Special Education Community Events and News

SF Therapeutic Rec & Park 2026 Spring Programming, registration opens 3/7 and can be completed at: sfrecpark.org/register. To explore the full Spring catalog, visit the SF Rec and Park website!

PLAY DAY! @ MISSION PLAYGROUND
SATURDAY 4/11 | 10AM – 1PM | (AGES 6–12)

For children with Autism or other developmental disabilities, ages 6–12. Everybody Plays Day is an opportunity for parents to drop off their children for a play day with our trained staff. Then, parents can go have a play day themselves! Sports skills, cooperative games, and more! You provide snack and lunch for your child and we provide the rest.

TEEN TIME! @ MISSION PLAYGROUND
SATURDAY 4/11 | 10AM – 1PM | (AGES 13–18)

For teens with Autism or other developmental disabilities. We focus on social skills, life skills, cooperative games, community field trips and more! This is an opportunity for parents to drop off their teens for some Teen Time with our trained staff. Then, parents can go have some time for themselves! You provide snack and lunch for your teen and we provide the rest.

TR AFTERNOON SOCIAL CLUB @ MISSION PLAYGROUND
TUESDAYS 4/7 - 5/5 | 3:00PM – 5:30PM | (AGES 14–22)

For teens and transition-aged youth with Autism or other developmental disabilities, ages 14–22. Come join us for a 5-week pilot program! This is an opportunity for young adults to have time with peers—without parents! Designed for the young adult in mind, we focus on social skills, life skills, team-building activities, and community field trips. We strive to develop social and life skills while fostering community integration and encouraging independence in a safe and nurturing environment.
Due to the low staff ratio, participants should be independent with personal care and stay with the group with verbal prompting on field trips.

ACCESS TO HEALTH AND FITNESS @ MISSION RECREATION CENTER
WEDNESDAYS 3/18 – 5/13 | 10:00AM – 11:30AM | (AGES 18+)

Come get healthy and fit! This is a specialized Therapeutic Recreation Program, serving transition-aged youth with disabilities. We strive to develop social and life skills while fostering community integration and encouraging independence in a safe and nurturing environment. We will work directly with the ACCESS students to help them develop healthy lifestyle and fitness skills.
We recommend bringing comfortable clothes and shoes as well as water.

TR FAMILY DAYS @ LOCATION TBD | 10:00AM – 1:00PM
SATURDAY 5/9 | (ALL AGES)

This program is for families and friends of our Therapeutic Recreation programs. Open to siblings, caregivers, and others, our TR Family Days program provides the opportunity for families of children with disabilities to connect with one another, create friendships, experience new recreation activities, and build community. Come join us for our family outings this season!

Note: At least one caregiver must accompany your child for each program. And all family members attending must be registered and must plan to meet us at the designated location/outing.

2026 TR Day Camp Menu

Reminders as well as our offerings for the summer season: 

• Priority registration for summer day camp will open on 3/16 at 10am for those with an active scholarship with SF Recreation & Parks. General registration will open 3/21 at 10am.
• For new families registering for Therapeutic Recreation Camps or requesting accommodations for general SF Recreation & Parks Camps for the first time:
  • Please ensure that you complete the Leisure Assessment form is submitted to be eligible to register for specialized summer camps for children with disabilities or request accommodations through our office
  • If you have registered for any of our specialized programming such as, summer camps, Play Day, Teen Time, TR Afternoon Social Club or Access to Heath and Fitness in the past then you do not need to complete the form again.
• For Inclusion support and accommodations for any SF Recreation & Parks general summer day camps:
  • Please complete an accommodation request after you have registered for a camp or program
  • You must submit any accommodation request by April 3rd, in order to give us time to work with you and general camp staff on providing accommodations.
  • Note: We have very limited capacity to provide extra staff support for general camps. Requesting staff support in no way guarantees that we will be able to provide staff support
• If you plan to send your own 1:1 aid or therapist to support your child at camp
  • You will need to complete the online Accommodation Request form before April 3rd
  • All outside aids must complete background checks through SFRPD or their agencies must be able to share this information. Contact us after you register to learn more about the background check process,
  • We cannot guarantee that we will be able to cover your child's needs if your aid cannot provide full coverage for camp

For all SF Recreation and Parks Summer camp offerings please see the attached catalog. For specialized TR Summer Day Camps see the attached Program menu as well as descriptions see below:

All TR Specialized Summer camps will be held at Mission Playground. (3555 19th and Linda St.)

