2024-2025 Special Education Group Co-Chairs: Lilach Geppert-Shapira (she/her) & Sushmita Srikant (she/her) — SpecialEducation {at} LWPTSA.net
The LWPTSA Council 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 (click to expand)
The Lake Washington School District’s Special Services Department comprises three specific areas that support students: Special Education, 504 and Health Services: The department’s focus 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
Please note that LWSD and LWPTSA Council are separate entities working in partnership.
LWPTSA Council Special Education Group Meetings
Special Education Group (SEG) meetings in 2024-2025 will be held in person at the LWSD Resource Center Board Room (16250 NE 74th St., Redmond WA 98052). An unstructured family 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.
CHILD CARE AND INTERPRETATION AVAILABLE (click to expand)
If you require an interpreter or child care during our meetings, please email SpecialServices@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.
| Meeting Date | Topic | Additional Info |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024 | Assistive Technology: Empowering Education | View meeting slides |
| Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024 (Rescheduled from original date) | Special Education 101 Guest Speaker: Shannon Hitch Executive Director, LWSD Special Services | View meeting slides |
| No December Meeting | ||
| Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025 | Community Resources Guest Speaker: Rachel Nemhauser, Director of Information and Family Support at The Arc of King County | |
| Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025 | ||
| Tuesday, March 18, 2025 | ||
| Tuesday, April 22, 2025 | ||
| Tuesday, May 27, 2025 |
Stay Connected With SEG
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@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, including our SEG Facebook Group page.
Latest News & Updates
- Weekly Legislative Priorities Spotlight: Addressing Funding, Inclusion and Supports in Special Education
- Building Equity, Celebrating Diversity, and Fostering Inclusion
- New & International Families — We Have an Event to Welcome You!
- Spotlight: What Does Inclusion Look Like for Your PTA?
- Apply for a National PTA Jan Harp Domene Diversity & Inclusion Award
Special Education Resources and Links
- 504 – A Parent & Educator Guide (OSPI)
- 504 – Office of Civil Rights FAQ (US Department of Education)
- The Arc of King County
- 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
- Roots of Inclusion
- 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
LWPTSA Council SEG Materials
- 2021-2022 SEG Survey Report (PDF)
- Local SEG Chairperson Training Presentation Slides (2022-23 Version) (PDF)
- January 2023 SEG Meeting Slides: “Guardianship, Wills and Special Needs Trusts” (PDF) From Jones & Ibrahim, PLLC
- February 2023 SEG Meeting Slides: Legislative Basics (PPTX) From the Arc of King County
- May 2023 SEG Meeting Slides: Best Buddies Program (PDF)
- February 2024 SEG Meeting Slides: Meeting Agenda; Local PTA Presentation (PDF)
- March 2024 SEG Meeting: Self-Efficacy Handout and Intrinsic Motivation Slides (PDFs)
- May 2024 SEG Meeting: Navigating IEPs & Evaluations: Empowering Parents for Educations Success (PDF) from Roots of Inclusion
- October 2024 SEG Meeting: Assistive Technology — Empowering Education Slides (PDF)
Questions? Contact SpecialEducation {at} LWPTSA.net.