THE CENTER FOR PARENT INFORMATION AND RESOURCES

INFORMATION FOR PARENT CENTERS AND THE FAMILIES THEY SERVE

BY LAUREN AGORATUS, M.A.

The Center for Parent Information & Resources (CPIR) covers extensive topics for families and professionals working with them, including Parent Centers.

WHAT IS CPIR?

Also known as the Parent Center Hub, CPIR has family friendly information that can be used by parents or Parent Centers to give to families. CPIR is a project of the SPAN Parent Advocacy Network. The hub helps coordinate parent training information nationally. Parent Centers can share their information on the Hub and in the newsletter. For Parent Center staff, there is an e-Learning hub as well as Centers Connect for Parent Centers to network on various topics such as transition, discipline, early childhood etc. The Hub is where families can also find the Parent Center(s) in their state. Parent Centers work with families of children both with and without disabilities.

WHAT YOU'LL FIND

One of the most used links is "Find Your Parent Center" (see Resources). Parent Centers help families navigate various systems

such as general or special education, early intervention, mental health, transition etc. and empower families to advocate for their child(ren) or even other families. Next, the website has an extensive search feature on the top right corner of the homepage. Be sure to check out the "Buzz from the Hub" newsletter and archived past issues as well (subscribe from the homepage), the most recent covering diversity and mental health issues. Another popular topic is Transition Starters (parentcenterhub.org/transition-starters). This section has information on transition to adult life, including healthcare and independent living. Finally, there is a link to the national RAISE (Resources for Access, Independence, Self-Determination & Employment) which works with RSA (Rehabilitation Services Administration) Parent Centers to create resources for youth and their families around transition. RAISE is also a project of the SPAN Parent Advocacy Network. For more information on RAISE, see RAISE-ing Expectations and Outcomes for Youth with Disabilities.