| The Special Education Family Newsletter serves to connect families with important information, deadlines, announcements, and current stories that illustrate the work of the Special Education department at Seattle Public Schools. If you have suggestions for how to improve these newsletters, please contact Emily Nitz-Ritter (Special Education Communications Specialist) at spedcommunications@seattleschools.org. |
|
|
|
Change in Style and Usage Guide Entry
As a result of a Special Education Advisory and Advocacy Council (SEAAC) meeting earlier this year, we have updated the entry under "Special Education" for the district's Style and Usage Guide, which provides guidance for district staff in their communications. Previously, it read: Special Education - avoid the acronym SPED or SpEd if possible in family communications.
Many SEAAC members felt that this was not sufficient to describe the vibrant community of students and families we seek to serve. The revised version, that is now published on the website, reads:
Special Education
-
First and foremost, people with disabilities are people. They are diverse, contributing members of our communities. For this reason, we respectfully refer to them as person, student, or other title first and only then, if relevant, identify their disability. When communicating with families, please use phrase "students receiving special education services" to reference the students we serve. Avoid referencing students using the "SpEd" or "SPED" acronym, and refrain from using the phrase "SpEd students." It is best, when speaking or writing, to avoid using the acronym "SpEd" altogether and say "Special Education." Please also avoid referring to students or staff as a service placement (i.e. "SEL student" or "Access teacher").
Thank you to our members for helping us better represent our community in a way that reflects our values of respect and equity!
Toni Bader Named 2019 National Teacher of the Year!
Read more about how Seattle Public Schools is leading in adapted physical education on the
district website!
Transition Resources for Families
Do you have a student with an IEP or 504 plan who is 15 or older? The Department of Social and Health Services has compiled
this handy tool, which outlines different community resources to connect with and when you should connect with them.
The Arc is Now Enrolling for Their FREE Healthy Relationships Summer Groups
These groups are free for people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. For more information or to register contact
HealthyRelationships@arcofkingcounty.org
or 206-829-7059. Please note that while The Arc makes every effort to accommodate participant's support needs, we cannot provide personal care or behavior support during class. Sessions will be staffed at a 5:1 ratio.
- Dungeons & Dragons Adventure Club:
- Ages: 18-30
- Dates: August 7, 14, 21, 28
- Time: 1pm-2:30pm
- Location: The Arc of King County, 233 6th Ave N., Seattle, WA 98109
- LGBTQ* Summer Social Group (with games, art, activities, snacks, and more)
- Ages: 18-24
- Dates: July 3, 10, 17, 24
- Time: 4:45-6:00pm
- Location: Highland Community Center - 14224 Bel-Red Rd., Bellevue, WA 98007
- Art Club (including cartooning, sculpting, painting, and an art show!)
- Ages: 18-24
- Dates: July 2, 9, 16, 23
- Time: 1pm-2:30pm
- Location: The Arc of King County, 233 6th Ave N., Seattle, WA 98109
- Game Club (including Sorry, Chess, Monopoly, and Video Games!)
- Ages: 18-30
- Dates: July 30, August 6, August 13, August 20
- Time: 1pm-2:30pm
- Location: The Arc of King County, 233 6th Ave N., Seattle, WA 98109
Student Summer Leadership Opportunity - deadline is May 30!
The Youth Leadership Forum (YLF) for High School Students with Disabilities is a unique transition program for high school juniors and seniors with disabilities. Students serve as delegates from their communities at this six-day, five-night event. Young people with disabilities cultivate their potential leadership, citizenship, and social skills. YLF is scheduled for August 4-9, 2019 at the Dumas Bay Centre in Federal Way, WA. There is no cost for students to attend! Students must be 16 years of age prior to the start of YLF and under the age of 22. The deadline for applications is May 30, 2019.
For more information, and to apply
visit the Governor's Committee on Disability Issues and Employment (GCDE) website
and scroll down to "Youth Leadership Forum."
Got Good News?
Know of wonderful work happening in Special Education that needs to be celebrated? Share successes and stories with the Special Education Communications Specialist at
spedcommunications@seattleschools.org.
|
Neurodiversity Nights Kickoff!
Neurodiversity Nights is The Vera Project's new event series that celebrates our neurodiverse
communities, with a special focus on the autism spectrum. Kicking off on May 17, we'll be
hosting
monthly shows planned by and for the neurodiverse young people in our community and
beyond that include:
* Sensory-friendly musical performances by local and touring bands
* Speakers and tabling from vital service-based nonprofits and activist groups
* Open-mic & DJ slots for all participants
* Visual art showcases
* Creative job shadowing opportunities
* Civic engagement activities
* More!!!
The Vera Project, 305 Harrison St. (corner of Warren & Republican in Seattle Center)
$10 Suggested Donation | Nobody turned away for lack of funds | All are welcome
more about program participation, and connect about partnerships and tabling requests.
John Stanford Center for Educational Excellence (JSCEE) Room 2750
2445 3rd Ave. S, Seattle, WA 98134
Childcare and light refreshments will be provided.
Dyslexia Family Fair at Hamlin Robinson School
Saturday, August 17, 9:00am - 12:30pm, Hamlin Robinson School
Save the date! Cost per person: $25 for students (3 to 18) and $35 for adults (18+). More information will be shared as it becomes available!
|
We are currently accepting applications for
School-based Parent Liaisons.
Learn more and apply!
We are no longer recruiting members for Parent Partners or SEAAC at this time. If you are interested in either of those roles for the 2019 - 2020 school year, please let us know.
Special Education PTSA:
This group provides organization and advocacy under the bylaws of Washington State PTSA. If you have any questions or want to become a member, email president.seattlespedptsa@gmail.com.
|
|
Special Education Contacts
|
|
Access to Information for Families in Seattle Public Schools
|
To ensure information is accessible for all families in
Seattle Public Schools, the district has methods for community members to request communications assistance for district sponsored programs, events, and activities. These services will be provided in an accessible format at no cost to the requester.
|
|
|
|
|
