2023-2024 Special Education Group Co-Chairs: Huma Zarif (she/her) & Srishti Arora (she/her) — specialeducation {at} LWPTSA.net
The LWPTSA Special Education Group (SEG) aims to connect and support families in the LWSD community with students who receive special services through an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), 504 Accommodations Plan, or Individualized Health Plan (IHP). We host monthly meetings that start with time for families to connect with one another, followed by a formal presentation on topics relevant to the SEG community and an opportunity for member questions and input. We also support families and local PTA special education chairs through a lending library, information about resources available in our community, and updates on news relevant to the special education community.
About LWSD Special Services
Lake Washington School District’s Special Services Department comprises three specific areas that support students: Special Education, 504 and Health Services. The focus of the department is to provide students with disabilities or health-related challenges the tools and resources they need to benefit from their educational program. Learn more at: https://www.lwsd.org/programs-and-services/special-services
LWPTSA Council Special Education Group Meetings*
Special Education Group (SEG) meetings in 2023-2024 will be held in person at the LWSD Resource Center (16250 NE 74th St., Redmond WA 98052). An unstructured networking time will be held from 6:30 to 7 pm, offering an opportunity for members to connect with one another. The formal portion of the meeting will begin at 7 pm.
* If you require an interpreter or child care during our meetings, please contact specialservices {at} LWSD.org at least 3 business days prior to the meeting with your child’s name and age, so that arrangements can be made for you.
- Tuesday, October 17, 2023
- Tuesday, November 14, 2023
- No December meeting
- Tuesday, January 16, 2024
- Tuesday, February 20, 2024
- Tuesday, March 19, 2024
- Tuesday, April 16, 2024
- Tuesday, May 21, 2024
Contact Information
To receive information and updates about the Special Education Group, please subscribe to our Special Education Group mailing list. Information, including meeting topics, will also be included in the LWPTSA newsletters, Weekly Waves and Currents. You can sign up to receive these newsletters at: https://www.lwptsa.net/newsletters/.
If you have any questions, please reach out to specialeducation {at} lwptsa.net, and one of our SEG co-chairs will respond to you directly.
Information about Special Education Group events will also be posted on the LWPTSA Council website calendar and social media accounts, including our SEG Facebook Group page.
Latest News & Updates
- 2023 Welcome Event for New & International Families in LWSD
- Special Education Resource Fair
- What I Wish Authors Knew and Readers Gained – Disability Representation in Children’s Literature
- LWPTSA Special Education Group April 2021 Meeting
- Partnerships to Support Academic Engagement in Inclusive Environments
Special Education Resources and Links
- 504 – A Parent & Educator Guide (OSPI)
- 504 – Office of Civil Rights FAQ (US Department of Education)
- Benefits of Parent Involvement
- Bookshare
- Headstrong Nation
- Know Your Rights: A Guide for Young People With Disabilities in Washington
- National Center for Learning Disabilities
- WA Office of the Education Ombudsman
- Special Education Students and Parents! Know Your Rights: School Discipline
- Understood: For Learning Differences and Attention Issues
- What to Do When Your Child With Disabilities Turns 18
- Wright’s Law
- 2021-2022 SEG Survey Report (PDF)
- Local SEG Chairperson Training Presentation Slides (2022-23 Version) (PDF)
- Slides on “Guardianship, Wills and Special Needs Trusts” (PDF) From Jones & Ibrahim, PLLC — As Presented at January 2023 SEG Meeting
- Slides on “Legislative Basics” (PPTX) From the Arc of King County — As Presented at February 2023 SEG Meeting
- Slides on Best Buddies Program — As Presented at May 2023 SEG Meeting
Questions? Contact specialeducation {at} LWPTSA.net.