Encircle Families - formerly Raising Special Kids

07/24/2025

We uplift and support the parents and caregivers of children with disabilities so their whole family can thrive.

That's who we are. That's who we've always been.

Now, with a name that truly reflects it.

07/23/2025

Family Support Specialist, Dolores Rios met with families at the Sunnyslope Community Center's Back to School Event. We love connecting with families and sharing that we are here to help with any 504 or IEP related questions as they begin their new school year!

#504

07/22/2025

The Truth About the R-Word, From the People It Hurts Most. Read about this and more in this edition of Connecting Weekly from Encircle Families (formerly Raising Special Kids) - https://mailchi.mp/encirclefamilies/connecting-weekly-2025-0720

07/22/2025

What could independent living look like one day for your child or young adult?

For Tip Tuesday, here’s an article from Parenting Special Needs with information about developing skills and support, one step at a time.

What does independence really look like for your child? It might start with learning to make a bed or remembering to heat up leftovers. …

07/21/2025

What Parents Need to Know About OCR Case Dismissals:

The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) is dismissing thousands of school discrimination complaints, many involving disability rights, faster than before.

Why this is happening:
Federal staffing cuts and office closures have left fewer people available to investigate complaints. As a result, many concerns are being closed early or not investigated at all.
What this means for families:
• Delays in investigations
• Fewer protections enforced
• Less accountability for schools

What you can do:
📌 Keep records of everything
📌 Know your child’s rights (504 & IDEA)
📌 Work closely with your school
📌 File a state complaint if needed

You are not alone. Families have power, and we're here to support you every step of the way.

07/19/2025

Our Transition Institute is 2 weeks away! Parents, caregivers & young adults (ages 14-26) — join us for a free full-day event packed with resources, guidance and lunch on us!

The Parent Track includes information on Vocational Rehabilitation, Social Security, ABLE Accounts and more. The Youth Track, focused on ages 14-26, will provide information on Person-Centered Plans and developing skills for greater independence.

Register here: https://encirclefamilies.org/event/transition-institute-2025-phoenix/

07/18/2025

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering about your child’s impulsive behavior, you’re not alone.

Impulsivity or acting without thinking, is common in many kids, and even more in those with ADHD or other learning differences.

This article from Understood.org helps families better understand these behaviors and how you can respond to them.

Read more here: https://www.understood.org/en/articles/understanding-impulsivity

Why are some kids so impulsive? Learn about impulsivity in children, and how to help kids curb impulsive behavior.

07/17/2025

To encircle means to surround, embrace, and uplift. That's exactly how we approach our work with families.

We stand beside parents and caregivers offering connection, guidance and community at every step.

What does support look like for you?

07/17/2025

Set Your Child Up for School Success!

Join us for “How to Engage the School to Make Your Child’s School Experience a Success” — a free, in-person or virtual event for parents and caregivers.

Tuesday, July 22
6-7:30 PM
Light dinner at in-person sites
Locations in Phoenix, Tucson, Prescott Valley, Flagstaff (TBA)

Learn from a school psychologist and an experienced parent
Get real strategies to support your child
Connect with other families and professionals

Register here: https://ow.ly/3kfP50WqVS9

Questions? Email OIFAteam@mercycareaz.org

Presented by Mercy Care, Family Involvement Center, MIKID, Reach Family Services and Encircle Families.

07/16/2025

Disability Rights Arizona wants to hear what disability issues are most important to you and to those that you may serve. Please take a moment to do this short survey to give your input on topics that matter most to you!

👉 Take the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LT9Y39P

Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.

07/15/2025

Arizona Educators Worry About Withheld Federal Funds. Read about this and more in this edition of Connecting Weekly from Encircle Families (formerly Raising Special Kids). - https://mailchi.mp/encirclefamilies/connecting-weekly-2025-0713

07/15/2025

School starts soon, or has already started in some AZ districts. For Tip Tuesday, here’s a School Success Kit from The Child Mind Institute.

It includes strategies to help students manage time, stay focused and handle homework. Start the new school year off with positive habits!

Tools and strategies for children and teenagers with ADHD to help manage time, stay focused, and handle homework for success at school.