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 training, 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.
04/07/2026
Tracking your child’s development can bring both excitement and questions—and you don’t have to navigate it alone. 💙 Join us for ASK an Expert: Understanding Developmental Milestones with Jill Stevenson to learn when milestones matter, how to recognize when extra support may be needed, and practical ways to support your child’s growth at home.
📅 Monday, April 13
⏰ Noon–1 PM
📲 Scan the QR code to register!
Join ASK Resource Center for our Ask Each Other In-Person Support Group—a welcoming space to connect with other families, share resources, and support one another on the journey.
📅 Saturday, April 11
⏰ 10:30–11:30 AM
📍 Indianola Public Library, Indianola, IA
Come meet new families, give and get support, and leave feeling encouraged—you don’t have to do this alone.
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04/06/2026
"We’re getting closer to TWC 2026, and the excitement is building! 🎉 Over the next few weeks, we’ll be spotlighting breakout sessions and the amazing presenters behind them. Take a look and start planning your day—you won’t want to miss it!
Starting with our Keynote Speaker, Chris Ulmer from Special Books by Special Kids! He travels the globe connecting with individuals with disabilities and sharing their stories through social media. Chris believes that when we take the time to listen and see the world from someone else’s perspective, we all grow—and help make the world a more inclusive place.
Through his work and the SBSK community, Chris is sparking meaningful conversations about acceptance and inclusion around the world. https://www.askresource.org/togetherwecan💬💙
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04/04/2026
"TWC is more than just for families! The Youth Leadership Conference, happening during Together We Can, is designed to educate and inspire young adults with disabilities ages 14–21. Participants will explore valuable leadership skills, discover what independence can look like for different people, and learn about options for education and employment after high school.
Supportive teachers and buddies will be available throughout the day, so families can feel confident while attending their own sessions. It’s a great opportunity for youth to build confidence, make connections, and start planning for the future. Pre-registration is required for entry to this section of the conference, so sign up today! Don’t miss out!
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03/31/2026
"Thank you to Hello Iowa and Peterson Financial Group for having us on and helping us share the excitement about Together We Can 2026! We’re grateful for the opportunity to connect with the community and spread the word about this inspiring day of learning, connection, and empowerment. We appreciate your support in helping us reach families, caregivers, educators, and professionals across Iowa.
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Access, empowerment, and acceptance for all is the mission of a non-profit organization. Karen Thompson of Ask Resource Center and Eric Peterson of Peterson Financial Group share details about the …
03/29/2026
"Tracking your child’s development can bring both excitement and questions—and you don’t have to navigate it alone. 💙 Join us for ASK an Expert: Understanding Developmental Milestones with Jill Stevenson to learn when milestones matter, how to recognize when extra support may be needed, and practical ways to support your child’s growth at home.
"The wait is over! 🎉 The full Together We Can (TWC) agenda is now live. Explore sessions, discover new opportunities to learn, and start planning a day that’s all about growth, connection, and empowerment.
Check it out on our website, askresource.org/togetherwecan, and get ready to make the most of your TWC experience!
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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.
02/26/2026
💙 ASK an Expert: SibShops 101 — A Place Just for Siblings! 👧👦✨
Brothers and sisters of kids with disabilities play an important role — and they deserve support too!
Join us March 30 for SibShops 101, a conversation all about:
💫 What SibShops are
💫 Why sibling support matters
💫 How these fun, meaningful spaces help siblings feel seen, heard, and connected
Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, educator, or sibling yourself, this session will help you understand how SibShops build confidence, community, and belonging.
Share with families who could use this kind of support — siblings matter! 💛
02/25/2026
🧠 ASK an Expert: Understanding Seizures & Epilepsy — Safety, School, and Support 📘💛
Families and caregivers — if seizures or epilepsy are part of your journey, this is for you.
Join us March 23 for a supportive, informative session where we’ll talk about:
✨ What seizures are and how they show up
✨ Safety strategies at home and school
✨ School supports, communication, and planning
✨ Practical tips families can use right away
Whether you’re navigating epilepsy for the first time or looking for more confidence in supporting your learner, this event is designed to help you feel informed and empowered.
Please share with families and professionals who would benefit! 💬💙
02/24/2026
📣 Don’t Miss This! ASK an Expert: Navigating Epilepsy Together 🧠💛
Families, caregivers, and educators — join us March 16 for this important ASK an Expert conversation focused on epilepsy, lived experiences, and family voices.
Whether you’re just beginning to learn about epilepsy or looking for practical support strategies, this session will explore real challenges and helpful approaches to support your child or student. We’ll cover what it’s like navigating seizures, safety, school supports, and more — with space for your questions too.
Come learn, connect, and feel more confident in your role as a champion for your learner 💪💙
Join ASK Resource Center for an ASK an Expert webinar featuring family voices sharing real-life experiences navigating epilepsy and seizures.
02/23/2026
👁️🗨️ ASK an Expert: Partners in Learning — Understanding Services for Students with Visual Impairments in Iowa
Are you supporting a learner with a visual impairment? 🧑🎓 Want to understand what services are available in Iowa schools — and how to access them?
Join us March 9 for a special ASK an Expert event designed to help families and educators navigate:
🔹 What services students with visual impairments are entitled to
🔹 How supports work in the school setting
🔹 Questions you can ask to be your child’s strongest advocate
Whether you’re new to this journey or looking for clarity and connection, this session is for you!
Join Susan Brennan from Iowa Educational Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired (IESBVI) for an informative webinar designed for families, caregivers, and educators. You’ll learn what IESBVI does and how students receive support across Iowa, from assessment to direct support. Susan will also...
02/20/2026
🌟📚 Understanding Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) 📚🌟
A key principle of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the expectation that students with IEPs are educated alongside their non-disabled peers as much as appropriate. This is known as the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE).
LRE means giving students the supports they need while keeping them included in the general education classroom as much as possible. Inclusion fosters learning, belonging, and meaningful participation — and every student deserves that opportunity. 💙
Involvement in music, art, physical education, school trips, clubs, etc. must be accommodated. LRE is not always the general education room.
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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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