Grandparent Autism Network

a vital resource for autism...and each other!

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GAN’s Volunteer Care Notebook Project

GAN collaborates with the Regional Center of Orange County’s Comfort Connection in providing the Care Notebook Project for families that have children with all disabilities.  Volunteers work one-on-one, helping parents to organize medical, school, therapy, and other information into binders to enable them to be better prepared for emergencies, insurance claims, annual Independent Education Plan (IEP) meetings, doctors appointments, service provider evaluations, etc.

Give a Care Notebook:  A Gift that Keeps Giving!

Families that have special needs children are typically overwhelmed with school, medical and therapy reports that need to be easily accessible when when requested for Independent Education Planning sessions, progress evaluations and for filing insurance claims. Giving your family a Care Notebook, may be the best gift they will receive for years to come. It helps them to organize the huge amount of paperwork they have and relieves a lot of stress. It is easy to find the components at any office supply store and should cost approximately $25. Here’s how you can make one:

Care Notebook Contents

  • A plain 3-ring binder with 2 inch rings. To personalize the binder, select one with a clear pocket on the front where you can insert a picture of your grandchild.
  • A notebook 3-hole punch, a small stapler, colored small “post it” note pads, a highlighter pen and paper clips
  • A 3-hole vinyl business card holder
  • A vinyl pen/supply pocket holder with zipper
  • Notebook index dividers with 10 sections

Suggested Categories for Index Tabs

  • Emergency Information
  • Medical Records
  • Education Reports
  • Therapies
  • Insurance Claims
  • Local Service Agencies
  • Autism Resources
  • Activities
  • Child Care/Respite Help, If applicable
  • Extra Blank Tabs can be filled in by Parents

Assembling the Notebook

Place the 3 ring hole punch at the front of the notebook and add the additional vinyl pockets for supplies and business cards. Put the stapler, “post it” notes, pens, clips, etc. in the supply pocket.

Label the dividers with the appropriate categories and place them behind the vinyl pockets in the notebook.

Offer to Help Organize and File the Records

If possible, offer to help sort and file the paperwork in the notebook with the most recent reports on the top. Set aside, but do not discard duplicates, or any of the paperwork. Label them so that your children can decide what to do with the extra copies.

You may want to purchase additional binders. Some families have a binder for every year, but the current academic year is typically the main focus for schools, physicians and therapists to review. If you are mailing the Care Notebook, consider using a USPS flat rate box.

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Upcoming Events

Oct 6
9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Person-Driven Planning: Supporting Transition for Students with Disabilities

Oct 12
11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Autism Inclusion in the Workplace Panel

Oct 29
10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Parent’s Support Meetings with Dr. Gantman

Nov 3
8:30 am - 1:00 pm

Person-Driven Planning: Supporting Transition for Students with Disabilities

Nov 4
9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Autism Speaks Orange County Walk

View Calendar

More Announcements

Autism Friendly Travel Destinations

Posted: September 11, 2023

Meow Wolf Collaborating with IBCCES, Meow Wolf’s Santa Fe, Denver, Dallas, and Las Vegas locations have completed staff training and onsite reviews, enhancing their immersive art experiences for autistic and […]

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Fall 2023 Newsletter

Posted: August 21, 2023

There are many ways grandparents can help to ensure a great start for the new school year for their grandchildren Back to School Tips You can help to reinforce good […]

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Summer 2023 Newsletter

Posted: May 10, 2023

Summer Activity Suggestions Plant flowers or vegetables in your garden: Grandchildren will gain a sense of responsibility as they care for and water their plants. Cook together: Follow a recipe that […]

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Contact Us

Grandparent Autism Network
360 E. First Street #202
Tustin, CA 92780-3211
Tel: 714.573.1500
E: info@ganinfo.org

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About GAN

Our Mission: To promote awareness and understanding of autism and to enhance the resources essential to community responsiveness.

GAN is a registered 501(c)(3): Tax ID# 20-5230144

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