Vermont Family Network

Watch: Rule 4500 in Vermont Schools: Information for Parents & Caregivers
2026-01-22 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
Watch the recording of the “Rule 4500 in Vermont Schools: Information for Parents & Caregivers” workshop here.

This workshop is designed for parents and caregivers that would like a clear, accessible understanding of Vermont’s regulations on the use of restraint and seclusion (Rule 4500) in schools. It reviews when and why these interventions may be used, what protections exist for students, what documentation families should expect, and how schools can partner proactively with caregivers to keep students safe.
Presenter:

Ashley Riendeau, M.Ed., School Climate Program Coordinator at the Vermont Agency of Education Ashley leads statewide work related to restraint and seclusion (Rule 4500), school climate and belonging, restorative approaches, exclusionary discipline, and Harassment-Hazing-Bullying prevention. She provides technical assistance to SU/SDs across Vermont and supports implementation of trauma-informed, proactive, equitable systems, legally aligned practices, and develops guidance and resources to strengthen family-school partnerships.

Watch: Preparing Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) Users for Transition: Tips and Tools!
2026-01-29 13:00 - 14:00
Watch the recording of the “Preparing Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) Users for Transition: Tips and Tools!” workshop here.
For young people with disabilities, there are many moving pieces and processes around the transition from school to adult services. There are unique needs for those with communication disabilities who may use augmentative alternative communication (AAC) systems. There is need to educate new community communication partners about the person’s communication and any technology that is used. Being thoughtful, intentional and systematic about the communication support needs of the individual who is transitioning can increase the chances of their being included in a meaningful way. In this workshop, you will hear strategies from a Speech-Language Pathologist, AAC Specialist and a Parent with lived experience. Intended audience would be care partners of high school students transitioning to adult community services. This talk hopes to equip and inform families with children using AAC as well as school and community professionals who support these individuals.
Presenters:

Ashley Couture, M.S., CCC-SLP, Speech Language Pathologist with True Voice and Communication Consultant with the VT Interdisciplinary Team. Ashley has been working in the field of Speech Language Pathology in Vermont for over 25 years. She specializes in AAC across the life span by consulting with school teams on getting students access to AAC as well as with designated adult services agencies increasing communication access for adults with developmental disabilities.
Theresa Soares, parent of a young adult with a motor disability, and has been employed supporting parents of young children, with and without disabilities, for over 20 years. Theresa is mom to two young adults who were born prematurely 24 years ago. Joe was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at 5 months and has been connected to disability services ever since. His cerebral palsy affects all of his motor systems, requiring a collaborative approach to his daily living needs as well as his communication with a complex speech generating device.
