Our Different Programs

Helpline  (802) 876-5315 or [email protected]

Talk with experienced Family Support staff who are parents themselves about concerns you may have for your child at school, at home, or in the community. Learn about supports and resources that can help your child and family. We listen and offer support and resources to assist you in being your child’s best advocate.

Parent Match Program

Request a parent match with one of our mentor parents who has walked a similar path and understands the challenges of raising a child with a disability. Support parents can offer support, share resources, and help you on your journey. You are not alone. Maybe you are ready to be a Support Parent? Let us know!

In-Person Support

Meet with Family Support staff to discuss your concerns about your child’s health, education or well-being. We can help you fill out forms, prepare for upcoming meetings at school or in the community, and review resources and supports. On a limited basis, Family Support staff may be available to attend a school or health-related meeting with you or participate via virtual means. Parent rep support for coordinated services plan (CSP)/Act 264 meetings is also available for families.

Parent Leadership 

Share your family story to raise awareness and make change. Participate in Family Faculty by sharing your story with college students in education and healthcare. Join a disability-related board or council or participate in a focus group. Testify at the Statehouse. Participate in the Vermont Leadership Series training program.

Webinars, Workshops, and Annual Conference

Our learning opportunities include webinars, workshops, and our annual conference. Check out our calendar of upcoming events. We also attend events at schools and in the community upon request.

Family Faculty Program

Our Family Faculty programs provide opportunities for families to share their own perspectives through their family story. Family-centered care assures the health and well-being of children and their families through a respectful family-professional partnership. We are always looking for families of children with special healthcare needs to join our Family Faculty. Please contact our Family Faculty Coordinator, Jenny Norris, to learn more. 

Funding Opportunities

Parents and caregivers may apply for grants to attend a conference related to their child’s diagnosis, to start a family-led support group, and for medically necessary supplemental funding. Review our Family Funding Opportunities. We have translated funding info-graphics in Arabic, French, Mandarin, Nepali and Spanish

Support Groups

There are many support groups across Vermont. We maintain a list of support groups facilitated by parents.  Can’t find a support group that interests you? Start one! We lend support and assistance to emerging parent-led support groups.

Sibshops

Brothers and sisters come together for fun activities and to meet others who know what it’s like to be a sibling to those with disabilities or special health care needs. Sibshops are for children ages 8+. Take a look at the 2023-24 Sibshop Activity Descriptions and contact Mindy Deibler for questions or more information [email protected].

Vermont Family Network employees are not attorneys and do not provide legal advice. VFN’s ultimate goal is to empower families through education and support, thereby increasing their capacity to be engaged and effective in every aspect of their child’s education and healthy development. If you have a problem or issue that requires legal advice, such advice should be obtained from an attorney. 

Read our: Family Support Program – Technical Assistance and In-Person Support and Advocacy