Family Support and Healthcare Alliance Delaware (SHADE)
About Family SHADE
Family SHADE is a community-building initiative, led by the voices of Delaware families. Family SHADE is housed at the University of Delaware Center for Disabilities Studies. This work is funded by the Delaware Division of Public Health. Additional information about Family SHADE can be found on the DEThrives website.
It is made up of three main activities:
- The Family SHADE Leadership Network (FSLN), a community of parents, family members and caregivers of children and youth with special healthcare needs
- A learning community comprised of free training and workshop opportunities
- A mini grant program to provide funds and technical support to community-based organizations serving Delaware children and youth
Family SHADE 2026-2027 Events
September 2026
- Thursday, September 24, 1–2 p.m. (virtual): My Voice, My Health: Using Augmentative and Alternative Communication for Self-Advocacy in Medical Settings Learning Community Workshop · Register for the September 24 event
October 2026
- Thursday, October 8, 2026, 1–2 p.m. (virtual): Tips, Tricks and Timelines: Practical Ways to Prepare for the Transition to Adult Healthcare to Maximize Autonomy and Minimize Anxiety Learning Community Workshop · Register for the October 8 event
- Tuesday, October 27, 2026, 6–7 p.m. (virtual): FSLN Medical Home Subcommittee Meeting
- Tuesday, October 27, 2026, 6–7 p.m. (virtual): FSLN Transition to Adult Healthcare Subcommittee Meeting
November 2026
- Tuesday, November 17, 2026, 6–7 p.m. (virtual): Facilitating Successful Medical and Dental Visits Learning Community Workshop · Register for the November 17 event
January 2027
- Friday, January 15, 2027, all day (hybrid · Newark, DE): Family SHADE Summit Event
- Core FSLN Meeting (meeting time TBD)
- Learning Community Training (meeting time TBD)
For questions, please contact the Family SHADE team at familyshade@udel.edu.