• Think College: Empowering Students to Make Choices and Get Involved on Campus

    Virtual

    Join us for a helpful webinar about empowering college students with intellectual disability. It’s important for educators, family members, and advocates to support students in making their own choices and becoming more independent. Allowing students to take reasonable risks—like trying new things or facing challenges—can help them grow and fully enjoy their college experience. We will also discuss how to ensure that students with disabilities are included in all aspects of campus life. This part of the session will provide practical tips for educators and families on how to help students get more involved in campus activities. During this session, we will cover practical strategies to:
    • Promote Self-Determination: Learn how to support students in solving problems and making decisions in their daily lives on campus.
    • Encourage Independence: Discover ways to help students develop skills for living on their own, participating in classes, and joining social activities.
    • Support Active Campus Involvement: Find out how to motivate students to join clubs, organizations, and events.

    Real-Life Examples:
    • Hear stories from students who took reasonable risks and became more independent as active members of their campus.
    • Learn about strategies used by staff to encourage students’ independence, such as attending classes on their own, using public transportation, and managing their time between classes.

    For more information, contact Sheila at sheila.johnson@umb.edu or visit ThinkCollege.Net

  • Student Religious Expression in Public Schools

    Virtual

    On behalf of the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Office of Safe and Supportive Schools and Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, the National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments (NCSSLE) invites you to join our next webinar, Student Religious Expression in Public Schools.

    The First Amendment protects the rights of all students to participate in religious expression or choose not to do so. Understanding and being responsive to the religious accommodations requests of students is not only constitutionally required but also creates inclusive learning environments necessary for student success.

    In this webinar, you will learn about the experiences of students and educators who work to support students of all religious, secular, and spiritual backgrounds in showing up in school as their full selves, and the positive impact doing so has had on their learning environments. The panel will also answer frequently asked questions about what religious freedom protections the U.S. Constitution guarantees to all students. We will conclude the webinar by addressing questions posed by the audience.

  • Saturday Seminar IDEA

    Virtual

    Unlock the Power of IDEA at our Virtual Training!

    Discover how IDEA safeguards the rights of students with disabilities, ensuring they receive the personalized support they need through an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). This session will empower you with knowledge to advocate effectively for your child's unique educational needs.

    What You Will Learn:
    • The six essential principles of IDEA and how it protects your child's rights

    Reserve your spot today and become a more confident advocate for your child's education!

    Our Education and Support Specialists are seasoned facilitators, each bringing years of experience supporting parents at IEP meetings and helping them understand IDEA. They too are parents like you who are passionate about the success of students with disabilities.

    To later participate in the IEP seminar, please register by following this link: bit.ly/4fvmhkn

  • Saturday Seminar IDEA & IEP

    Virtual

    Discover the importance of an IEP and how to ensure your child receives the personalized support they need through an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). This session will empower you with knowledge to advocate effectively for your child's unique educational needs.

    What You Will Learn:
    • How IEPs are created to provide customized special education services.

    Reserve your spot today and become a more confident advocate for your child's education!

    Our Education and Support Specialists are seasoned facilitators, each bringing years of experience supporting parents at IEP meetings and helping them understand IDEA. They too are parents like you who are passionate about the success of students with disabilities.

  • Student Led IEPs: Helping Students Fly

    Virtual

    Many students with disabilities play little to no role in their own Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings and the planning of their services, accommodations, and goals. However, research shows that when students lead their own IEP meetings, they become more engaged in their education, learn important self-advocacy skills, and take greater ownership over their learning. Student-led IEPs promote self-determination and give students a greater sense of control over their education. Educators, administrators, students, and family members are encouraged to attend.

    Presenter: Julie Mlagan is currently serving as an Implementation Specialist for the Transition Improvement Grant (TIG) in the CESA 1 & CESA2 Regions. She has over two decades of experience working for individuals with intellectual, developmental, and related disabilities in the community and classroom. She earned a BS in Voc Rehab, MS in Ed Psych & a MS in Spec Ed. Her experience includes job development, coaching, guardianship, case management, & teaching functional academics & community-based transition skills. As a special education and transition professional, she is avid about preparing students for self-advocacy, employment, education & independence as they prepare for life after high school.

  • Virtual

    This workshop will teach parents and others positive interventions to help youth who struggle with school avoidance. It will also cover anxiety, challenging behaviors, and special education.

  • Using an Exit Meeting to Plan for Services After High School

    Virtual

    In this webcast, we will examine how to assist students with significant support needs in connecting or maintaining connections to employment-related services when exiting high school. This meeting uses a person-centered approach that helps the student connect to services that fit their employment goals. The presenters will review how to use an “Exit Meeting Tool” to provide structure for a team supporting the student. This tool reviews students’ interests, needs, and goals related to employment and services that can support the student after high school. We will also review tips and resources for parents as their students exit high school.  

  • What’s the Big Deal about the Prior Written Notice?

    Ever wonder what a Prior Written Notice (PWN) really means for your child’s IEP? Join Stephanie Petrillo to learn what a PWN is, when it’s needed, and why it’s such an important document for families. Gain the knowledge and confidence to make sure your child’s needs are clearly understood.

    Free
  • Understanding the School Discipline Process

    Learn about functional behavioral assessment (FBA), behavior intervention plans (BIP) and how to be proactive in addressing behavior in your child’s IEP.

    Free
  • Back to School Bash & Open House

    Spectrum Autism Support Center 2997 Main St, Duluth, GA, United States

    Kick off the new school year with Spectrum Autism Support, Education & Resources at our Back to School Bash & Open House! Bring the whole family for a fun-filled day featuring a bounce house, The Bubble Man, playground activities, interactive games, and more. While you're enjoying the festivities, take the opportunity to tour our facility, meet our staff, learn about Spectrum's programs and services, and connect with other families in the community. Whether you're new to Spectrum or have been part of our family for years, this is the perfect way to celebrate the start of the school year together.

    A special thank you to KYO Autism Therapy for sponsoring this event and helping make this day of fun, connection, and community possible.

  • Bridging the Gap: Building Strong Communication with the Whole School Team

    Effective communication with school staff goes beyond talking to teachers. In this webinar, families will learn practical strategies for engaging with administrators, counselors, nurses, and more. We’ll cover how to prepare for meetings, ask the right questions, and collaborate on solutions that support your child’s needs.

    Free
  • Supporting Students, Families, and Educators Through School Transitions

    When a school closes or a major program shifts suddenly, the impact reaches far beyond the classroom. Students feel the disruption, families lose stability, and educators face new communication challenges.

    This webinar explores how communities can respond together — pivoting, preparing, and supporting students through unexpected transitions.

    Participants Will Learn:

    Navigating change — How to seek transparency and consistent resources from school districts.

    SEL support for all students — Practical strategies to help students manage emotions, stress, and anxiety across grade levels.

    Strengthening partnerships — How home, school, and community leaders can work together to rebuild trust and strengthen family engagement.

    Free