Partner with VELA
Let's work together.
We’re excited you’re interested in partnering with VELA to support families in becoming their child’s greatest advocate. We work with schools, nonprofit organizations, clinics, and community partners to bring VELA’s services directly to the families you serve—supporting you in ensuring families can access the knowledge, support, resources, and community they need to navigate disability.
Below is a menu of partnership offerings available to your organization, including workshops for parents and a professional development workshop for your team. Review these options to see what best meets the needs of your families and/or staff, then complete the interest form so we can connect and explore how we can work together.
Workshops for Parents
​From Confusion to Confidence: Navigating Special Education
Audience: Parents of children with any disability that are relatively new to special education
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Description: Understand the SPED process, learn IEP basics, and get practical tips to prepare for ARD meetings and advocate for your child.
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Availability:
March- December 2026
Understanding Autism: Supporting Your Child’s Strengths & Needs
Audience: Parents of children with an autism diagnosis.
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Description: Learn how autism can impact communication, social interaction, play, and sensory processing, while gaining tools to support and advocate for them.
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Availability:
April-December 2026
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Taking Care of You: Caregiver Wellness
Audience: Parents of children with any diagnosis.
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Description: Introducing caregiver wellness and learning about and practicing self-compassion and practical mindfulness stress based reduction strategies.
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Availability:
July-December 2026
Preparing for Adulthood: Transition Planning
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Audience: Parents of children with any diagnosis ages 11–17.
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Description: Introduction to transition planning (which starts at age 14 within school districts) and connection to key supports and services for 18+.
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Availability:
September-December 2026
Workshop for Providers
Supporting Families Navigating Special Education
Audience: Healthcare, educational, and social services providers who support families whose children access special education services.
Description: Build a practical understanding of special education services and supports, learn when and how to effectively support families navigating this complex system, and leave with clear strategies and trusted resources to guide families with confidence.
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Availability: July–December 2026
About Our Workshops
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Interactive, live workshops focused on knowledge, skills, and connection
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Delivered via Zoom, with limited in-person options in Austin
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Parent workshops: 1.5 hours, English or Spanish, led by VELA Parent Facilitators
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Provider workshops: 1.5–2 hours, offered in English, led by VELA Parent Facilitators
Interested? What to Expect
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Complete the interest form to share which workshop(s) you’re interested in
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Connect with the VELA team. Once you complete the form, we will reach out to discuss your goals, share pricing, and scheduling options
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Plan for recruitment (for Parent Workshops only): Workshops are typically scheduled out at least one month in advance; VELA provides sample marketing materials and recruitment strategies to support your outreach efforts.
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Reach out sooner than later! Even if you’re considering workshops later in the year, we encourage you to connect with us early so we get you scheduled!
"This training was amazing. I not only better understand the parent's experience but I left with two amazing tools I can use in my ARD meetings tomorrow with families! Thank you so much!"
says Shelby Bishop,
VELA Professional Development participant