CPAC Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center
Connecticut's Resource for Children with Disabilities Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center
Connecticut's Resource for Children with Disabilities;
Empowering and Educating Families

Events

Our current selection of Events is shown below. If you have a suggestion for an event which should be added here, please see our Event Submission page.

Next STEPS: Parent Leadership Training Series

Thursday, October 15, 2026
5:30pm
Cost: No cost
Location: Online event

This intensive eight week series is designed to help parents and professionals gain the skills and knowledge necessary to be effective members of the Planning and Placement Team (PPT). This training series will prepare participants for a variety of roles at the school, district, regional, and state levels. Dates: October 15, 22, 29 November 5, 12, 19 December 3, 10 No class on Thanksgiving 11/26

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Early Steps Together

Monday, October 19, 2026
6:30–7:30 PM
Cost: No cost
Location: Online

Early Steps Together Are you a parent of a young child (ages 0–5) who has received Birth to Three (B23) services? You’re not alone! Join our virtual parent support group starting October 6th, designed to bring families together to share, learn, and grow through early support. In this group, you’ll find: ✨ A safe space to connect with other parents ✨ Support navigating early intervention ✨ Resources for your child and family ✨ Encouragement from others who understand your journey Where: Online – join from the comfort of your home When: Mondays starting October 6th, 6:30–7:30 PM Come share your story, connect, and take your next steps with confidence. Together, we’re stronger. ?

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Planning with Purpose

Tuesday, October 20, 2026
12:00pm
Cost: No cost
Location: Online

Planning with Purpose: Designing School Events and Activities Where Every Student and Family Can Access,Participate, and Belong Thoughtful planning can make a big difference in who is able to attend, participate, and feel like they belong at school events and activities. Designed for school staff, family leaders, community organizations, and others who plan or support school events, this interactive session will explore practical ways to identify and remove potential barriers, create meaningful opportunities for participation, and foster welcoming environments for students and families. *Live Spanish Interpretation Provided* After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

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Martes de Transición

Tu Camino, Tu Potencial
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
7:00
Cost: No cost
Location: Online

Descubra cómo los servicios de Level Up y Rehabilitación Vocacional (VR) de la Oficina de Servicios de Rehabilitación (BRS) pueden abrir puertas a oportunidades educativas, laborales y desarrollar mayor independencia. En esta sesión interactiva, los jóvenes con discapacidades y sus padres aprenderán cómo VR apoya la exploración de carreras, el desarrollo de habilidades y la preparación para un empleo significativo. Ofreceremos orientación práctica, ejemplos reales e información clara sobre los programas para ayudarle a comprender las posibilidades que existen y sentirse más seguro al prepararse para la transición a la vida adulta. Ya sea que tenga grandes metas o apenas estés comenzando a planificar, esta presentación le brindará herramientas para dar los próximos pasos hacia el futuro. Presentadores: Stefanie Knight, Consultora Asociada de Educación Connecticut Aging and Disability Services Stephanie A Trelli Consejera de Transición / Unidad de Servicios para Jóvenes – Región Occidental Connecticut Aging and Disability Services Maryann Viera, Consejera de Level Up – Región Sur Connecticut Aging and Disability Services October 20, 2026 7:00-8:00 pm

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Transition Tuesday

Your Path, Your Potential
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
7:00
Cost: No cost
Location: Online

Transition Tuesday is back!! Your Path, Your Potential: Level Up & Vocational Rehabilitation for the School‑to‑Career Transition Discover how Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS) Level Up and Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services can open doors to education, employment, and greater independence. In this interactive session, youth with disabilities and their parents will learn how VR supports career exploration, skill-building, and preparation for meaningful work. We’ll offer practical guidance, real examples, and clear program insights to help you understand the possibilities ahead and feel confident about the transition into adulthood. Whether you’re dreaming big or just beginning to plan, this presentation will give you tools to take your next steps forward. October 20, 2026 7:00-8:00 pm Register here: https://bit.ly/4xQc5L2

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Early Steps Together

Monday, October 26, 2026
6:30–7:30 PM
Cost: No cost
Location: Online

Early Steps Together Are you a parent of a young child (ages 0–5) who has received Birth to Three (B23) services? You’re not alone! Join our virtual parent support group starting October 6th, designed to bring families together to share, learn, and grow through early support. In this group, you’ll find: ✨ A safe space to connect with other parents ✨ Support navigating early intervention ✨ Resources for your child and family ✨ Encouragement from others who understand your journey Where: Online – join from the comfort of your home When: Mondays starting October 6th, 6:30–7:30 PM Come share your story, connect, and take your next steps with confidence. Together, we’re stronger. ?

» Register for event

Finding Your Voice as a Parent Webinar

Tuesday, October 27, 2026
7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. EST
Cost: This is a no cost event
Location: Online Event

Finding Your Voice as a Parent Webinar: Navigating Divorce for Parents of Special Education Students Date: Tuesday October 27th 2026 7:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. EST. This webinar is on Zoom (online/virtual event). Register here on Zoom: https://bit.ly/5A201D Co-hosted online with the Stamford JCC (Stamford, CT). Speakers: Attorney Lawrence Berliner, Connecticut Special Education Law Jane Faherty, Stamford JCC JumpStart Director & Special Education Advocate Attorney Carole Orland and Attorney Laurie Markus, Divorce & Family Law at Broder Orland Murray and DeMattie LLC, Westport & Greenwich CT. Often, the divorce rate is higher for marriages of parents involving children with special needs. When special needs children are involved in divorce, there are added concerns to address. We are pleased to bring to the table two experienced divorce and family law attorneys to discuss the challenges facing parents of special needs children who are divorcing …always keeping in mind the best interests of the child. Let’s Start a Conversation to Help Guide Parents: • Develop an overall Parenting Plan • Create a Team of Specialists so parents can work together in understanding their child’s needs and the team that will support them • Collaborate on an educational plan in the child’s best interest • Consider your child’s unique circumstances • Role of Guardian Ad Litem • Role of Court and Court Services • Q & A Questions? Please contact Rachel Berliner, Public Relations Assistant at [email protected] This webinar is free and open to the public. More information: https://www.stamfordjcc.org/events/2026/10/27/inclusion/finding-your-voice-as-a-parent-webinar/

