SEPAC members Dawn Altieri, Michele Douglas and Melissa Rutkowski.
WESTFIELD – The Special Education Parent Advisory Committee (SEPAC) is hosting a workshop on parent’s basic rights on Oct. 3 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Westfield Technical Academy cafeteria, 33 Smith Ave.
The workshop, led by Nancy Stewart on behalf of the Federation for Children with Special Needs (fcsn.org), will provide an introduction to the complex special education laws and procedures. Child care and refreshments will be provided.
A description on the workshop at fcsn.org, states: “Special education laws are complex, and we recommend that parents attend several workshops to be fully apprised of their legal rights and responsibilities.”
The Basic Rights workshop will focus specifically on evaluations and eligibility, according to SEPAC parent volunteer Michele Douglas.
Topics will include the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and other Massachusetts laws; evaluations and referrals, the team meeting, Individualized Education Program (IEP) and 504 plans, and strategies for success.
“For parents with young children going into Fort Meadow, this meeting can give them valuable information that can help them through the special education process,” Douglas said.
SEPAC, which describes itself as an organization which supports parents with special needs children, may be contacted with questions or for further information at [email protected].
