Chris Walsh Center
For Educators And Families
AT FRAMINGHAM STATE UNIVERSITY
Family Supports
This article outlines how a disabled family member may impact their family. It cites relevant data and offers a multitude of outcomes that could occur. This is a great resource for family members looking to gain a deeper understanding of what to expect from having a disabled family member and for family members to compare their experiences with those highlighted in the article.
This webpage by the Massachusetts Department of Disability Services outlines what services the family support centers can provide and where to find them by region. This is a helpful resource for families with disabled family members looking for more information on services available to them as well as general support services.
This webpage answers frequently asked questions that many families and caregivers of disabled folks may have in regard to how a disability might affect their family life. In addition to general questions, it breaks down family life effects by disability, like epilepsy, autism, and more. The website is sponsored by the U.S. Children’s Bureau. The webpage was posted in 2017, so date-specific information should be double checked.
This resource hosts a compilation of guides and articles to help guide families navigating disability- and care-related services in Massachusetts. It has information on topics such as special education, health insurance, SSI benefits, guardianship, and more. It is an excellent resource for family members particularly with a disabled child who are unfamiliar with disability and care services in Massachusetts. Explore https://www.exceptionallives.org/ for additional national disability resources and webinars.
Parent to Parent connects parents of children with similar disabilities and health conditions to create a support system for families. This service is free and accessible to anyone within the United States, even if your state does not have a chapter. It is an ideal resource for families seeking emotional support and additional guidance from other families with similar experiences.
This event explores the skills and strategies caregivers can use to effectively advocate for their child’s needs. Participants will learn practical skills for prioritizing concerns, collaborating with others, navigating conflict, and communicating effectively when challenges arise. The session will also address common barriers to effective communication and provide strategies for building productive partnerships with the people supporting their child. Time will be provided at the end for questions and discussion.
This event explores the caregiver role and the challenges of staying connected with children in an ever-changing world. Participants will learn practical skills for creating open dialogue, responding to day-to-day parenting challenges with greater openness and acceptance, and strengthening connection in the moment. The session will also provide strategies for supporting caregivers’ own energy and well-being, while highlighting how caregiver self-care can contribute to healthier relationships and greater family connectedness. Time will be provided at the end for caregiver questions and discussion.
This event is about using art as a meaningful way for parents and children to connect, communicate, and support emotional well-being. Participants will explore creative activities that encourage self-expression, co-regulation, and shared attention while learning how to adapt art experiences to their child’s needs and interests. Parents will leave with practical ideas for making art together, building connection, and knowing when to encourage, adapt, or take a break.
This event is about strengthening attachment, connection, and resilience between parents and children through play. Participants will learn practical ways to attune to, attend to, and encourage their child while building meaningful connections through play. These evidence-based strategies will help parents feel more confident and effective in supporting their child’s emotional and social development.