Individual Assistance - Support for Families
Expert Guidance for Your Family’s Unique Needs
Get personalized support from Family Resource Specialists who understand your challenges—because many of our staff are parents and siblings of children with disabilities.
We're Here to Help With...
Our Family Resource Specialists provide assistance with:
- Special Education – IEP/504 Plan development, understanding your rights, school advocacy
- Early Childhood & Early Intervention – IFSP support, preschool transitions, developmental resources
- Behavioral & Mental Health – Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), finding mental health services, managing challenging behaviors
- Disability Services – Medicaid, SSI/SSDI, waiver programs, accessing community resources
- Transitions to Adulthood – College planning, vocational rehabilitation, independent living skills, employment support
- Health Care & Medical Issues – Insurance navigation, medical appointment preparation, health care advocacy
- Bullying & Social Challenges – Creating safety plans, addressing peer relationships
- And much more – If it involves supporting your child or family, we’re here to listen and help
How Individual Assistance Works
Step 1: Reach Out
Tell us what you need. Contact us through our “Get Help Now” form or call our office directly. You can share as much or as little as you’re comfortable with—we’re here to listen.
Step 2: Connect
We learn about your family. A Family Resource Specialist will visit or speak with you to understand your child’s needs, your family’s situation, and what matters most to you.
Step 3: Personalized Support
You get resources tailored to you. We’ll provide specific information, connect you with local resources, help you understand your rights, and develop action steps that work for your family.
Step 4: Ongoing Support
We’re here for follow-up. We don’t just hand you resources and disappear. Our specialists are available to answer follow-up questions, help you troubleshoot challenges, and provide encouragement along the way.
Why Families Trust Families Together
- We get it. Our staff members are parents, siblings, and family members of individuals with disabilities. We’ve walked similar paths and understand the emotional and practical challenges you face.
- We know the systems. Our specialists receive ongoing training on federal and state laws (IDEA, Section 504, ADA), disability services programs, education rights, and community resources across Kansas.
- We listen first. Every family is different. We take time to understand your specific situation before suggesting solutions.
- We advocate for you. We help you understand your rights and empower you to advocate effectively for your child in education, health care, and community settings.
- It’s free. All of our services are funded through grants and donations, so families never pay for assistance.
Is Individual Assistance Right for You?
You might benefit from Individual Assistance if you:
- Recently received a diagnosis and don’t know where to start
- Feel overwhelmed navigating IEPs, health insurance, or disability services
- Want to understand your rights in special education or health care
- Need help problem-solving a specific challenge with your child
- Are preparing for a major transition (preschool to school, school to adulthood)
- Feel isolated and need someone who understands what you’re going through
- Live anywhere in Kansas (we serve all 105 counties)
Good news: If you’re a Kansas family with a child (ages 0-26) who has a disability or special health care need, we’re here for you.
What Our Families are Saying
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between Individual Assistance and other Families Together programs?
Individual Assistance is 1:1 support tailored to your family’s specific needs. Our Parent-to-Parent program connects you with mentor parents for peer support. The CHASE Program serves youth ages 10-26. And our Education Advocate program supports children whose parents cannot legally advocate for them. You can participate in multiple programs—they complement each other.
How long does it take to hear back after I submit a form?
Our Family Resource Specialists typically reach out within 2-3 business days. If you need urgent assistance, please call us directly.
Can you help if we're dealing with a crisis?
While Individual Assistance is not a crisis service, we can help connect you to immediate resources and support. If your family is in crisis, please call 911 or contact the Kansas Crisis Hotline. We’re available to support you after the immediate emergency is addressed.
What if my questions are about something outside these service areas?
We know a lot about disability services, education, and family support. If your question falls outside our expertise, we’ll do our best to connect you with an organization that can help.
How is your advice different from searching the internet?
Internet searches give you general information. We provide guidance based on Kansas laws and resources, your family’s specific situation, and our experience helping hundreds of families navigate similar challenges. We’re also available for follow-up questions and ongoing support.
