2.3 Purposeful Life: Family Training Series (Day)

2026

2.3 Purposeful Life (FY 2025) The Purposeful Life: Family training series is a community outreach project focused on increasing the capacity of self-advocates and family members to live a purposeful life. In collaboration with the Center on Disability and Development (CDD) at Texas A&M University, the Brazos Valley Center for Independent Living, College Station Independent School District (ISD), Bryan ISD, and the Grimes County Special Education Co-op, the trainings are provided free of charge for family members and self-advocates on the first Thursday of the month throughout the school year. Many families struggle to find training that is easy to understand, affordable, and relevant to their everyday experiences. They also benefit from connecting with other families who understand their challenges and can share ideas and support. The program provides information on topics such as self-advocacy, independence, community involvement, employment, and planning for the future. Participants learn practical strategies they can use right away and have opportunities to connect with others in their community. One of the unique features of Purposeful Life is that it is led by volunteers, including parents, family members, professionals, and self-advocates. Presenters share both professional knowledge and personal experiences, making the information relatable and useful. The program is also a strong community partnership involving Texas A&M's Center on Disability and Development, local school districts, and community organizations. In addition to in-person sessions, Purposeful Life offers virtual training through Facebook Live and shares recordings on YouTube, making learning available to families outside the Brazos Valley. Participants gain knowledge, confidence, and practical tools to make informed decisions and work toward their goals. Families learn how to better support their loved ones and plan for different stages of life. Participants also build relationships with other families, self-advocates, and professionals, creating a stronger support network. By increasing access to information and fostering community connections, Purposeful Life helps individuals with disabilities and their families take meaningful steps toward living the lives they choose. FY 2025-2026 Sessions: October 2nd- Welcome to Purposeful Life November 6th- Teaching Financial Skills December 4th- Teaching Healthcare Professionals Ways to Increase the Comfort of Patients with Developmental Disabilities February 5th- Financial Planning and Disability Benefits March 5th- Transitioning to Community-Based Employment April 2nd- Supporting Communication and Using Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) May 7th- Planning for the Summer - cancelled *** SURVEYS *** Satisfaction Surveys completed Satisfaction 93 Strongly Agreed 24 Agreed 1 Disagree 1 Strongly Disagreed Initial Outcome Measures 91 Strongly Agreed 27 Agreed 1 Disagree 0 Strongly Disagreed Responses to the question "What did you find helpful about this activity?" October 2nd- Welcome to Purposeful Life The social interaction and info about services Chatting with Parents and Camp Life Services That's good to know about the community resources that are available for my child Learning about transportation services in our area November 6th- Teaching Financial Skills I learned where to start to teach my son how to manage money Making a calendar to show when bills are due and show them how to balance Great discussion of spending habits and teaching I like the practical advice on how to give financial skills to my child December 4th- Teaching Healthcare Professionals Ways to Increase the Comfort of Patients with Developmental Disabilities Ideas that I can use, like using visuals and preferred items. I role play and let him play with the instruments before the exams, which helps, but I think visuals and preferred items will help too It is good to think about alternatives to the use of restraint to complete medical procedures. Be vocal to my child's healthcare professionals about her disability. February 5th- Financial Planning and Disability Benefits Open my eyes for my child's future financial security, especially when I'm gone. All the programs we can qualify for. Lecture about trust in money, how it works. Also learning about the ABLE plans and the difference from a special needs trust. The speaker's offer of help with a financial plan and life estimate. March 5th- Transitioning to Community-Based Employment Learning about the vocational services available in our area. The information to help children get a job April 2nd- Supporting Communication and Using Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Fantastic examples and explanations of an AAC and its use. How to model using AAC, we are getting one soon, hopefully. I found the explanations and modern-day connections to the AAC speaking device very helpful. The speaker was very enthusiastic and used real-world experiences, which made it very helpful.

Mental/Behavioral Health – Autism, Developmental Disabilities, Early Childhood – Developmental Health (including developmental screening), Early Childhood – General, Health Care Transition, Health Insurance, Mental/Behavioral Health – General , Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults with Special Health Care Needs, Self-advocacy, parent education

Developing & Disseminating Information, Continuing Education/Community Training, Other Direct/Model Services

Education & Early Intervention, Child Care-Related Activities, Quality of Life

Community Trainees / Short term trainees, Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers, Adults with Disabilities, Children/Adolescents with Disabilities/SHCN, General Public

None

Mulit-County, State

N/A