunate to utilize services at Crescent Cove for many years for Sadie and Felix. Our kids LOVE it there, in fact, when we go to pick them up, they don't want to come home.

Let's join together to raise money for Crescent Cove, Minnesota's only children's respite and hospice Home. Your involvement helps their staff provide compassionate care for children with shortened life expectancies and their families. Help us build a night — and a community — where love grows and moments count.

Our parents (our kids' grandparents) often ask "what can we do to help?" well, here's an option...a fun oppotunity to get all dressed up AND support an amazing cause for our community.

What to expect: (virtual options for $25, live event @ J.W. Marriott by MOA for $200)

5:00 pm Reception Begins, fundraising games and silent auction browsing
7:00 pm Plated dinner begins
8:00 pm Program: Prepare to be inspired!
Silent Auction Ends
9:15 pm Program ends, celebrate helping to Make Moments Count at Crescent Cove!

Virtual Tickets

Can't make it in person? Purchase a virtual ticket by Jan 22 to receive a care package and the link to the event to watch the live stream from the comfort of your home! Virtual tickets are $25 up until Jan 22 to cover the cost of the care package, after Jan 22 you can still sign up to watch virtually at no charge, and a care package will not be sent to your home.

https://crescentcove.networkforgood.com/events/89284-2026-everlight-gala?hid=MjcwMjc4Ng==&utm_campaign=dms_email_blast_4121661

01/01/2026

In this episode of Rarely Familiar, we sit down with .k.elder —realtor, autism advocate, and founder of . Anna shares her inspiring journey as a parent and how she’s helping families with unique needs find homes that truly fit.

Tune in for real talk about accessible housing, building community, and supporting families with disabilities and neurodiversity. Plus, learn about Anna’s work with the Twin Cities Autism Group and her mission to make every family feel at home.

Listen now and join the conversation!

🔗 rarelyfamiliar.com | annaelderhomes.com

12/10/2025

Register today for Gillette's annual holiday vent for current patients Thursday Dec 11 10:30-1. We love how Gillette is making the hospital a place for joyful memories, too! https://www.gillettechildrens.org/get-involved/attend-an-event/t.c-and-bullseyes-merry-mountain

12/01/2025

Starting December 1st, Frattallone's Hardware & Garden invites you to Round Up for Holiday Miracles! This holiday season, when you round up or make a donation at the register of your local Frattallone's, your donation will benefit Gillette Children's (or Ridgeview Foundation at the Waconia location) and help provide life-changing care and support for children with bone, brain and movement conditions.

Find your local Frattallone's - https://frattallones.com/locations/
Donate to Round Up for Holiday Miracles here - https://gillette.mn/frattallones

11/27/2025

Fantastic advice from Center for how to help kids stay regulated during the over-stimulation of the holiday season.

We will add, if your child has physical disability as well or medical complexity, things can be extra challenging. We see you and all your hand sanitizer! Our favorite BTW is the 3M one with lotion https://a.co/d/61o5Nao) What's yours? Hold/flu season and all the extra holiday gatherings can be tough.

And remember, it is ok to stay home, too. Your family will get over it.

11/24/2025

New Episode available! Jen and Haley had the privilege to speak with Katie Sherman—a mom of four, physician assistant, artist, and soon-to-be med student. Katie shares her journey of balancing personal passions with the realities of raising a medically complex child, and how acceptance, resilience, and community have shaped her path.

Tune in for an honest conversation about what we’ve learned about:

✨ Letting go of expectations
✨ Finding joy in the midst of challenges
✨ Pursuing dreams at any stage of life

Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or just need a dose of inspiration, this episode is for you!

Listen now on Apple or Spotify (search Rarely Familiar) or watch on YouTube. Link to podcast page in bio.

11/22/2025

This might be the single greatest gift guide I've ever seen, 69 pages of adaptive ideas for our kids! With easy shopping links and exclusive discount codes, Cerebral Palsy Foundation Accessible Holiday Gift Guide takes the guesswork out of gifting so you can focus on what matters most: celebrating together.https://cpresource.org/sites/www/files/2025-11/2025%20CPF%20Accessible%20Holiday%20Gift%20Guide.pdf

11/20/2025

Got kids age 13-18 approaching healthcare transition? SAVE THE DATE Monday Dec 1st, 12-1pm for the second of four important discussions in this series. It will be tough to follow the amazing presentation in October with Father/Son duo Tim and Hunter Markel, the bar was set pretty high for some lively discussion!

Next up is 'Putting the GOOD in Goodbye' with Boston Children's Susan Shanske. Register through Gillette Children's Events page or directly at: https://iecho.org/public/program/PRGM17483769888858LFTDIVNAI