Guiding Hands Navigation RVA
Policies & FAQs
A few things to know before getting started.
Guiding Hands Navigation is a welcoming place where families can ask questions, gain clarity, and get help figuring out their next steps.
Here are answers to some common questions about working with Guiding Hands Navigation.
💜About Guiding Hands Navigation
What is Guiding Hands Navigation?
Guiding Hands Navigation provides personalized guidance, education, and navigation support for families raising children with additional needs.
We help families talk through concerns, better understand the systems and services they may encounter, organize information, and identify practical next steps.
What can you help me navigate?
Support may include questions related to:
School and special education
Early Intervention
Evaluations and diagnoses
Healthcare and disability services
Medicaid waivers and community resources
Transitions between different stages
Preparing for adulthood
Documents, recommendations, and next steps
Do I need to know exactly what I need before contacting you?
No. It's completely okay to come in saying, "I don't know where to start."
That's exactly what the Starting Point Session is for.
Is Guiding Hands Navigation an advocacy service?
No. Guiding Hands Navigation provides guidance and navigation support, not formal advocacy or legal representation.
My role is to help you understand what's happening, prepare questions, explore your options, and decide what steps you'd like to take.
You remain the decision-maker for your child and family.
Do you provide legal, medical, or mental health advice?
No. Guiding Hands Navigation does not provide legal advice, medical advice, diagnosis, therapy, or mental health treatment.
When something falls outside my role, I'll encourage you to connect with an appropriate professional or resource.
🌱Working Together
Who can use Guiding Hands Navigation?
Services are designed for parents, caregivers, and families raising children or young adults with additional needs who want help understanding and navigating the systems involved in their journey.
Are sessions virtual?
Yes. Most sessions are provided virtually through Google Meet, with phone sessions available for select services.
Do I need to live in Virginia?
Not necessarily. I can provide some guidance and navigation support to families outside Virginia.
However, certain resources, programs, benefits, and service systems vary by state. I'll be clear when information is specific to Virginia or when you'll need to connect with a local resource.
What happens after I book?
You'll receive information about your session, any forms you need to complete, and preparation instructions.
Depending on the service you choose, you may also be asked to submit a document before your session.
Can you guarantee that I'll receive a particular service, benefit, eligibility decision, or school outcome?
No. Guiding Hands Navigation cannot guarantee decisions or outcomes made by schools, agencies, healthcare providers, service providers, or government programs.
My role is to help you better understand the process and prepare for your next steps.
📋Booking & Service Policies
Payment
Payment is due when your session is booked unless otherwise stated.
Rescheduling
Life happens. If you need to reschedule, please provide at least 48 hours' notice whenever possible.
Late Arrivals
If you arrive late, your session may still need to end at the originally scheduled time so that other appointments are not affected.
Missed Appointments
If you are unable to attend your session, please reach out as soon as possible. Missed appointments may require a new booking and payment.
Documents
If your session includes document review, submit documents by the deadline provided with your booking so we have enough time to review them before we meet.
Communication
Guiding Hands Navigation aims to respond to emails within 48 business hours. Email support is intended for brief follow-up questions related to your service. A new or more complex concern may require another session.
Privacy
We treat your family’s information with care and respect. Information you share is used to provide the guidance and navigation support you request and is not intentionally shared outside of Guiding Hands Navigation unless required by law or authorized by you.