We are the state of Iowa's Parent Training and Information Center for families of children with disabilities.
We are a family-focused nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower individuals with disabilities and their family members. Access for Special Kids (ASK) Resource Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that serves as the state of Iowa's Parent Training and Information Center for families of children and young adults with disabilities and special health care needs. ASK provides trainin
g, information, advocacy, and support at no cost for individuals with disabilities, their families, and the people who serve them. We are funded by various federal, state, and local grants, as well as corporate and private donations. To ensure the privacy of the families we serve, ASK does not provide one-on-one assistance or support directly through Facebook. If you are in need of assistance, please call us at (800) 450-8667 or submit a contact request on our website at http://askresource.org/contact. Our office hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30 am-4:30 pm.
04/21/2026
Worried about giving your child the best emotional support from the very beginning? Let us help you learn! đź’™ Join us for ASK an Expert: Infant and Toddler Mental Health: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How Caregivers Can Support Healthy Development with Billie Jo Clausen. Learn how young children experience emotions, form relationships, and learn to feel safe in the world.
Gain the confidence to support your child and learn strategies you can use from day one.
Not sure which services are right for your young child? You’re not alone. 💙 Join us for ASK an Expert: Early Childhood Support—Medical vs. Educational Models Explained with Jill Stevenson. Learn the key differences between Early ACCESS and medical services, how eligibility and planning work, and what to expect as your child grows.
Gain the confidence to navigate both systems and make informed decisions for your child’s future.
đź“… Monday, April 20
⏰ Noon–1 PM
📲 Scan the QR code to register!
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From navigating special education services to offering connections to community resources, we're here to help you every step of the way.
04/18/2026
Registration for Together We Can extended to this Sunday night, 4/19! 🎉
There’s still time to join families, professionals, self-advocates, and community members for a day of learning, connection, and resources. Spots are filling fast, so register before the deadline!
Sibshops registration is full and now closed, but all other registrations, including Sibteens and the Youth and Young Adult Leadership Conference, are still open. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this one-of-a-kind event!
From navigating special education services to offering connections to community resources, we're here to help you every step of the way.
04/16/2026
Youth Leaders will hear from Michael and Laney, two young adults with disabilities in a dating relationship, as they share what their daily lives look like and the supports that help them succeed đź’™
They’ll talk about where they live, their jobs and volunteering, and the activities that keep them engaged and connected in their community.
Participants will leave with ideas for building relationships, having fun, and creating a meaningful life after high school.
Register your youth and young adult leaders with disabilities to attend this session of TWC using the Youth and Young Adult Leadership Conference registration form on the TWC webpage at: https://www.askresource.org/togetherwecan
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04/16/2026
Hear from youth leaders and parents as they share how advocacy grows and changes over time đź’™
From early support to youth confidently speaking up for themselves, panelists will reflect on how advocacy skills are built in different relationships and settings. Youth leaders will also share how they developed their own voice, built confidence, and began making their own decisions.
You’ll leave with practical ideas for supporting youth with disabilities in taking an active role in their future—and how adults can step back while still providing support.
"Iowa is redesigning disability waivers through the HOME (Hope and Opportunity in Many Environments) Project—and this session will help you make sense of what’s changing 💙
Learn why Home and Community-Based Services are being updated, what the HOME Project means, and key changes ahead, including age-based waivers, assessment updates, and how services may be structured in the future.
This session is designed to give you clear, practical information so you can feel more confident navigating what’s next.
Families will get an important update on recent changes in Iowa special education law and what they mean for students with disabilities đź’™
This session will break down key legal decisions and policy updates and explain how they may impact students, families, and schools in real, practical ways.
Figuring out life after high school can be confusing — but you can find your own path 💙
In this Together We Can session, explore postsecondary education pathways in Iowa for young adults with disabilities, including academic, social, and financial supports that help students succeed.
Learn what college readiness really means, discover a variety of options beyond traditional college, and hear from two parents whose children are currently navigating college and sharing real experiences along the way.
Finding the right supports for your child can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to navigate it alone 💙
In this Together We Can session, families will be introduced to Disability Access Points (DAPs) and Behavioral Health Navigators—two important resources in Iowa designed to help connect you to the services you need.
Learn how these systems work, how they connect with each other, and how to take your first steps toward getting started. You’ll also have space to connect with other families, share experiences, and learn together.
Navigating challenging behaviors at school can feel isolating—but you don’t have to figure it out alone 💙
At Together We Can, hear from a panel of parents who have been in your shoes, alongside Dr. Matt O’Brien, a neurobehavioral psychology specialist. Together, they’ll share real experiences, proven strategies, and the challenges they’ve overcome.
Walk away with practical, family-tested tips and professional insights to help you build a school team that truly understands your child—and supports their behavioral and academic success.
Sibshops is coming to TWC—and it’s all about siblings! 💙
This fun, supportive program is designed just for brothers and sisters of kids with support needs. It’s a chance to meet others who “get it,” make new friends, and enjoy games, laughter, and meaningful conversations.
Give siblings a space that’s just for them—because their stories matter too. 💫
Learn more and register: askresource.org/togetherwecan
A statewide conference for people with disabilities, their families, & the professionals who support them. Always on the 1st Saturday in May!
04/14/2026
Get ready to learn, connect, and build real-life skills đź’Ą
In this interactive breakout session for our Youth and Young Adult Leadership Conference at Together We Can, participants will rotate through small groups to hear from three different presenters—each focused on helping you prepare for what’s next.
You’ll learn how to manage money, budget, and pay bills with confidence 💸
Hear real experiences from college students and an IDE program consultant 🎓
And explore how Vocational Rehabilitation can help you find a job and succeed at work đź’Ľ
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Empowering Iowa families of individuals with disabilities
ASK Resource Center is a statewide organization that has served families of children and young adults with disabilities and special health care needs across Iowa for over 20 years.
We provide statewide training, information, advocacy and 1-on-1 support at no cost for individuals with disabilities, their families, and the people who serve them.
We are a truly family-driven, family-focused organization because every member of ASK’s staff team and Board of Directors is either an individual with a disability, or a parent or sibling of an individual with a disability.
We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization funded by various federal, state, and local grants, as well as corporate and private donations. Consider a donation to help us continue working toward our vision of ACCESS, EMPOWERMENT AND ACCEPTANCE FOR ALL.
ASK Resource Center is not a legal services agency and cannot provide legal advice or legal representation. Any information contained in this message is not intended as legal advice and should not be used as a substitution for legal advice.
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