• Teen City | 9am-3pm (ages 13 to 22)
  • (Session 1 #47032 M-TH (6/15-6/18) (No Camp 6/19) $181, Session 2 #47033 M-F (7/20-7/24) $222
  • Teen City provides the opportunity for tweens/teens with disabilities to create friendships, experience new recreation activities, and practice life skills- without parents around! Our camp provides both structured and free choice activities to allow teens to develop social skills and increase self esteem. Our community integration activities allow for teens to practice budgeting, community service, and transportation skills with support from camp staff. Your tween/teen will experience recreational therapy through creative expression, collaborative activities, animal assisted therapy and more! Tweens/Teens may be asked to bring money for community outings. Campers can bring comfort items for coping, but please be mindful toys may be distracting. Please no electronics unless they are used for communication. This camp is for tweens and teens with disabilities. Please pay close attention to the welcome letter for important details like different pick-up location. This camp does not offer extended care.
• Everybody Travels | 9am-4pm (ages 9 to 15)
  • (Session 1 #46725 M-F (7/13-7/17) $257, Session 2 #46726 M-F (8/3-8/7) $257
  • Your child will have the opportunity to learn navigation skills with support from staff. Walking shoes and a hunger for adventure required! Campers will meet onsite in the morning, explore the city during the day, and return to site in the afternoon. Campers must arrive onsite before the group leaves to avoid transportation issues and delays for the group. All transportation fees are included in the camp fee, but campers may be asked to bring money for some activities. Due to the nature of this camp, campers must be independent with personal care and have safety awareness skills to stay with the group in the community. Campers must have stamina to walk up those San Francisco hills and explore the city!
• Everybody Plays | 9am-3pm (ages 6 to 12)
  • Session 1 #46723 M-F (7/6-7/10 ) $222, Session 2 #46724 M-F (7/27-7/31) $222
  • Everybody Plays is a specialized therapeutic day camp, designed for children with autism and other developmental disabilities. We strive to develop social, play, and life skills while fostering community integration and encouraging independence in a safe and nurturing environment. Your child will experience recreational therapy through expressive arts, sensory activities, collaborative games, nature, music, animal assisted therapy, community field trips and more!
• SLICE & SLICE Adventure Travelers | 9am-3pm | (Ages 15-25)
  • Session 1 #47029 M-TH (6/29-7/2) (No camp on 7/3) $206
  • Register your teens and young adults with disabilities, ages 15-25 for SLICE! SLICE, or Service Learning In Community Engagement, is designed to help young adults get involved in their community. We focus on community service, volunteering, and professional skills. In working together to help serve others, we practice social skills, life skills, team-building, through community-integration field trips. Due to the low staff ratio, participants should be independent with personal care and be able to stay with the group with verbal prompting.
• SLICE Adventure Travelers (Session 2)
  • Session 2 #47030 M-F (8/3-8/7) $257
  • This session of camp focuses on community service learning life skills, professional skills and planning for field trips with Everybody Travels Camp. SLICE Adventure Guide campers will learn the exploration and travel skills needed to navigate our field trips through ways of public transportation and walking. In working together to help serve others, we practice social skills, life skills, team building, and community integration
    • Please note that all TR specialized camps require a TR-approval before registering. TR-approval requires connecting with our office and having a completed assessment on file. If you have registered for any of our specialized programming such as, summer camps, Play Day, Teen Time, TR Afternoon Social Club or Access to Heath and Fitness in the past, then you are TR-approved.

And if you haven't already done so, please sign-up for our TR e-News here. Our newsletter is not sent on a weekly basis. You will automatically to added to the general e-News letter if you sign-up for our TR e-News. In addition to joining our programs/events, this is the best way to stay connected and get important information/dates.

SFUSD Special Olympics Events Schedule 2025-2026

October 2025- Soccer

• October 7th @ South Sunset Fields- Elementary
• October 9th @ West Sunset Fields- Middle
• October 17th @ Washington High- High & ACCESS

March 2026- Basketball

• March 5th @ Galileo- ACCESS
• March 10th @ Presidio MS- Middle
• March 12th @ Lincoln- High
• March 17th @ Burton- Elementary

May 2026- Track & Field

• May 5th @ Balboa- Elementary
• May 7th @ Balboa- Secondary

Monthly on Thursday's: Individualized Education Program (IEP) Clinics

Presented by SFCD. Offered in English, Spanish and Cantonese. Learn about Special Education law, the IEP process, what to do when things aren’t working, and how to become a more active and effective team member.

To register, please call our Warmline at 415-920-5040, email info@supportforfamilies.org,
or click the registration link below.

Presented in Cantonese: 1st Thursdays; 6-7:00pm
Presented in English: 2nd Thursdays; 4-6:00pm
Presented in Spanish: 3rd Thursdays; 4-6:00pm

點擊這裡登記粵語IEP講座

Click here to register for the English IEP Clinic

Haga clic aquí para registrarse a la Clínica de IEP en español

Spectrum Rock Climbers is a group of volunteers who want to provide youth with autism who have an interest in indoor rock climbing access to the sport and the benefits. Sign-up is required and space is limited. Email David Kase at david@kasemedia.com to sign-up or with any questions. Some additional details below:

Who: Youth ages 9 to 17. Climbers must be able to effectively communicate with their belayer (all forms are accepted). Climbers must be accompanied by one parent or guardian.

Cost: Free. Gym access, climbing shoes and a harness are provided at no cost (thanks to Movement San Francisco). Sign-up is required as space is limited.

When: The second Sunday of each month from 9:30 to 11 a.m..

Where: Movement Gym San Francisco (924 Mason Street)

Please note that this opportunity has no association with our team or department. Click the link below to get an idea of what to expect.

What to expect video

Presented by Seeds of Partnership, California Department of Education, Special Education Division

The California Department of Education, Special Education Division, in partnership with the Seeds of Partnership project, invites you to join this engaging webinar series. Whether you are a parent seeking to learn more about special education, related supports, and how to deepen your partnership with educators, or an educator looking for strategies to engage and support families, this webinar series offers a unique opportunity for collective learning. By learning together, we can build stronger connections that empower students to do their best, both academically and personally. Parents, educators, administrators, leaders, and parent center staff – all who support students with disabilities should attend this webinar series. 
 

