Special Education

What Is Inclusive Education? – with Ms. Katie Bauliner, Boston University

Ms. Katie Bauliner from Boston University explains the meaning and importance of inclusive education. Learn how students of all abilities can learn together in supportive classrooms—and how families, teachers, and schools can work as partners to create a truly inclusive learning environment.

A Conversation with the Boston Public Schools Special Education Department

Join representatives from the Boston Public Schools Special Education Department to learn about available services, the IEP process, and how families can work with schools to support children with disabilities. This session offers helpful information and answers to common questions from parents and caregivers.

Advocating for Your Child – with Ingrid Arvidson from FCSN

Ingrid Arvidson from the Federation for Children with Special Needs (FCSN) will guide families on how to effectively advocate for their children’s rights and needs in school and beyond. Learn practical tips to build confidence and become a strong voice for your child.

Transition Plan

This session will introduce families to the transition planning process for students with disabilities. Learn how to set meaningful goals and connect to services that support success in education, employment, and independent living after high school.

Essential Legal Documents to Prepare for Your Child’s Future

This session will walk families through the key legal documents every parent should consider when planning for their child’s future. Learn about tools like powers of attorney, special needs trusts, and supported decision-making to help protect your child’s rights and needs as they grow into adulthood.

A Parenting Journey: A Conversation with Ginger Kwan, MS

Join Ginger Kwan, MS, as she shares her personal and professional journey of raising a child with disabilities. This heartfelt session offers encouragement, real-life experiences, and insights for families navigating similar paths.

Supported Decision-Making: An Alternative to Guardianship

In this session, Dawn Monaco shares how families and educators can support teens with disabilities in learning to make important life decisions. Learn about Supported Decision-Making as a powerful alternative to guardianship that promotes self-advocacy, independence, and youth voice.

Self-Advocacy Through a Cultural Lens – Presented by Attorney Diana Autin

Join Attorney Diana Autin for an engaging session on how culture shapes the way parents and youth with disabilities speak up for themselves. Together, we’ll explore how to honor our cultural roots while building strong, confident voices for advocacy.

Thinking About Future ... Today

Join Attorney Diana Autin, Executive Director of the SPAN Parent Advocacy Network, as she walks us through the key elements of building a meaningful future for children and youth with disabilities. This session will explore important tools like the Charting the LifeCourse framework and person-centered planning, empowering families to start shaping their child’s future—today.

Integrating Health into Transition IEP

Erin Seigh, Transition Coordinator at SPAN, shares why it’s essential to include health and medical care in transition IEPs for youth with disabilities. This session covers key areas of transition assessment - postsecondary education, employment, independent living, and adult healthcare. Participants will learn through real examples of academic performance, measurable postsecondary goals, and related transition services to help students move toward a successful adult life.

A Conversation with Dawn Monaco: When, Why, and How to Disclose a Disability

Join Dawn Monaco as she discusses the importance of disability disclosure. Learn when, why, and how to talk about a disability in different settings, and how to support youth in making informed decisions about self-advocacy and disclosure.

Talking with BCIL about Pre-ETS and TAP for Youth with Disabilities

In this session, representatives from the Boston Center for Independent Living (BCIL) share valuable information about Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) and the TAP program. Learn how these programs support teens with disabilities in building job skills, exploring careers, and preparing for independent adulthood.

A Conversation with Julie Swanson: Building Life Skills for Our Children

Join us for a meaningful conversation with Julie Swanson as she shares practical tips and insights on teaching life skills to children with disabilities. Learn how to support independence and everyday success at home and in the community.

Talking About Special Needs Trusts with Attorney Meredith Greene of Fletcher Tilton

In this video, Attorney Meredith Greene from Fletcher Tilton explains what a Special Needs Trust is and why it’s important for families of children with disabilities. Learn how this legal tool can help protect your child’s future without affecting their eligibility for benefits.

Special Education and Parent's Rights

This session provides an overview of the special education process and the rights of parents under the law. Learn how to advocate effectively, participate in IEP meetings, and support your child’s learning journey with confidence.

Role of Families in Ensuring Access to Learning

Families play a vital role in supporting their children's access to education. This session explores how strong family-school partnerships can break down barriers, promote equity, and ensure all children receive the support they need to thrive.

Math and the Mind: Engaging Students with ASD

Teaching math to students with autism requires more than just numbers and formulas - it calls for creativity, patience, and a deep understanding of how each child learns best. This session explores practical, strengths-based strategies that make math more engaging, accessible, and meaningful for students on the autism spectrum.

Using Visual Support and AAC Devices

Visual supports and AAC devices can open doors to communication for students with autism. This session offers practical ways to use these tools to support understanding, expression, and independence in everyday routines and learning environments.

The Circle of Support

The Circle of Support strengthens connections between families, professionals, and communities, creating a collaborative environment that fosters well-being and success.

School Evaluation

School evaluation involves assessing educational programs, policies, and outcomes to ensure students receive effective instruction and support.

Special Education Classes and School Organization by Laws

An overview of how special education classes are governed by federal and state regulations, focusing on the organizational requirements, inclusion practices, and legal guidelines schools must follow to support students with disabilities.

Self-Care and Family Well-being

This conversation dives into the heart of self-care, not just as a buzzword, but as a lifeline for families. It’s about nurturing your own well-being so you can be present and connected for those you love most.

Talking with Dr. Bram about School Organization

A conversation with Dr. Bram about school organization, where we explored how structures, roles, and policies shape the daily experiences of students and staff.

Discussing Occupational Therapy with Dr. Jamie Tam

Dr. Jamie Tam provided insights on the role of occupational therapy in schools, highlighting its focus on helping students develop essential motor, sensory, and self-regulation skills.

Educational Assessments

Families will explore the educational assessment process, including types of assessments, interpreting results, and using this information to support their child's learning and growth.

Special Education Terminology Glossary

A helpful guide for families to understand common terms and acronyms used in special education, making it easier to navigate conversations and documents with confidence.

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We’re here for you - every step of the journey.

We warmly invite you to connect with us to access culturally responsive resources, tools, and support tailored for Vietnamese families of children with disabilities.

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