Rarely Familiar

02/21/2026

Dr. Tori Bahr, Andrea Lawson and Haley Brunelle had a conversation last week for a PACER Center series entitled 'Thriving Together' They offered both Parent and Provider perspective on Navigating the Health Care system. Link below to the 90 min recording.

Whether you started getting medical support at your child's birth or after a later diagnosis, health care systems can feel unfamiliar, complicated, and overw...

02/21/2026

We will definitely be attending this informational session!

The Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (MNCCD) invites you to our 2026 Session Start-Up event. During this event we will share our 2026 policy agenda, hear from invited speakers, discuss what is to come to this session, and more.

The event is Wednesday, February 25 from 10-11am on Zoom. To receive the link for the meeting, please register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/N-HK_6E2SQW7A67XoTi3Bg. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

We are excited for to the 2026 Legislative Session.

02/21/2026

Now that the 2026 Minnesota Legislative session has officially started, here's how to stay on top of that are particularly relevant for people with disabilities.

Recap: 2025 Session Outcomes
In 2025, Minnesota lawmakers worked in a tight budget environment shaped by the February forecast. That pressure affected disability services, including waivers through the Minnesota Department of Human Services.

At the same time, federal Medicaid changes created new uncertainty for people who rely on Medical Assistance. Many of the changes do not take effect until late 2026, but understanding what is coming can help people plan and stay informed.

Even with those constraints, lawmakers passed several disability-related provisions find the 2025 recap and 2026 priorities here!

Follow disability-related policy during Minnesota’s 2026 legislative session. Our new blog post recaps key provisions that became law in 2025 and previews what to watch in 2026…

02/18/2026

Thank you HopeKids for the Fairytale Ball at the Green Acres Event Center.

Julian had a ball and was mesmerized by all of the Disney Princess characters with his favorite probably being Cinderella!

02/12/2026

My mantra for the year 2026 is "Better Together" and it is true no matter what I seem to be doing or referencing. I look forward to presenting with these 2 amazing humans tonight: Andrea Lawson and Dr. Tori Bahr. I am so fortunate to have so many wise women navigating this world alongside me and working hard to create change in whatever ways we can. Additionally I have so much gratitude for amazing organizations like PACER Center helping to educate our community. We cannot, and should not, try to navigate any of this alone. -HB

02/08/2026

🌟 New Episode Alert! 🌟

In this episode of , we dive into the incredible world of healing children’s trauma with the amazing Emily Benson 💛 — founder of Beginnings and Beyond Counseling/Play Therapy Minnesota & High Vibrations Healing.

🎈 From play therapy to somatic experiencing and trauma-informed touch, Emily shares practical techniques for both kids AND parents. Plus, she highlights the power of community, self-care, and hope for families navigating trauma.

Parents of children with medical complexities — this episode is a treasure trove of insight, encouragement, and actionable tips! 🛋️💡

Go to rarelyfamiliar.com to watch the full episode on YouTube, Spotify or Apple Podcasts

02/03/2026

Check this out!

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1GYuQt6i14/?mibextid=wwXIfr

01/31/2026

Thank you on the update!!!

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17q5XLQ9yr/?mibextid=wwXIfr

01/06/2026

Thank You PACER Center! You can help protect special education and keep IDEA at the U.S. Department of Education - sign the petition today!

According to recent media reports, the U.S. Department of Education intends to move federal oversight of special education to another federal agency – likely either the Department of Health and Human Services or the Department of Labor. PACER opposes this action and needs your help to ensure that the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS), which oversees the funding and implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), stays at the Department of Education.

You can help protect special education and keep IDEA at the U.S. Department of Education - sign the petition today!

According to recent media reports, the U.S. Department of Education intends to move federal oversight of special education to another federal agency – likely either the Department of Health and Human Services or the Department of Labor. PACER opposes this action and needs your help to ensure that the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS), which oversees the funding and implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), stays at the Department of Education.

IDEA is a civil rights law focused on ensuring that students with disabilities receive an appropriate education alongside their peers. The U.S. Departments of Labor and Health and Human Services do not have expertise in special education, and this transfer would result in further uncertainty and confusion for states, school districts, and families.

Sign the petition by Friday, January 16 to show that parents of students with disabilities and other stakeholders across the country oppose this transfer, which would reduce educational opportunities for students with disabilities. Sign the petition at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeDUIEQJwswwi0l_dPEFwypvRmQaXpEz91C7G2IwJKLVzSLPw/viewform

While PACER is closely following these issues, please remember that special education laws and policies remain intact. If you are a Minnesota parent of a child with a disability needing support, please contact us at (952) 838-9000 or pacer.org.

01/03/2026

🎙️ New Episode Alert! 🎧
When Jacob Esser couldn’t find community after his son’s Down syndrome diagnosis, he built one—Dads of Down Syndrome—transforming isolation into brotherhood, advocacy, and collective strength for fathers.

Dive into our latest Rarely Familiar podcast with Jacob, founder of (DODs), to chat about the origins and growth of DODs, the impact of bringing dads together through monthly events, the importance of connection, and the organization’s mission to empower fathers and inspire advocacy.

Learn More:
https://www.rarelyfamiliar.com/podcast/27-one-dads-mission-uniting-fathers-for-down-syndrome-advocacy-and-support|

https://dadsofdownsyndrome.org/

01/02/2026

EVENT HIGHLIGHT, JANUARY 31: Crescent Cove Gala

Tram and Haley have been so fortunate to utilize services at Crescent Cove for many years for Sadie and Felix. Our kids LOVE it there, in fact, when we go to pick them up, they don't want to come home.

Let's join together to raise money for Crescent Cove, Minnesota's only children's respite and hospice Home. Your involvement helps their staff provide compassionate care for children with shortened life expectancies and their families. Help us build a night — and a community — where love grows and moments count.

Our parents (our kids' grandparents) often ask "what can we do to help?" well, here's an option...a fun oppotunity to get all dressed up AND support an amazing cause for our community.

What to expect: (virtual options for $25, live event @ J.W. Marriott by MOA for $200)

5:00 pm Reception Begins, fundraising games and silent auction browsing
7:00 pm Plated dinner begins
8:00 pm Program: Prepare to be inspired!
Silent Auction Ends
9:15 pm Program ends, celebrate helping to Make Moments Count at Crescent Cove!

Virtual Tickets

Can't make it in person? Purchase a virtual ticket by Jan 22 to receive a care package and the link to the event to watch the live stream from the comfort of your home! Virtual tickets are $25 up until Jan 22 to cover the cost of the care package, after Jan 22 you can still sign up to watch virtually at no charge, and a care package will not be sent to your home.

https://crescentcove.networkforgood.com/events/89284-2026-everlight-gala?hid=MjcwMjc4Ng==&utm_campaign=dms_email_blast_4121661