Each session will take place on the fourth Thursday of the month and include a variety of topics, such as strategies for effective communication, ways to strengthen family-school relationships, and insight into systems, programs, supports, best practices, and approaches. 
 

Register today for the next session in this webinar series: 
 

• Beyond Labels: A Family Guide to Supporting Students with Language and Disability Needs (Seeds of Partnership) 
• Thursday, March 26, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Pacific Standard Time

Subsequent sessions will take place on the fourth Thursday of every month at the same time. 

Additional contact information, resources, and webinar recordings can be accessed on the Seeds of Partnerships E-Learning: Webinar and Video Gallery web page (Seeds of Partnership). 
 

If you have additional questions regarding the information in this letter, please contact Patrick Garcia-Smith, Education Programs Consultant, by email at PGarciaSmith@cde.ca.gov. 

November 2025

• Ed. Dept. Layoffs Are Reversed, But Staff Fear Things Won't Return to Normal by Brooke Schultz via Education Week

October 2025

• Trump’s budget threatens Bay Area programs that help developmentally disabled artists SF Chronicle
• 'Educational Exile': How Trump's Layoffs Threaten Students With Disabilities by Susan Haas via EdWeek
• Judge extends pause on layoffs of federal employees by Anna Merod via K-12 Dive
• Education Department 'exploring' ways to move special education elsewhere by Kara Arundel via K-12 Dive
• Education Department takes a preliminary step toward revamping its research and statistics arm by Jill Barshay via The Hechinger Report
• Signs of dyslexia and reading troubles can be spotted in kindergarten- or even preschool by Jenny Gold via LA Times
• Disability groups urge against assessment and accountability waivers by Kara Arundel via K-12 Dive
• Government Shutdown has Disability Providers Running on Fumes via DisabilityScoop
• "We Don't Want a 'Cure.' We Want Understanding" by Elizabeth Broadbent via ADDitude
• Federal Cuts End Program Training Teachers to Support Children with Disabilities via DisabilityScoop
• Ed Department Lays Off Nearly All Special Education Staff via DisabilityScoop
• Ed Dept. Nominee Vows Aggressive Civil Rights Enforcement Despite Mass Layoffs by Mark Keierleber via The74
• Supreme Court To Weigh How Intellectual Disability is Defined by Michelle Diament via DisabilityScoop
• New law changes how California kids learn to read by Diana Lambert via EdSource
• Test scores show real progress but the recovery is not complete by Linda Darling-Hammond via EdSource
• How this teen pushed California to change special education policy by Emma Gallegos via EdSource

September 2025

• Trump Admin. Cancels Dozens More Grants, Hitting Civics, Arts, and Higher Ed by Education Week
• 3 thoughts from an autism researcher on Trump's acetaminophen and vaccine claims by Obed Manuel, Michel Martin via NPR
• How two CT men with disabilities climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro: 'Raise the bar for what's possible' by Brian Zahn via New Haven Register
• Bill to extend substitute teaching time raises academic concerns by Diana Lambert via EdSource
• 3 Promising Strategies to Help Kids as Speech Therapy Group Shifts Away From DEI by Sarah Carr via KQED
• Trump Administration Yanks Funds From Dozens of Special Education Programs via DisabilityScoop
• 'A Place for Us, By Us': San Francisco's Disability Cultural Center Breaks New Ground by Sydney Johnson via KQED
• Proposal would remove federal data collection for special education racial disparities by Kara Arundel via K-12 Dive
• Education Department rescinds EL equal access guidance by Naaz Modan via K-12 Dive
• Trump administration rolls back pivotal guidance about educational rights of English learners by Kalyn Belsha via Chalkbeat
• Education Department Calls Back Civil Rights, Some DEI Employees by Linda Jacobson via The 74
• Education Department plans return of laid-off OCR employees by Naaz Modan via HigherEd Dive

August 2025

• The ADA at 35: A Legacy Worth Celebrating and Defending via The Arc
• As Nation Marks 35th Anniversary Of The ADA, Advocates Warn Of Backslide, Disability Scoop
• Governor Newsom Signs Assemblyman Ta’s Landmark Autism Legislation, Press Release
• Education Jargon by Carol Kocivar via Ed100
• Understanding Learning Differences, Special Report via EdWeek
• For Decades, the Feds Were the Last, Best Hope for Special Ed Kids. What Happens Now? From The 74
• Inclusive by Design: Stanford Initiative Releases New Paper That Explores How AI Can Support Learners With Disabilities

July 2025

• Noah is Still Here (Trisomy 18) by Sheri Fink via NYTimes Magazine
• Students with discrimination complaints left in limbo, months after California civil rights office closed via EdSource
• As Nation Marks 35th Anniversary Of The ADA, Advocates Warn Of Backslide by Michelle Diament via Disability Scoop
• Keep special education with Education Department, former officials say by Kara Arundel via K-12 Dive
• PBS Documentary Explores Transition To Adulthood For Young People with Disabilities by Shaun Heasley via Disability Scoop
• Congress Approves Nearly $1 Trillion In Cuts to Medicaid Threatening Disability Services by Michelle Diament via Disability Scoop

June 2025

• For Students With Disabilities, Suspension Not Just a Matter of Race and Gender — But Geography via the 74 by Amanda Geduld

