Family Ties of DC (FTDC) is a unique parent-to-parent support program for parents of children of all ages with developmental disabilities. Parents seeking emotional support, information, or resources, known as a Referred Parent, are matched to a reliable and experienced parent, known as a “Support Parent,” who has “travelled their path.” Support Parents can help Referred Parents:
- Find resources and supports for their family
- Gain clarity on processes and systems
- Know your parental rights and the rights of their child
- Learn strategies to advocate for their child
- Identify ways to access and participate within the community
- Seek respite and self-care support
Support and Referred Parents are offered training on a variety of topics, including:
- Guardianship, Alternatives, and Supported Decision-Making
- Mental Health of the Caregiver
- Accessing Educational Outcomes for Your Student
- Obtaining Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Secondary Transition-Life Goals
- Aging and End of Life Planning
- Eligibility Process for DC Disability/Rehabilitation Services
Parenting is one of the most important, full-time positions in the world but can also includes times of being overwhelmed, lonely, and fearful. Choose not to be alone in this journey and request a Family Ties of DC parent match.
Click Here to submit a FTDC Parent Match Request.
Click Here to apply to be a Support Parent.
Linda’s Story
When the COVID-19 pandemic arrived in DC, I didn’t have full access to all the rapidly changing information about the District’s government closures and protocols. It took a while to connect with my daughter’s service coordinator. My daughter was ill, but I was not certain that her initial symptoms were related to COVID-19, as they were not the typical signs of fever, coughing and shortness of breath as noted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As my daughter grew sicker, my fears grew as I thought about going to the hospital where we could be exposed further or that I might be separated from my daughter who does not use words to communicate. I called Rhonda White from Quality Trust’s Family Ties of DC program for guidance to decide if I should go to the hospital. She advised me on how to stay safe and how to advocate for my daughter when we visit the hospital.
It was confirmed that my daughter had the coronavirus at the hospital. I felt powerless and gripped with fear. It was a state of being that we (families) are familiar with when we are faced with becoming prepared for the unknown, but the support of Ms. White and my parent connections kept me calm, focused and empowered me to keep fighting for my daughter. Everything I learned in the parent training was put into place.
As my daughter recovered from COVID-19, I am grateful for the continued support of Family Ties of DC and my fellow Support Parents. These parent connections gave me encouragement, solutions, and resources. Although I have lonely moments, I know that I am not alone with the support of FTDC parents who are only a phone call away. I have learned the true value of parent connection that is vital to the health of families.
Family Ties of DC is an Alliance Member of the national Parent to Parent USA program which is committed to providing access to quality emotional support for families of individuals with disabilities and/or special health care needs.
To learn more about Family Ties of DC, please contact us at info@dcqualitytrust.org or 202-448-1450.
