Serve children with disabilities better together with Exceptional Lives
When families and schools work together, Special Education students thrive.
We’ve got tools to help families and schools build great relationships.
Family engagement is not a new idea, but it’s a powerful one when it comes to supporting students with disabilities.
Our idea is simple: Families and schools working together will create better outcomes for Special Education students.
This may not look the same for everyone. Some families may be able to come to every parent-teacher conference, others may prefer to get a phone call with updates. Whatever it looks like, when families and teachers work together and feel supported and heard, everyone wins.
Family-teacher relationships and trust are the foundation for student success.
Want better student outcomes? Improve special education family engagement with Exceptional Lives.
We are a team of parents, caregivers, and educators dedicated to supporting students with disabilities. Our work is guided by our own lived experience and a proven framework for successful school-family partnerships.
Building family engagement can be stressful on a team that is pulled in many directions. We’re here to help take the load off and lead you to a successful relationship with your Special Education families.
Here’s how we can help:
Help your child succeed. Engage in their education with Exceptional Lives.
Being involved in your child’s education takes effort and knowledge. It can be scary if you don’t know where to start – and complicated even if you are already involved.
But your involvement is so important to your child’s success. And we want you to have the tools and resources you need to collaborate with the school and support your child.
Our free blogs, podcasts, and information hubs give families a head start on knowledge you need to help your children thrive.
Whether you need help navigating a new diagnosis or making plans for your child to transition to adulthood, we’ve got it covered – in English and en español.
Find the services and resources you need
Our content helps point families and school districts towards the services and resources you need. Find “How-To” content that walks you through every step from navigating the individualized education process (IEP) to applying for SSI benefits.
- Autism
- Early Childhood
- Families and Stories
- Health Insurance
- Literacy and Reading
- SSI Benefits
- Special Education
- Transition to Adulthood
Find services for children with disabilities in our blogs, short videos, webinars, and podcasts.
Disability Services Finder
Exceptional Lives also offers a Disability Services Finder, a searchable database of community-based resources and services for children with disabilities. Find reliable, up-to-date, state-specific information and resources for parents, children, and teachers.
Hear from families managing the joys and challenges of raising children with disabilities
You are not alone on this journey! By hearing from other parents and providers that have found services for children with disabilities, you can learn from other’s experiences and thoughts. Watch their videos to learn how these parents and their children navigated the challenges they have faced.
Miranda and Magnolia
Meet Miranda Georgetown Riley, founder of the Magnolia Rose Foundation and mother of Magnolia Rose Riley. At 18 months old, Magnolia was diagnosed with autism and while she did not exhibit all of the typical signs of autism, her mom knew that something was different because she was non-speaking. After getting a diagnosis, Miranda immediately knew she needed to do all that she could to get her daughter early intervention and began her quest to get help.
Kisha and Kirsten
Becoming a 19 year old single parent of a child with a disability was a challenge that Kisha was not prepared for, but she quickly adapted to support her daughter’s needs. In this Families and Stories interview, Kisha emphasizes the importance of taking the time to learn to effectively communicate with medical professionals and balancing boundaries with family to create a healthy environment for her daughter Kirsten.
Shubha & A
Shubha Balabaer is a Canadian in Brooklyn. They care for their autistic child while challenging societal gaps and advocating for inclusion.
Neda & Mason
Some parents suspect their child might be autistic at an early age, especially if they know what to look for. As a neonatal nurse, Neda knew the warning signs when it came to her son Mason’s developmental milestones and knew right away that something was different.
Rob & Schuyler
Have you heard of Polymicrogyria (PMG)? Schuyler was diagnosed with the disorder at birth. PMG is a condition characterized by abnormal development of the brain before birth and affects Schuyler’s speech, learning ability, and can cause seizures. While schools are required to provide accommodations for those with disabilities, the real world can be slow to get on board.
Maurice & Maurice Jr.
Maurice Jr. is the first of 3 children and only son of his father Maurice Rush. After Little Rece’s diagnosis as autistic, his father learned how to become a strong advocate for his non-speaking son.
Johnny & Jonathan
Transitioning into adulthood can be a daunting experience, especially for those with disabilities. Jonathan’s parents took advantage of his father’s role at a local community college and enrolled their son as a part-time student to continue their journey to prepare him for life after high school.
Tanja & Andy
Transitioning into adulthood can be intimidating for any family. Adding a disability to the mix can make things even more daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Tanja made sure she prepared her autistic son, Andy, for life on his own after college.
Still looking for services for children with disabilities?
Read Our Blog
My Child is Struggling with Reading…Could it be DYSLEXIA?
Dyslexia is the most common learning disability, but many families don't know if their child has it. In this blog we talk about the warning signs and how to get support from the school.
How do I cope with my child’s new diagnosis?
When you learn your child has a new disability diagnosis, how do you cope? It’s a big moment. Here are some tips to help you move forward.
Tips to help youth with disabilities learn independent living skills
Youth with disabilities should start to learn independent living skills as early as possible. Read on to help them transition to adulthood!
Is my child a late bloomer?
Wondering if your child is a late bloomer? Here’s how to tell if your child’s development is on track - and when to seek help.
What’s the difference between SSI and SSDI?
SSI stands for Supplemental Security Income. This is money from the federal government that is available for children and adults with disabilities with low income and few resources. You must apply and qualify to receive this money. We’ll include a brief overview of SSI here.
Taking pride on Autistic Pride Day: an invitation to celebrate joy with my autistic family
I’m taking pride on Autistic Pride Day. Learn about my and my child’s diagnosis, how we build community, and why autistic brains are great.
Life after the IEP: How do I help my child with a disability transition to adulthood?
If your child has a disability, it might be hard to envision how they will transition to adulthood. Here’s how to set them up with the support they need for adult life.
Early Childhood FAQ: What if my baby is behind on milestones?
What if my baby is behind on milestones? Learn ways to identify delays and be proactive in getting the support you need for your child.
Teaching problem-solving to kids
Teaching problem-solving skills to kids is hard. But with the right scaffolding, you can build their confidence and independence.
Need Help?
Call or text us at: 1-844-354-1212, email us at
info@exceptionallives.org, or chat with us online.