May 2025

• Trump proposals for students with disabilities create confusion and fear by Emma Gallegos via EdSource
• To Improve Accessibility, Closed Captioning Gets An Overhaul by Shaun Heasley via DisabilityScoop
• Apple unveils powerful accessibility features coming later this year via Apple
• Judge blocks Trump's order to close Education Department, reinstates those fired in mass layoffs by Emma Gallegos via EdSource
• Nation's Disability Services System Begins to Buckle as Funding Threats Intensify by Michelle Diament via DisabilityScoop
• States drop Section 504 constitutional challenge by Kara Arundel via K-12 Dive
• California Faces Cuts to Disability Services in Governor's 2025-26 Budget Plan Amid Federal Medicaid Threats via The Arc California
• Statement on Governor Newsom's 2025-2026 May Revision by Mauricio Torres Jr via California Budget & Policy Center
• The Evolution of Inclusion, 50 Years of the Willowbrook Consent Decree by Dylan Watton via The Arc NYC
• California schools prepare to introduce universal reading screening by Louis Freedberg via EdSource
• RFK Jr. seeks 'environmental' cause of autism. Scientists say it's not that simple by Rod Stein and Carmel Wroth via NPR All Things Considered
• Navigating the Special Education Procedural Safeguards webinar recording via Seeds of Partnership

April 2025

• Legal Rights Of Persons With Disabilities Disability Rights In K-12 Education Via California Office Of The Attorney General Public Rights Division Civil Rights Enforcement Section I Disability Rights Bureau
• Legislative deal on reading instruction reached in the nick of time by John Fensterwald via EdSource
• How federal cuts are already affecting disabled students in California
• San Francisco can do a better job of helping the school district - Its time to scrap the Student Success Fund and protect special education funding by Carol Kocivar via The Voice of San Francisco
• Trump Can’t Enforce Anti-DEI Directives in Schools, 3 Judges Say via Education Week
• He was a 5th grade dropout. Now he’s teaching at UCLA and raising awareness about disabilities. by Rachel Hale via USA Today
• AAPD and Disability Advocates Sue Social Security Administration and DOGE to Stop Unlawful Cuts to Social Security Services by Jess Davidson via AAPAD

March 2025

• With Help Of Therapy Dogs, Schools See Behavioral Problems Ease, March 18, 2025 Sophia's Mission
• Democrats demand details on Education Department layoffs by Roger Riddell via Higher Ed Dive
• Massive Layoffs at the Department of Education Erode Its Civil Rights Division by Jodi S. Cohen and Jennifer Smith Richards via ProPublica
• Judge orders reinstatement of education grants axed by Trump in DEI sweep by Annie Nova via CNBC
• Lawsuit alleges Education Department's civil rights office can't fulfill duties via EdSource
• Trump Education Secretary Confirmed Despite Special Ed Concerns by Michelle Diament in Disability scoop
• Dear Mr. Kennedy, Read the full letter from ADDitude and review the research roundup
• Teens with disabilities were getting help with life after high school. Then DOGE started cutting. By Kalyn Belsha and Erica Meltzer via Chalkbeat
• PBS Newshour - impact of cutting the DOE on the future of special education (start at 35:00).
• “DEI – and Neurodivergence – Are Under Attack”
• Special education enrollment climbs to nearly 8M
• Explaining the Impact of the Federal Funding Pause on People with Disabilities by Jess Davidson via AAPD
• “Is My Child’s IEP in Danger?”
• Does the Section 504 lawsuit put my child’s 504 plan at risk? from Understood.org
• A Lawsuit Threatens the Disability Protections I've Known My Whole Life by Rebekah Taussig via TimeExplaining the Impact of the Federal Funding Pause on People with Disabilities by Jess Davidson via AAPD

February 2025

• What does threatened federal funding do for California K-12 Schools? | Quick Guide by Zaidee Stavely and Daniel J Willis via EdSource
• A Lawsuit Threatens the Disability Protections I've Known My Whole Life by Rebekah Taussig via Time
• Don’t Forget Immigrants with Disabilities in Protection Efforts by Young Center for Immigrant Children's Rights
• What’s behind the ‘D Word’ billboards around Kalamazoo? by Ryan Boldrey via Michigan Live
• ASAN Condemns Announcement of President’s “Make America Healthy Again” Commission and Harmful Ideas about Autism and Other Disabilities
• Hundreds of thousands of students are entitled to training and help finding jobs. They don’t get it by Meredith Kolodner
• SCOTUS to hear school disability discrimination case by Kara Arundel via K-12 Dive
• The Emergency Preparedness Guide is specifically designed to help older adults and people with disabilities prepare for emergencies to ensure they stay safe before, during, and after disasters and other emergency events. By The California Department of Aging
• Impact of the Direct Support Professional Workforce Crisis on the Disability Community by California Policy Center for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
• California Disability Leadership Alliance Releases “State of the State” Report, Calling for Bold Action on Disability Rights by DREDF

