Understanding Respite Opportunities

Respite care gives you a planned break from daily caregiving while your loved one enjoys safe, engaging activities. Our Family Support Center coordinates both in-home respitality and out-of-home short stays through vetted providers across the Greater Lowell area. In-home support can be scheduled for a few hours on a weekday, an evening, or a full weekend day. Out-of-home respitality may include a stay with a host family, a weekend recreation program, or a small group outing supervised by trained staff.

To begin, call our main office and ask to speak with a service navigator. We will review your family’s schedule, your loved one’s interests, and any medical or behavioral needs. A short intake form and a current DDS eligibility letter are required. Once approved, you can request respitality hours up to the monthly limit determined by your family support plan. We recommend booking at least two weeks in advance for weekend respitality, as host homes and group slots fill quickly.

• In-home daytime or evening respite
• Weekend host family respitality
• Small group recreational respitality
• Emergency back-up respitality (limited availability)

Navigating the IEP Process

Preparing for an Individualized Education Program meeting can feel overwhelming, but our navigators can sit beside you at every step. We help you review current evaluations, organize your child’s work samples, and draft specific, measurable goals that reflect your family’s priorities. Our staff can attend IEP team meetings with you, either in person or by phone, to help clarify terminology and ensure your questions are answered. We also provide a short checklist of documents to bring, including DDS eligibility letters and any outside therapy reports.

We offer a free IEP workshop each fall and spring, open to all families in Billerica, Chelmsford, Dracut, Lowell, Tewksbury, Tyngsboro, and Westford. The workshop covers the difference between accommodations and modifications, how to request extended school year services, and what to do if you disagree with a proposed placement. Individual follow-up appointments are available at our Chelmsford office after each workshop. Please bring your child’s most recent IEP and progress reports if you would like a private review.

Building Sibling Connections

Brothers and sisters of children with developmental disabilities often have their own questions, worries, and need for peer support. Our Sibling Support program hosts small, facilitated groups by age: ages 6–9, 10–13, and 14–18. Groups meet once a month at the LifeLinks office or a nearby community space. Activities include games, art projects, and guided conversations about feelings, fairness, and helping at home. All groups are led by a trained facilitator who understands sibling dynamics.

For siblings 18 and older, we offer a quarterly peer dinner and an online discussion forum moderated by our staff. Older siblings often share practical tips about guardianship, moving out, and supporting their brother or sister from a distance. We also connect siblings with a one-to-one peer mentor when they need more focused listening. To join any sibling group, call our office with the sibling’s name and age, and we will send a short permission form for families to sign.

Borrowing Equipment and Finding Community Resources

Our resource lending library includes adaptive switches, weighted blankets, sensory toys, communication boards, and safety items such as door alarms and bed rails. Families can borrow items for up to 30 days, with one renewal if the item is not on a waitlist. We ask that you return items clean and in working order. A small refundable deposit may apply for high-cost equipment. To check availability, call the main office and speak with the lending coordinator, or stop by our Chelmsford location during open hours.

In addition to equipment, we maintain an up-to-date directory of community resources for the Greater Lowell area. This includes accessible recreation programs, adaptive sports leagues, dental and medical providers with disability experience, housing agencies, and legal services for guardianship. Our navigators can print or email lists based on your family’s specific needs. We also publish a monthly e-newsletter with new resources, upcoming workshops, and family event reminders. To subscribe, ask any navigator or email us your preferred contact address.