Special Education, IEPs and the PPT Process
The Transition Process: From Birth to Three to Special Education (webinar)
The Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center (CPAC) shares this webinar via vimeo. The link will bring you directly to the content online.
How to Tell if Your Child’s IEP Goals Are Smart
This article provides a quick overview of what constitutes strong IEP goals. It can help you plan for PPT meetings, and evaluate your child’s current IEP goals.
Breaking Down the IEP: Looking at the Key Pieces of an Effective Program (webinar)
Another online program from CPAC. This program reviews the planning process and IEP components to help you better prepare for PPT meetings, including evaluating goals and understanding timelines.
A Parent’s Guide to Special Education in Connecticut
Although this guide was published in 2007, it provides useful information about IDEA and services in the state. This is available from the state Department of Education, Bureau of Special Education.
PPT Checklist – Before, During, and After
This detailed checklist is available as a planning and organizational resource from the Department of Education.
PPT 101: Understanding the Basics of the Planning and Placement Team Meeting
A presentation-style overview of PPT meetings from the Department of Education.
Private Special Education Programs and Therapeutic Schools in Connecticut for Children with Special Needs
Forte Law Group presents an index of private education programs for children with special needs in Connecticut. Programs are listed by county.
Making the PPT Process More Effective for You and Your Child
An outline of best practices from the Department of Education for how to approach the PPT, including the basics of IDEA.
Planning for Success: How You Can Make a Difference in Your Child’s IEP
This presentation from CPAC reviews the parent role in PPT meetings and how to maximize your participation in those meetings, and clarify the importance and function of IEPs.
Every 504 Plan Should Include These ADHD Accommodations
While a one-size-fits-all approach perhaps isn’t the most appropriate in any instance, this piece provides a useful overview of some available accommodations for ADHD. School teams should be creative in meeting your child’s need, but resources like this can help as you do your own research.
The IEP Guide: Page by Page
An in-depth examination of the IEP document from the Department of Education, intended as a preparatory guide to PPT meetings.
Resources Addressing Transition Planning and Services
Autism Speaks Resource: Transition Toolkit
A toolkit for families to assist with transition planning from Autism Speaks. This hefty guide is not applicable just to families dealing with issues related to autism, and addresses legal considerations, housing, postsecondary education and more. State-specific information is separately available here.
Transition, Transition Services and Transition Planning Resources from Wrightslaw
Definitions, case background, and indexed materials addressing transition services and transition planning.
Other Supports and Services (Technology, Camps, etc.)
Connecting Connecticut Resource Directory
Updated in 2015, this directory is available from CPAC, the Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center. The directory addresses assistive technologies, behavioral and mental health support, and recreation, including camp options.
Overview of Medicaid Waiver Programs in Connecticut
From the Connecticut Department of Social Services and Husky, this page provides an overview of waiver services and eligibility requirements.
Summer Camps and Programs Directory
From their broader page addressing services and resources for children with special needs (available here), the state has compiled a list of camp and other recreational programs suitable for a range of abilities and needs.
Mommy Poppins Connecticut: Summer Camps for Your Special Needs Child
Although this isn’t the most current listing, it can provide a good jumping off point for research on camp options in Connecticut.
Autism Parenting Magazine Ultimate Guide
Free, downloadable guide available online addressing resources related to services, travel, education and more. There is a section specifically addressing services for military families. This is a collection of articles and links to organizations providing support and advocacy services, as well as fact sheets and tips. The guide is provided via email.
Additional Webinars, Toolkits and Other Materials of Interest to the Special Needs Community
Autism 200 Series: Lecture Series from Seattle Children’s Hospital and the University of Washington
Lecture series featuring 90-minutes programs geared to parents of children on the autism spectrum on a variety of topics. Although the target audience is autism parents, issues addressed have broader reach, including school avoidance and sibling impact. Lectures are recorded and available online to watch at your leisure at the link above, along with the schedule and topics for upcoming programs in the series.
Autism Speaks Toolkit: Visual Supports and Autism Spectrum Disorders
Autism Speaks offers an overview of using visual supports for children on spectrum, including first/then boards, visual schedules, and using visual aids to set parameters. Clear, illustrated examples are provided throughout the document, along with resources for further information.
Autism Speaks Resource: Autism Advocacy Toolkit
Geared to both individuals with autism to support self-advocacy, as well as toward family members to advocate on their behalf, this free toolkit includes sections on skill development, school and community advocacy as well as related resources.
On-Demand Webinars Addressing ADHD/ADD from ADDitude
Free, online webinars and related materials related to ADHD on a variety of topics. You will have to input an email address to access the trainings and materials, however your information will not be shared.
Shoreline Special Parents 