January 2025

• Leading Disability Organizations: President Trump’s Blame of Deadly Crash on Disabled Federal Workers Is Baseless, Irresponsible
• IRS Raises ABLE Account Deposit Limit by Michelle Diament
• Maximizing Participation of the Entire IEP Team for Better Student Outcomes - A Two-Part Series Presented by: CADRE
• AI's Potential in Special Education: A Researcher's View by Lauraine Langreo via EducationWeek
• State takes another step toward mandatory testing for reading difficulties in 2025 by John Fensterwald and Zaidee Stavely via EdSource
• Why Self-Care is Essential to Parenting by Juliann Garey via Child Mind Institute
• UnitedHealth is Strategically Limiting Access to Critical Treatment for Kids with Autism by Annie Waldman via ProPublica
• From Why to the How of Inclusion with Dr. Shelley Moore via CollabCast Podcast

December 2024

• Walmart Enhancing Accessibility for Shoppers with Disabilities by Michelle Diament via United Needs & Abilities Inc
• What do special education advocates anticipate from a 2nd Trump term? by Kara Arundel via K-12 Dive
• Building Inclusive Play: The LEGO Group Announces New Initiatives to Support Fans and Colleagues with Non-visible Disabilities, Conditions and Sensory Needs via LEGO US
• Wellbeing for Parents and Caregivers- A resource for parents and caregivers who are raising a child, adolescent, or young adult with cerebral palsy or another disability via CPNow Advancing Neurodiversity
• Ed Department May Require Schools To Report 'Informal Removals' Of Kids With Disabilities by Michelle Diament via Disability Scoop
• Watch the trailer for the new Disney+ movie, 'Out of My Mind' featuring a 6th grader with cerebral palsy

November 2024

• Equal Access to Elementary and Secondary Education for Students Who Are English Learners with Disabilities by Office of Civil Rights on November 12, 2024
• Commission on Civil Rights probes special educator shortage by Kara Arundel for K-12 Dive
• How Trump’s Plan To Close The Ed Department Might Impact Students With Disabilities by Michelle Diament | November 18, 2024
• The Arc of California Responds to Results of the U.S. Presidential Election
• California schools chief pledges to resist cuts in funding if Trump axes U.S. Dept. of Education by Emma Gallegos for EdSource
• California Disability Leadership Alliance Releases “State of the State” Report, Calling for Bold Action on Disability Rights by DREDF
• Bay Area district settles suit alleging inequitable education practices by Emma Gallegos for EdSource
• DOT and Delta Reveal Plans for Wheelchair Adaptive Seats on Planes by Sarah Bregel for Fast Company
• Autism diagnosis on the rise, according to trends study via Autism Speaks
• New law moves toward better translation of Special Ed documents, but families want more by Zaidee Stavely via EdSource

October 2024

• Key Trends in Special Education in Public Schools via The Center for Learning Equity
• The Power of Mentorship & Community: A Talk with the Neurodiversity Alliance via The LDA Podcast (Learning Disabilities Association of America)
• Exploring Innovation and Advocacy: The Founder's Fellows Roundtable via The Neurodiversity Alliance
• 2024 MacArthur Fellows Program by Alice Wong via Disability Visibility Project
• Doctors Get Clearer Picture On Developmental Milestones For Kids With Down Syndrome by Shaun Heasley | via Disability Scoop
• Moving from ‘pockets of excellence’ to ‘systems of excellence’ for students with disabilities by Kara Arundel for OSEP
• Let's ensure 'Recess for All' law really does apply to all by Rebecca London and Hannah Thompson via EdSource
• Disabled LGBTQ+ Youth at School via Human Rights Campaign Foundation
• The Ultimate Back-to-School Guide for Families of Children with Disabilities via The Arc
• Emergency Preparedness- Family Emergency Evacuation Kits via UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital
• How Adults with ADHD Think: Uncomfortable Truths About the ADHD Nervous System by William Dodson, M.D. via ADDitude Magazine

September 2024

• Back-to-School Resource Guide 2024-2025 via California State Council on Developmental Disabilities
• Helping students with mental health struggles may help them return to school by Metty Márquez Rosales and Mallika Seshadri via EdSource
• As Deadline Looms, Congress Weighs Future of Autism Act by Michelle Diament via DisabilityScoop
• Tips for Advocating for Inclusive Education by Learning for Justice Staff
• New Law Effectively Ends "Willful Defiance" School Suspensions for All Grades via Association of California School Administrators Resource Hub
• How can parents make their voices heard at school? | Quick Guide by Zaidee Stavely via EdSource

August 2024

• This 360 Degree Approach to ADHD is Working in Local Schools by Jess Berthold via UCSF
• PBS Kids Announces CARL THE COLLECTOR, Its First Series Centering on Autistic Characters via PBS Publicity
• California Individualized Education Program (IEP) Expert Panel Report by the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence
• Special Education Overview from Ed100

June 2024

• 27 Eye-Opening Quotes From People with Disabilities by Beth Dreher via Good Housekeeping
• I Was 'Supermom.' When I Suddenly Became Disabled, I Expected Empathy- Not This by Yvette Pegues via HuffPost
• Summer Learning: “They Are Doing Math – And Don’t Even Know It!” via ADDitude Magazine
• Morning Cup of Calm: Mistaken Goals by Ed Center
• “Ezra”: A Heartfelt Exploration of Autism, Acceptance,Authentic Representation, and a Father’s Love via The Help Group
• Happy Father's Day to all the dads of special kids! via The Arc California
• Retention Is the Missing Ingredient in Special Education Staffing By Evie Blad via Education Week
• The Basics of Accommodations and Modifications from the National Center on Educational Outcomes
• The new movie 'Ezra' stars an actor with autism playing an autistic character heard on NPR's ALL THINGS CONSIDERED by Gus Contreras, Sarah Handel and Juana Summers
• Justice Department Releases Webinar with Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights to Improve Accessibility of School Buildings
• Doctors Get Guidance On Supporting Teens With IDD by Michelle Diament via Disability Scoop
• Rising autism rates in California elementary schools demand evidence-based practices by Jenine Cutodio via EdSource
• Grammy-winning teacher Annie Ray on the importance of music education for all by Ali Rogan & Lorna Baldwin via PBS NewsHour

