Providing technical assistance to support youth and young adults with disabilities and their Families during Transition
About RAISE
In 2014, SPAN Parent Advocacy Network (SPAN), a parent-led and family-centered non-profit parent training and information center (PTI), was funded by the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) to provide support to Parent Training and Information Centers in helping individuals with disabilities transition into adulthood.
RAISE was funded by a national grant from the U.S. Department of Education Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) to provide technical assistance and support to eight (8) RSA PTIs.

New Resources from RAISE
Plain Language Made It Easy
RAISE and PEATC collaborated to develop this resource guide and video in English and Spanish to assist people in making their documents accessible to everyone.
- The Importance of Using Plain Language explains how plain language makes information easier for people to read and to understand. En Espanol *
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Using Plain Language Video explains how using plain language makes it easier for people to understand. En Espanol *
Readable Print
These resource provide information on how to make printed text the most visually accessible.
- Creating Readable Print Materials explains the rules that will make text readable for everyone, including people with reading, language, or visual disabilities and their families.*
- Creating Readable Text is a video shows how to create readable print material *
Stay Up To Date with RAISE
The Standard Newsletter is the official publication from RAISE.
The STANDARD: 8.3, March 2022
In this issue of RAISE The Standard, we explore the entrepreneurial spirit of starting a business.
The STANDARD: 8.2, January 2022
In this issue of RAISE The Standard we explore addictions and substance use disorders, and their impact on youth with disabilities.
The STANDARD: 8.1, November 2021
In this issue of RAISE The Standard, we explore the intersection of public benefits, earned income and personal finance, and the complex balance needed to achieve and preserve financial wellness.
Sign up for The Standard Newsletter and other useful RAISE resources and information.
Webinars and Events
RAISE hosts a number of engaging and informative webinars and events through out the year. We invite you to join us for professional development, virtual learning, networking and more.
Connection and Community: A social media guide to enhance engagement- Feb 28, 2022
During this fun and engaging session, Katy Albert will give you the tools to take your social media presence to the next level. The session will include a review of the rise and roles of social media, an overview of best practices and platform accessibility, and more.
Date: Monday, Feb. 28, 2022
Time: 2pm ET
Introduction to the Vocational Rehabilitation Program – Jan 24, 2022
This session will provide a basic overview of the services available from the vocational rehabilitation system for people with disabilities. It will cover eligibility, developing the Individualized Plan for Employment, available services, and financial factors to consider.
The RAISE Blog
From an “insider’s” perspective, our blogs feature articles from Director, Josie Badger and occasional guest bloggers on transition-related issues.
ADDICTION & DISABILITIES: The Very Different Struggle- By Noemi Gonzalez
My name is Noemi Gonzalez and I am a mother of 4 and I am presently working towards a degree in addictions psychology with a minor in political sciences. I am partnered with several organizations, and I am an activist supporting the rights of individuals...
Being A Boss, by Josie Badger
Growing up with a disability I had to be creative and self-motivated in order to be successful. In the 80s and 90s “a significant percent of “normal” activities for kids were not accessible so I had to be creative to be able to be involved. I also spent a...
Getting to know assistive tech! By Ren Koloni
When I first heard the words “assistive technology,” all I could imagine was something out of science fiction, like a helpful hologram or a robotic backpack. But I’ve since realized that I’ve used assistive technology every day for my whole life, and it doesn’t...