Providing technical assistance to support youth and young adults with disabilities and their Families during Secondary-Transition
About RAISE
In 2014, SPAN Parent Advocacy Network (SPAN), a parent-led and family-centered non-profit Parent Training and Information Center (PTI), was funded by the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) to provide support to Parent Training and Information Centers in helping individuals with disabilities shift into adulthood.
RAISE was funded by a national grant from the U.S. Department of Education Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) to provide technical assistance and support to eight (8) RSA Parent Centers.

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The STANDARD: 10.7, July 2024
In this issue of RAISE The Standard, we will explore how students with disabilities can grow through work and careers in agriculture.
Archived Webinars
Tools and Strategies for Independent Living Advocates Mentoring Families of Children with Disabilities
A Webinar Collaboration of The National Council on Independent Living and The National Resources for Access, Independence, Self-determination and Employment (RAISE) Technical Assistance Center
Parent-led organizations and disability-led Centers for Independent Living have a shared objective of facilitating the transition of youth with disabilities to post-secondary education, employment, and independent living. Join this webinar to hear from a panel with lived experience about how families and CILs can collaborate to support the self-determination, empowerment, and independent living goals of youth preparing for and experiencing transition.
Podcasts
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August 14, 2024
Upcoming Webinars and Events
RAISE hosts a number of engaging and informative webinars and events through out the year. We invite you to join us for professional development, virtual learning, networking and more.
9th Annual RAISE Summit- May 16th- Charlotte, NC- PAYCHECKS not PITY!
The National RAISE Center will be hosting its 9th Summit in Charlotte, NC. It will be a time for leadership development, networking and team building.
Location: Hilton Charlotte University Place, Charlotte, NC.
Date: Tuesday, May 16th, 2023 at 9am – 1pm ET
This summit will focus on developing and strengthening relationships with key partners to improve transition outcomes. The sessions will include:
– A Young Adult Showcase
– MPACT Presentation “Walking the Walk: Recommendations for Experience-Focused Transition Programming”
– RSA Parent Centers spotlight
Travel and hotel is at your own expense. We are only covering lunch at the summit.
Supporting Families to Focus on Student Self-Determination- April 24
Self-determination is the ability for an individual to make their own decisions and guide the path of their lives. Youth and young adults with disabilities often lack opportunities to develop and practice being self-determined. This session will provide family training and advocacy professionals with strategies and tools that assist parents and caregivers in building key self-determination skills in their youth. The Essential Elements of Self Determination will be highlighted and useful goal setting and supported decision making tools shared. Family involvement and student self-determination can coexist. By helping families see the value in self-determination we can support students to build confidence and take charge of their futures.
Presenters:
Sean Roy, Sean, Chief Innovation and Training Officer for TransCen Inc.
Dr. John McNaught, Principal Investigator for I’m Determined
Date: Monday, April 24th, 2023
Time: 2pm ET
ASL interpretation & Spanish interpretation will be offered!