May 2024

• Another World Is Possible by Dom Kelly via Disability Visibility
• Sex Cells: A Scientific Argument for Equitable Research on Women by Phyllis E. Greenberger, MSW via ADDitude Magazine
• 'Breaking A Promise': State Deficit Could Halt Raises for DSPs by Vanessa G Sanchez via DisabilityScoop
• Nicole Bohn Appointed as New Executive Director of Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund 

April 2024

• ADHD Symptoms in Women Aren't 'Hidden.' They are Misinterpreted by Lotta Borg Skoglund via ADDitude Magazine
• Autism Diagnosis Often Takes Longer for Girls via Disability Scoop
• PBS Looks to Make Kids Shows More Accessible via Disability Scoop

March 2024

• Self-Stigma: The Silent Battle and Our Commitment to Strike It Out  by Delilah Steinmann
• Ad Campaign Challenges Assumptions About Down Syndrome by Shaun Heasley | March 20, 2024
• HBO’s Max To Launch Kids’ Show Focused On Disabilities by Shaun Heasley | March 25, 2024
• Nonspeaking autistic people show greater literacy skills than expected via University of Virginia College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences
• Proposed Rule Would Expand Rights of Airline Passengers with Disabilities by Shaun Heasley via Disability Scoop

February 2024

• Why Black Disabled History Matters by Dikko Yusuf via World Institute on Disability
• Recognizing and honoring the significant contributions of African Americans to the disability justice movement by Marcus Soutra from Project Eye to Eye
• Teacher Who Created Orchestra For Students with IDD Wins Grammy by Shaun Heasley via Disability Scoop
• Schools Should Boost Inclusion of Students with Disabilities, Special Olympics Leader Says by Evie Blad via EdWeek
• Adult Children, Aging Out, & Self-Compassion by Autism Society SFBA

January 2024

• After Tackling ‘R-Word,’ Disability Group Seeks To Erase Stigma Associated With ‘Special’ by Disability Scoop
• New Federal Guidance Released Regarding Assistive Technology Devices and Services for Children with Disabilities Under IDEA
• Solving California's early literacy crisis is a social justice imperative by Megan Potente and Marshall Tuck via EdSource
• Spelling champion with Down Syndrome defies stereotypes by Esme M. Infante via Hawaii News
• Students' Reading Struggles Tied to Flawed Assessment. So Why Do Schools Use It? by Christopher Peak via APM Reports
• La Sopa de la Abuela: Using the telenovela as a tool to navigate Special Education via Immigrant Connections
• Book Reviews for Children and Teens via Learning for Justice Magazine

December 2023

• Into the Brightness: Artists from Creativity Explored, Creative Growth & NIAD by Tony Bravo via SF Chronicle
• Autism in the Classroom: One Mother's Story by Alycia Chu via The Special EDge
• A Student Wrote a Book About Her Learning Disability. Now, She Has Advice for Teachers by Sarah Schwartz & Jaclyn Borowski via Education Week
• Biden Administration Works to Increase Preschool Inclusion by Michelle Diament via Disability Scoop
• Which Accommodations Are Available for My Child With ADHD? by Liz Nissim-Matheis Ph.D. via Psychology Today
• Unravelling the puzzle Ultimately, illuminating the science behind learning disabilities helps shift narratives. It reveals minds that simply learn differently, with insights we all may benefit from. Aditi Subramaniam
  
  Read more at: https://www.deccanherald.com/features/unravelling-the-puzzle-2789206

November 2023

• Balboa Theater Hosts First Sensory-Friendly Movie in Partnership with SF Rec. and Park’s Therapeutic Rec. and Inclusion Services  by Beth Lederer via Richmond Review/Sunset Beacon
• Turning 18: What Parents & Teachers Need to Know
• Inclusive College Opportunities for Students with Disabilities from DREDF
• Designers Work To Make Playgrounds More Inclusive via DisabilityScoop
• An Open Conversation with Temple Grandin by By Anni Layne Rodgers via ADDitude Magazine
• Museum Makes Major Acquisition of Works By Artists With IDD by Tony Bravo via Disability Scoop/San Francisco Chronicle
• Honda Sees An Inclusive Mobility Future, From Wheelchairs to Battery-Electric Airplanes by Raymond Tribdino via CleanTechnica
• "My Disability Roadmap" Impact Report, American Film Showcase
• Longmore Institute on Disability November Superfest Newsletter

