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.
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.
02/19/2026
📘✨ Understanding the Contents of the IEP: The Big Picture ✨📘
Before looking at the specific components of an Individualized Education Program (IEP), it’s helpful to step back and consider the purpose of the IEP as a whole. An IEP is more than a document—it’s a blueprint for a child’s special education and related services under IDEA.
It outlines the supports, services, goals, and settings designed to help the student learn and participate meaningfully in school. From classroom instruction to related services and accommodations, the IEP guides the entire educational journey.
Knowing the “big picture” helps families and educators build stronger, more effective plans. 💙
Current as of April 2022 This information in Spanish | Esta información en español IEP stands for “individualized education program.” An IEP is a written statement for a child with a disability that is developed, reviewed, and revised in a meeting in keeping with certain requirements of law an...
02/19/2026
⏰ Reminder: Join Us for Support ⏰
Don’t forget to join our ASK Each Other Online Support Group — a welcoming, confidential space for parents and caregivers of children with disabilities to connect with others who understand.
📅 Monday, February 23
🕕 6:00–7:00 PM
💻 Online
Come as you are. Share if you’d like, listen if you prefer — you are always welcome.
Join us today for the ASK Each Other Online Support Group — a supportive, judgment-free space for parents and caregivers of children with disabilities.
🗓 Today, February 18
🕛 Noon–1:00 PM
💻 Online
Whether you want to talk, listen, or just feel less alone, you are welcome.
Don’t forget to join our ASK Each Other Online Support Group — a welcoming, confidential space for parents and caregivers of children with disabilities to connect and support one another.
📅 Tonight! Tuesday, February 17
🕡 6:30–7:30 PM
💻 Online
Come as you are. Share, listen, or simply be present with others who understand.
Join ASK Family Support Specialists and other parents on February 17 from 6:30–7:30 p.m. for a facilitated online support group. Register today.
02/17/2026
🔍✨ Independent Educational Evaluations: Know Your Options ✨🔍
In Iowa, special education evaluations are typically conducted by Area Education Agency staff alongside your child’s school team. But if you believe the Educational Evaluation Report (EER) is incorrect, incomplete, or doesn’t tell the full story, you have the right to request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE).
An IEE can provide a fresh perspective and help ensure your child’s needs are fully understood and supported. Families deserve clarity, accuracy, and meaningful input in the evaluation process. 💙
Discover how an IEE can help you better understand your child’s needs and support their special education services.
02/16/2026
🔄✨ Re-Evaluations in Special Education: What Families Should Know ✨🔄
For students ages 3–21 receiving special education services, federal law requires IEP teams to consider a re-evaluation at least every 3 years. This helps ensure that the IEP continues to meet the student’s needs as they grow and change.
Parents can also request a re-evaluation once per year — especially helpful when new concerns arise at school or when a child receives a new diagnosis that may impact learning or behavior.
Re-evaluations keep support plans accurate, up-to-date, and effective. 💙
Navigating Blindness in School: From Learning by Example to Taking Action
Supporting a student who is blind or has low vision can feel overwhelming — but you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Join ASK Resource Center for this practical, parent- and educator-friendly session focused on real examples, effective strategies, and actionable next steps for navigating blindness in school settings.
You’ll learn how to:
✔️ Better understand educational supports and accommodations
✔️ Learn from real-life experiences and examples
✔️ Turn information into meaningful action for your child or student
Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or professional, this session is designed to help you feel more confident and informed.
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when ASK Resource Center posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
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.
Please Note: We reserve the ability to hide, delete or not allow comments that contain:
a. Vulgar or abusive language
b. Personal/obscene attacks of any kind
c. Offensive terms targeting individuals or groups
d. Threats or defamatory statements
e. Links to any site
f. Suggestions/Encouragement of illegal activity
g. Multiple off-topic posts by a single user or repetitive posts
h. Personally identifiable information that has been inappropriately posted
