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There is a great deal of conversation about what children with disabilities need to thrive. We talk about appropriate services, strong educational programs, meaningful inclusion, access to healthcare, supportive communities, and opportunities to belong. All of those things matter. But sometimes we forget something equally important: the people caring for children with disabilities need support, too. Parents and caregivers carry responsibilities that others may never fully see. There are appointments to coordinate, school meetings to attend, paperwork to understand, services to navigate, decisions to make, and countless everyday moments of caregiving woven into family life. Much of it is done quietly and with tremendous love. That is why I am especially pleased to share this month's featured article from Brian Bosma, Executive Director of Family Respite Care of Nevada. Brian reminds us that respite is much more than giving a caregiver a break. It is about strengthening families and creating communities where children and the people who love them are supported. One phrase in Brian's article especially stayed with me: the Gift of Time. Sometimes support does not need to be complicated. Sometimes what a family needs most is someone willing to say, You do not have to carry everything alone. I hope this month's newsletter reminds you that caring for yourself and accepting support are not separate from caring for your child. They are part of the journey, too.
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Building Stronger Communities by Supporting Children with Disabilities and Their Families By Brian Bosma, Executive Director, Family Respite Care of Nevada Every year, millions of families across America begin a journey they never expected. According to national estimates, approximately one in six children in the United States has a developmental disability, and many more are born each year with complex medical, physical, behavioral, or intellectual challenges. While every family's story is unique, one thing remains consistent: caring for a child with special needs requires extraordinary time, energy, resources, and support. For 30 years, Family Respite Care of Nevada has been dedicated to ensuring that no family has to navigate that journey alone. As Nevada's only dedicated center-based respite care provider, we serve children with disabilities, their siblings, and children in foster and adoptive care, helping families find the support they need to thrive. Respite care is often misunderstood. In reality, it is a critical support service that helps prevent caregiver burnout, reduce family stress, strengthen family relationships, and improve quality of life for both children and caregivers. It is also an important tool in reducing the risk factors associated with child abuse and neglect by providing support before families reach a crisis point. Through safe, enriching, and professionally supervised respite services, we allow parents and caregivers the opportunity to rest and recharge while, at the same time, children have something exciting to look forward to. They participate in engaging activities, build friendships, develop social skills, and experience a sense of belonging in an inclusive environment designed specifically for their needs. This year, Family Respite Care of Nevada is proudly celebrating 30 years of service to Nevada families. During that time, our organization has provided more than 300,000 hours of respite care, creating opportunities for children with disabilities to thrive while giving caregivers the support they need to continue their journey. Behind every one of those hours is a family that received the Gift of Time when they needed it most. As Nevada continues to grow, we must recognize that supporting children with disabilities and their families is not the responsibility of any one organization, government agency, or caregiver alone. It takes all of us, including businesses, nonprofits, schools, healthcare providers, policymakers, volunteers, and community members, working together to build a stronger system of support. When families have access to the resources they need, children are able to reach their full potential, caregivers remain healthy and engaged, and our communities become more inclusive, compassionate, and resilient. At Family Respite Care of Nevada, we believe every child deserves a place where they belong and every caregiver deserves support. Whether through volunteering, advocacy, partnerships, or financial support, each of us has the opportunity to make a difference. Together, we can continue building a Nevada where families caring for children with disabilities are supported, valued, and empowered to thrive. Learn more about Family Respite Care of Nevada Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn
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Create Your Own Support List Parents are often encouraged to ask for help, but that advice can feel surprisingly difficult to put into practice. Sometimes the first step is simply identifying what kind of help would actually make a difference.Take a few minutes this month and make three simple lists: Things only I can do These might include attending an important meeting, making a medical decision, comforting your child in a particular situation, or handling something that genuinely requires you. Things someone else could help me do Think about transportation, meals, errands, childcare for siblings, household tasks, paperwork, or sitting with your child while you take some time for yourself. People and organizations I could ask Include family members, friends, neighbors, faith communities, parent organizations, school contacts, respite providers, and community programs. You do not have to use everything on your list. The goal is simply to remind yourself that support can take many forms and that you do not necessarily have to be the person doing every task. Sometimes creating a little room for yourself begins by recognizing what you no longer have to carry alone.
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Finding Respite Care in Your Community Respite services vary considerably depending on where you live, your child's needs, eligibility requirements, and available funding. A good starting place for families looking for respite is the ARCH National Respite Network and Resource Center. ARCH maintains the National Respite Locator Service, which helps families search for respite programs and resources in their communities. National Respite Locator:
archrespite.org/respitelocator For Families in Northern Nevada Family Respite Care of Nevada provides center and community based respite programs for children, teens, and young adults with disabilities and special healthcare needs, along with support for siblings and children in foster and adoptive care. Programs currently serve children and young adults from three months through age 28. Family Respite Care of Nevada:
www.FRCnevada.org
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There is a great deal happening behind the scenes at Empowering Parents Network as we prepare for the months ahead. We continue developing new opportunities to bring meaningful parent education and support directly into communities. Our work with organizations and potential partners in California, Nevada, and Montana is helping us think carefully about how EPN can reach families where they are and create opportunities for parents to learn, connect, and feel less alone in navigating special education. We are also continuing the work of expanding the EPN Community into a free community for parents. My hope is that the Community will become a place where families can find reliable information, practical resources, encouragement, and connection with others who understand the journey. At the heart of all of these efforts is the same belief that has guided EPN from the beginning: informed and supported parents are better positioned to participate as meaningful partners in decisions affecting their children. There is much more to come, and I am grateful to have you walking alongside us as EPN continues to grow.
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This month's featured article reminds us that strong communities are not built simply by creating services for children. They are built by caring for families. If you are a parent or caregiver, I hope you will remember that your well being matters, too. You are allowed to need rest. You are allowed to ask for help. You are allowed to have moments when someone else carries part of the load. And if you are a professional, educator, family member, neighbor, or community partner, perhaps there is another question worth asking: What could I do to make this family's journey a little lighter? Sometimes the answer may be a program or service. Sometimes it may be information, advocacy, or practical assistance. And sometimes it may simply be giving someone the Gift of Time. That is how stronger communities are built: one family, one relationship, and one act of support at a time. With gratitude and hope, Julie M. Lane, Ed.D.
Founder and Educational Consultant
Empowering Parents Network
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Each month we highlight recent blog posts that encourage, educate, and support families navigating disability and education.
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Sun, Aug 2
As summer begins to wind down, many families find themselves preparing for another school year. Backpacks are unpacked, calendars begin to fill, and routines slowly return. For families of children |
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Sun, Aug 9
There are some questions that parents ask only once. Then there are the questions they carry with them for years. |
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Sun, Aug 16
There is something hopeful about the beginning of a new school year. New classrooms. New teachers. Fresh notebooks. Another opportunity to learn, grow, and begin again. But for many families of childr |
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Sun, Aug 23
The backpacks are packed, school supplies have been purchased, and another school year is underway. For many parents of children with disabilities, these first weeks bring a familiar mixture of hope |
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Sun, Aug 30
A few weeks into the school year, the newness begins to wear off. The backpacks have found their usual place, morning routines are becoming more familiar, and children are beginning to understand what |
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We invite you to read, reflect, and join the conversation. Your experiences encourage other families and strengthen our growing community.
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One of the most effective ways parents can engage in special education is by asking clear, informed questions. Instead of trying to understand everything at once, focus on a few key areas: What does this data tell us about my child’s needs? How will this support be implemented in the classroom? How will progress be measured and shared?
Asking focused questions helps shift conversations from overwhelming to productive and ensures that decisions remain centered on your child’s learning and growth.
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