Friendships and iQuest and more…

February 9, 2026

Objectives for Our Time Together

Learn about the START project and resources related to family engagement

Review START’s Peer to Peer model for fostering connection & belonging

Review the iQuest: Independence Quest

About the START Project

​

The Statewide Autism Resources and Training (START) Project is housed in the GVSU Autism Education Center and is funded by the Michigan Department of Education, Office of Special Education to provide evidence-based training, technical assistance, and resources to educators in Michigan that serve students with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Autism-Led, not Autism-Specific

START Website (https://www.gvsu.edu/autismcenter/)

START-isms

Short phrases that represent the values that guide our work

START Info Sheets

Family Engagement

Resources

​

​

No one knows a student or loves a student the way a family does. Planning and decision-making needs to be guided by the team’s efforts to understand the life of the student both inside and outside of school. As the heart of the team, families help to set the vision for what the student needs now to build a life and future with many opportunities.

​

START’s Families Page and Resources

​

START’s Featured Resource for Families

iQuest

​

iQuest for Independence

​

What and Why?

• An updated version of the START Passport
• Helps users identify and practice skills that lead to real-life independence at home and school
• Encourages collaboration between school teams and families while keeping the learner at the center of the process.

​

How?

START’s Implementing the iQuest Guide

​

Home Independence Goals

Begin Your Journey

Disney movie characters

Crowns and jewelry

Weaving loom kits

Skittles

Jewelry business

Birthday party with Disney characters or movie

Trip to Disney world with family

​

​

Sara

3rd

10/12

Home Independence Goals

Home Goal Progress

School Independence Goals

School Goal Progress

Tutorial

User Profile

Name:

Grade:

Date:

My Picture

Hopes and Dreams for My Future

Type or add pictures to describe them.

Things and Activities I Like

Type or add pictures of things you like.

Menu

User Profile

Goal 1:

​

Play a boardgame with my family

​

​

Goal 2:

​

Home Goal Progress

School Independence Goals

School Goal Progress

Tutorial

User Profile

Home Independence Goals

Category:

Category:

Menu

Home Independence Goals

Home Goal Progress

Add pictures and text to show your progress towards your Home Goals!

When you meet your goal, go to the Certificate Page!

Home Independence Goals

School Independence Goals

School Goal Progress

Tutorial

User Profile

Menu

Home Goal Progress

Home Independence Goals

Home Goal Progress

School Independence Goals

School Goal Progress

Tutorial

User Profile

Well played!

Start your next quest.

Menu

Sample iQuest Independence Goals:�Different Age Ranges

Peer to Peer

​

START: What is Peer to Peer?

• Program that intentionally connects students with and without disabilities throughout the school day
• No prerequisites
• Peer education gives students knowledge and skills

30

Participation is…

Kids:

• Being put in an adult role
• Telling kids what to do
• Watching kids eat lunch
• Watching kids completing an assignment
• “Taking” the student to a location in the building
• Feeling sorry for students with disabilities

Participation is NOT…

Kids:

• Being kids
• Playing/hanging out with kids
• Eating lunch together
• Working together on the same assignments
• Walking with each other in the hallways
• Learning about neurodiversity

Peer Friendship Formula

Shared Activities

(MoE)

​

Common Interests

Regular Opportunities Over Time

Friendship

Sufficient Support and Valued Roles

Carter, E. W. (2021). Dimensions of belonging for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In A. W. Harrist & S. M. Wilson (Series Eds.), J. L. Jones & K. L. Gallus (Vol. Eds.), Belonging and resilience in individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities: Community and family engagement (pp. 13-34). Springer.

Common Interests

Peer to Peer and Family Engagement

Other Learning Opportunities

​

START Conference

Family Scholarships are available!

​

​

Upcoming START Trainings and Training Series

My contact info: Jamie Owen-DeSchryver

owendesj@gvsu.edu