Special Education Community Events and News

SF Therapeutic Rec and Park has a variety of summer day camp options available! Explore the catalog beginning on page 10 for the full list of summer programming. 

Summer Adaptive Camp Highlights 

For details and registration, please consult the summer day camp catalog:

Teens & Young Adults

• SLICE Summer Camp- Ages 15-25
• Teen City Summer Camp- Ages 13-22

Youth, Teens/Tweens

• Everybody Plays Summer Camp- Ages 6-12
• Everybody Travels Summer Camp- Ages 9-15

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

Monthly Programs

Sunday, May 18 @ 10:00 - 10:45a: Community Art Class

NAMI SF is hosting free monthly art classes on the third Sunday of every month! Creating art can help focus, reduce stress, boost creativity, and is a great way to engage in community. Open to those of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. Monthly on the third Sunday. Zoom. 

Wednesday, May 21 @ 12:00 - 1:00p: Volunteer Open House

Want to learn about ways to get involved and give back? Check out the Open House! Volunteers are at the heart of the NAMI SF mission and there are tons of ways to get involved. The Open House is a great space to meet staff and explore available positions. Monthly on the first Thursday and third Wednesday. Zoom. 

May Programs

星期四，5月15日 @ 6:00 - 7:00p: 父母是盟友和倡議者 (粤语)

為父母/看護人提供的教育性演講。概述青少年心理健康問題，包括心理健康是什麼、心理健康疾病有多常見，以及文化污名如何影響華人社區的心理健康。此外，該演講將涵蓋導致某些人出現心理健康疾病的因素、警告信號以及與你的孩子溝通和支持孩子的實用方法。該演講還包括對當地資源的討論. Zoom Meeting ID: 841 1571 0745 Zoom Passcode: 697613

Thursday, May 15 @ 6:00 - 7:00p: Parents as Allies & Advocates (In Cantonese) (Same as event listed immediately above)

Educational presentation for parents and caregivers that provides an overview of youth mental health, including what mental health is, common mental health conditions, and practical ways to communicate with and support your child. This program also includes a discussion of local resources. Zoom Meeting ID: 841 1571 0745 Zoom Passcode: 697613

Saturday, May 17 @ 9:30a: 2025 NAMIWalk!

Join the NAMI SF community for our second annual NAMIWalk Fundraiser! This is a great opportunity to meet staff members, learn about the NAMI SF mission and programming, and support free and accessible mental health services in San Francisco. There will be food, raffles, music, and Drew Robinson (former Giants player) will be the Keynote speaker. Plus a beautiful walk! Little Marina Green, San Francisco. *Interested in volunteering! We would love to hear from you! Let us know via this form.

Thursday, May 22 @ 6:00 - 7:00p: Understanding the NAMI SF Family Information Form

NAMI San Francisco Executive Director, Anne Fischer, will provide an overview of the new Family Information Form on the NAMI SF website. The Family Information Form is a great resource for family members and/or loved ones who are caring for someone with a serious mental health condition and provides a means for family members to communicate about their relative’s mental health history to psychiatric and court authorities. Zoom.

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 SFUSD AAC Team

This training will cover AAC basics and tips for implementation at home and in the community.  Upon submission you will receive a confirmation email with the link to the virtual training.  If you have any questions you can reach us at aacsupport@sfusd.edu. 

Caregivers can request interpretation through the registration link.  All the trainings will cover an introduction to AAC and ways to implement AAC at home and in the community.  Each training will vary slightly depending on attendees' questions and interests so caregivers are welcome to attend as many as they want!

Wednesdays 8:30-9:30 am

3/12

4/09

5/14
 

Fridays 12:30-1:30 pm

3/21

4/18

5/16

Register today!

Learn more about the AAC program on their website, and more about these offerings here!

Check out the SFUSD Special Olympics event calendar for the 2024-2025 school year! Events run from 10:30am-12:15pm

Interested in more from Special Olympics? Contact Sasha Trope, SFUSD Special Olympics Coordinator

tropes@x.sfusd.edu

Presented by The Neurodiversity Alliance

The Neurodiversity Alliance is thrilled to welcome Netflix Love on the Spectrum cast member, animator, and entrepreneur Dani Bowman for this special live webinar. Dani will share her inspiring journey—from building a career in animation to navigating autism and mental health as a neurodivergent creative. She’ll offer career advice, storytelling, and practical insights for students, advocates, and aspiring artists.

When: Wednesday, May 14 @ 5:30-6:30pm PST

Where: Virtual, register and learn more!

Registration

Location: Robert W. Crown Memorial State Beach, 8th St, Otis Drive, Alameda, CA 94501

Schedule:

Registration- 9:00 am

Stage Presentation- 10:30 am

Walk Starts- 10:45 am

Contact: Walk Manager- Ronnie Adler, radler@hearingloss.org

Learn more and register!

Presented by the California Department of Education (CDE), Special Education Division

The California Department of Education, Special Education Division, in partnership with the Seeds of Partnership project, invite you to join this engaging webinar series. Whether you're 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. Each session will include a variety of topics, such as strategies for effective communication, ways to strengthen family-school relationships, insight into systems, programs, supports, best practices and approaches. Who should attend? Parents, educators, administrators, leaders, and parent center staff – all of whom support students with disabilities.

The California Department of Education, Special Education Division, in partnership with the Seeds of Partnership project, invite you to join this engaging webinar series. 

Whether you're 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. Each session will include a variety of topics, such as strategies for effective communication, ways to strengthen family-school relationships, insight into systems, programs, supports, best practices and approaches. Who should attend? Parents, educators, administrators, leaders, and parent center staff – all of whom support students with disabilities.

Learn more and register today!

Presented by the SFUSD Community Advisory Committee on Special Education

May 22, 2025 Meeting: SELPA Local Plan & Special Education Budget

Please join the CAC for a community conversation about the SFUSD SELPA Local Plan. Attendees will be able to provide feedback on the 2024-2025 SFUSD special education budget and special education service plan. The information gathered at the meeting will inform SFUSD Special Education and CAC priorities for the coming year.

Learn more and register today!

Adaptive Bikes in Golden Gate Park, BORP Summer Program Preview Day

All SFUSD Special Education students 13+ and their families are invited to come learn about adaptive bikes, meet other bike enthusiasts, and have fun riding with a family member! 

Free to ride, after signing a waiver and wearing a helmet!

When: Saturday, May 24th from 11:00am-3:00pm

Where: Golden Gate Park in the Concourse behind the Bandshell

Accessible by car or by bus (route 44- DeYoung Museum stop). For further parking details, please visit https://sfrecpark.org/1544/Getting-to-the-Music-Concourse

BORP adaptive sports and recreation hosts weekly adaptive cycling opportunities Saturdays in GG Park that cater to riders of all abilities.

For more information, visit: https://www.borp.org/borp-sf/

Life After High School: Post Secondary Transition for Students with Developmental Disabilities

Presented by Support for Families of Children with Disabilities

Planning for life after high school can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Join us for an informative session designed to help families, educators, and students with disabilities understand the essential steps for a successful transition into adulthood.

We’ll explore how to use the IEP transition planning process to build decision-making skills and prepare students to take an active role in shaping their future. Learn about supported decision-making as an alternative to guardianship, and how it can help young adults with disabilities make informed choices with the help of trusted supporters.

This session will also cover key components of Transition Planning and Services required under state and federal law and discuss pathways to adult education, independent living, and employment support programs. Discover what resources are available in your local community—and how to access them—so you can plan with confidence for a bright future.

Register and learn more!

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