October 2023

• California’s K-8 Students Guaranteed Outdoor Time with New Recess Law
• Lost in translation: Parents of special ed students who don’t speak English often left in the dark
• Museum Makes Major Acquisition Of Works By Artists With IDD by Tony Bravo, San Francisco Chronicle/TNS | October 27, 2023
• Non-Verbal Teen to 'Take on the World' With a Symphony Written in His Head by Sasha Khokha
• OSEP Releases New Fast Facts on Children Identified with Intellectual Disability
• 8 Dyslexia Resources for Educators: A Curated List from Lexia, October Dyslexia Awareness Month
• Celebrating World Down Syndrome Day with Special Olympics Athlete Ablaye Ndiaye from Special Olympics
• October is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month from The Arc California
• US Department of Education Awards More Than $35 Million to Develop Personnel in Support of Children with Disabilities

September 2023

• The Evolution of ADHD: Examining the Last 25 Years — and the Future by Dave Anderson PhD from Additude Magazine.
• Exploring College for Students with Intellectual Disability: Families Make it Happen from thinkhighered.net/
• How Families of Children With Disabilities Can Find Support By Claudia Boyd-Barrett  from California Health Report
• What a Week Without Driving Can Teach by Anna Zivarts via Bloomberg
• Curiosity and Joy in Disability Advocacy by Meriah Hudson Nichols via DREDF The Blog
• RJ Peete isn't just a clubhouse attendant with autism. He's a central part of the Dodgers family by Steve Henson via the Los Angeles Times
• Developmental Dyscalculia: A New Understanding of Early Warning Signs by Daniel Ansari, Ph.D. via ADDitude Mag
• Practical Strategies & Tools to Help Kids with Dysgraphia by Lindsey Biel M.A., OTR/L via ADDitude Mag
• The Dyslexia-ADHD Overlap: Why Evaluators Confuse the Conditions by Cheryl Chase, Ph.D via ADDitude Mag

August 2023

• Managing Screen Time for Children with Autism from the National Autism Center at the May Institute.
• 10 Ways to Support Your Child’s Special Education Teacher from AmeriDisability
• The Autism Surge: Lies, Conspiracies, and My Own Kids by Jill Escher
• Behavior Problems at School: A Complete Problem-Solving Guide for Parents by Rachel Schwartz via ADDitude
• The IEP Process: Guiding Questions from East County SELPA

July 2023

• What is Disability Pride by Nancy DeVault from AmeriDisability
• Celebrating 33 Years of the Signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) from Disability Rights California
• Information is Power: California Now Requires Early Screening for Dyslexia a DREDF Special Education
• California Joins 40 States in Mandating Dyslexia Screening by Elizabeth Huebeck for Education Week
• [Video] Heumann nature: The life and legacy of disability activist Judy Heumann from the Ford Foundation
• Hope, What's the most important thing if your child is struggling with school or hasn't attended for months? by Dr. Naomi Fisher

June 2023

• Delta Developing Seat To Accommodate Wheelchairs In Flight by Shaun Heasley for Disability Scoop
• Dancing with the special stars: SF students show talents, art on and off stage by Lyanne Melendez for ABC 7 News

May 2023

• ‘Netflix For Neurodiverse’: World’s First TV Channel For Autistic Kids by John Jeffay, NoCamels
• Apple Previews iPhone, iPad and Mac Accessibility Features by Abrar Al-Heeti for CNet
• Why the ‘science of reading’ may be the next dyslexia battleground by Joe Hong | CalMatters
• Statement by U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona on Senate Confirmation of Glenna Wright-Gallo
• ‘Wings for All’ introduces flyers with special needs to Atlanta airport
• SMART IEP Pop-up Tool from Wright's Law
• Barbie’s Path to Inclusion - from the DREDF Blog
• How A First-Grader With Cerebral Palsy Helped Make His Playground More Inclusive by Zach Hammack,

April 2023

• "BART Has Local Kids with Autism Doing Station Announcements for Autism Acceptance Month" by Joe Kukura via SFist
• "I have an invisible disability myself: Edward Enninful and Sinéad Burke on their fashion revolution" via The Guardian
• Self-Advocacy Matters! Key Resources from DREDF
• "Special Education is Getting More Expensive, Forcing Schools to Make Cuts Elsewhere" by Mark Lieberman via EdWeek
• Autism in Girls & Women with Dr Donna Henderson by Dr Jeremy Sharp from the Testing Psychologist
• "Never Empty Nesters" Benefit From More Time to Love by Beth Lederer via The Guardsman
• What Does OCD Look Like in the Classroom? by Jerry Bubrick, PhD via the Child Mind Institute
• Autism now more common among Black, Hispanic kids in US by Mike Stobbe via AP News
• Thank You to Our Paraeducators! from SFUSD Communications
• ‘I thought I was dumb for not being able to pay attention…’: Cymeria Robshaw shares her experience as a neurodivergent young adult from Project Eye to Eye 
• Marion Joseph's literacy crusade for teaching phonics in California is paying off by Dan Walters in CalMatters
• A Reading Teacher Makes a Case for Early Dyslexia Screening by Elizabeth Heubeck via Education Week
• A New Pathway to a High School Diploma for Students with Disabilities from California Department of Education
• It’s Time for a Transition IEP Meeting- What should I do next? by Erin Mahaffey
• Autism Now Affects 1 In 36 Kids, CDC Says from Disability Scoop

March 2023

• It’s time to screen all students for dyslexia risks by Carol Kocivar from Ed100
• Despite union opposition, many teachers support dyslexia screening for all students from Cal Matters
• Special Olympics Celebrates Women's History Month
• “Could I Be Autistic, Too?” Signs of Autism in Women with ADHD
• 20 Signs and Symptoms of ADHD in Girls from VeryWell Mind
• Teens Are Struggling Right Now. What Can Parents Do? from the NYTimes
• What are SMART IEP Goals? from Support for Families of Children with Disabilities
• Using the IEP Meeting to Create an IEP that Works from Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund
• Summer Resource Fair Features Enrichment Opportunities from SAN FRANCISCO RICHMOND REVIEW on MARCH 2, 2023 By Kate Quach

February 2023

• U.S. based Legoland Parks to become certified Autism Centers by spring 2023 from Fox5 San Diego
• Celebrating Black History Month from National Center for Learning Disabilities
• Black, Brilliant, and Dyslexic: Neurodivergent Heroes Tell Their Stories edited by Marcia Brissett-Bailey
• Black Women Leaders and Disability Justice
• 'Love on the Spectrum' shows what dating can be like for people with autism from NPR
• Learning to read by third grade requires evidence-based instruction, panel says from EdSource
• Five Step Emergency Preparedness in ASL from the Listos California Resource Hub
• Emergency Preparedness from the Cal OES (Governor's Office of Emergency Services)

January 2023

• DSPS Accessible Theater Arts Teacher Sparks Creativity, Self-Confidence, and Self-Expression by Beth Lederer
• The Best Way to Explain Learning Disabilities to Your Child, by Rick Lavoie via ADDitude
• IEP Progress Reports: What Should be Reported vs What is Reported, by Callie Oettinger via Special Education Action

December 2022

• Should We Say 'with Autism' or 'Autistic'? Here's Why It Matters
• New documentary "In A Different Key" follows first person diagnosed with autism
• Office of Special Education Programs Update - A Newsletter for OSEP Grantees and Interested Stakeholders
• Disability Rights Advocate Justice Maria Araujo Kahn nomination approved by Senate Judiciary Committee from Daily Kos
• By Rethinking How Reading Is Taught, Bay Area Schools Hope To Boost Overall Literacy by Ida Mojadad, The San Francisco Standard

November 2022

• Meet the Special Ed Advocate Who Ousted Ann Hsu for a Spot on SF’s School Board by Ida Mojadad
• Confronting Ableism on the Way to Justice by Keith Jones from Learning for Justice
• Inclusive Education Benefits All Children by Mellanie Willingham-Jaggers and the Glsen Team from Learning for Justice
• Sold a Story: How Teaching Kids to Read Went So Wrong hosted by Emily Hanford 
• Unified Sports Level the Playing Field for Students With Disabilities by Sarah D. Sparks from Education Week
• SFUSD pleads for drivers to obey traffic laws after car hits school bus, flees scene by Lyanne Melendez, ABC7 News
• How to Document and Resolve Issues With the IEP Team from Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund

October 2022

• “I am a Neurodivergent Black Woman — and I am Filled with Hope.” By Alyssa Tundidor
• Ensuring All Students with Disabilities have a Pathway to a High School Diploma in California from DREDF
• Roundup: Education policies passed, failed and vetoed in 2022 by Carol Kocivar 
• New literacy standards for teacher candidates could be pivotal to improving student reading scores. by 
  Diana Lambert 

September 2022

• **Year of the Tiger: Debut memoir by Alice Wong**
• NIH Awards $100 Million for Autism Centers of Excellence Program
• My Parents Are Hackers Out of Necessity: NY Times Opinion
• Office of Special Education Programs Seeking Input: Prioritizing Equity
• “Love on the Spectrum U.S.” Wins Multiple Emmy Awards
• Thomas the Tank Engine and Peppa Pig welcome friends with autism and 2 mommies

August 2022

• Dallas nonprofit aims to break down barriers that disabled people face
• Sonoma County teacher pens book celebrating her hearing-impaired students
• How to talk about disability sensitively and avoid ableist tropes
• Uber WAV provides affordable rides in wheelchair-accessible vehicles, where available

Past Articles

• Why “Special Needs” is Not Helpful | medium.com
• Creating trauma-informed individualized education programs  | American Psychological Association
• Parent-Teacher Conferences - What to Ask for Kids with IEPs from A Day in Your Shoes
• Changing the Conversation Around ADHD with New Documentary The Disruptors
• 5 Reasons Why Disability Issues Should Be A Higher Priority, Even Now  | Forbes
• Nancy Armstrong Is Changing the Conversation Around ADHD with New Documentary The Disruptors. By Jessica Migala
• At a Loss for Words:  How a flawed idea is teaching millions of kids to be poor readers | APM ReportsU.S. Department of Education Announces Intent to Strengthen and Protect Rights for Students with Disabilities by Amending Regulations Implementing Section 504. 
• Microsoft unveils new adaptive PC accessories with modular components. 
• Watch My Disability Roadmap about Samuel Habib in the New York Times "Op-Docs".  
• Self-Advocacy: Participating in Your IEP Meetings.
• 2 UC Berkeley students make history as 1st nonspeaking autistic graduates.
• Access SFUSD presents its Insider Guide
• 504 and Me By Meriah Nichols, from the Disability Rights and Education Defense Fund Blog
• AB 1663: The Probate Conservatorship Reform and Supported Decision-Making Act
• Slate.com: Why Are Special Education Teachers Quitting Across the Nation?
• Washington Post: Disability Community Pushes To keep Masks Aboard Mass Transit