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Pilot Program

Connecticut Facilitated Planning and Placement Team (PPT) Meetings
Thursday, October 29, 2026
12:00pm
Cost: No Cost
Location: Online

Connecticut Facilitated Planning and Placement Team (PPT) Meetings, Pilot Program Join us to learn about a new pilot program that uses trained, neutral facilitators to support Planning and Placement Team (PPT) meetings. Kirsten Dovenberg, Program Manager for Due Process Hearings and Mediations at the State Department of Education’s Bureau of Special Education, will explain how this new dispute resolution option can assist families and schools to work through conflict.

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Early Steps Together

Monday, November 2, 2026
6:30–7:30 PM
Cost: No cost
Location: Online

Early Steps Together Are you a parent of a young child (ages 0–5) who has received Birth to Three (B23) services? You’re not alone! Join our virtual parent support group starting October 6th, designed to bring families together to share, learn, and grow through early support. In this group, you’ll find: ✨ A safe space to connect with other parents ✨ Support navigating early intervention ✨ Resources for your child and family ✨ Encouragement from others who understand your journey Where: Online – join from the comfort of your home When: Mondays starting October 6th, 6:30–7:30 PM Come share your story, connect, and take your next steps with confidence. Together, we’re stronger. ?

» Register for event

Early Steps Together

Monday, November 9, 2026
6:30–7:30 PM
Cost: No cost
Location: Online

Early Steps Together Are you a parent of a young child (ages 0–5) who has received Birth to Three (B23) services? You’re not alone! Join our virtual parent support group starting October 6th, designed to bring families together to share, learn, and grow through early support. In this group, you’ll find: ✨ A safe space to connect with other parents ✨ Support navigating early intervention ✨ Resources for your child and family ✨ Encouragement from others who understand your journey Where: Online – join from the comfort of your home When: Mondays starting October 6th, 6:30–7:30 PM Come share your story, connect, and take your next steps with confidence. Together, we’re stronger. ?

» Register for event

Early Steps Together

Monday, November 16, 2026
6:30–7:30 PM
Cost: No cost
Location: Online

Early Steps Together Are you a parent of a young child (ages 0–5) who has received Birth to Three (B23) services? You’re not alone! Join our virtual parent support group starting October 6th, designed to bring families together to share, learn, and grow through early support. In this group, you’ll find: ✨ A safe space to connect with other parents ✨ Support navigating early intervention ✨ Resources for your child and family ✨ Encouragement from others who understand your journey Where: Online – join from the comfort of your home When: Mondays starting October 6th, 6:30–7:30 PM Come share your story, connect, and take your next steps with confidence. Together, we’re stronger. ?

» Register for event

Early Steps Together

Monday, November 23, 2026
6:30–7:30 PM
Cost: No cost
Location: Online

Early Steps Together Are you a parent of a young child (ages 0–5) who has received Birth to Three (B23) services? You’re not alone! Join our virtual parent support group starting October 6th, designed to bring families together to share, learn, and grow through early support. In this group, you’ll find: ✨ A safe space to connect with other parents ✨ Support navigating early intervention ✨ Resources for your child and family ✨ Encouragement from others who understand your journey Where: Online – join from the comfort of your home When: Mondays starting October 6th, 6:30–7:30 PM Come share your story, connect, and take your next steps with confidence. Together, we’re stronger. ?

» Register for event

Early Steps Together

Monday, November 30, 2026
6:30–7:30 PM
Cost: No cost
Location: Online

Early Steps Together Are you a parent of a young child (ages 0–5) who has received Birth to Three (B23) services? You’re not alone! Join our virtual parent support group starting October 6th, designed to bring families together to share, learn, and grow through early support. In this group, you’ll find: ✨ A safe space to connect with other parents ✨ Support navigating early intervention ✨ Resources for your child and family ✨ Encouragement from others who understand your journey Where: Online – join from the comfort of your home When: Mondays starting October 6th, 6:30–7:30 PM Come share your story, connect, and take your next steps with confidence. Together, we’re stronger. ?

» Register for event

Early Steps Together

Monday, December 7, 2026
6:30–7:30 PM
Cost: No cost
Location: Online

Early Steps Together Are you a parent of a young child (ages 0–5) who has received Birth to Three (B23) services? You’re not alone! Join our virtual parent support group starting October 6th, designed to bring families together to share, learn, and grow through early support. In this group, you’ll find: ✨ A safe space to connect with other parents ✨ Support navigating early intervention ✨ Resources for your child and family ✨ Encouragement from others who understand your journey Where: Online – join from the comfort of your home When: Mondays starting October 6th, 6:30–7:30 PM Come share your story, connect, and take your next steps with confidence. Together, we’re stronger. ?

» Register for event

Early Steps Together

Monday, December 14, 2026
6:30–7:30 PM
Cost: No cost
Location: Online

Early Steps Together Are you a parent of a young child (ages 0–5) who has received Birth to Three (B23) services? You’re not alone! Join our virtual parent support group starting October 6th, designed to bring families together to share, learn, and grow through early support. In this group, you’ll find: ✨ A safe space to connect with other parents ✨ Support navigating early intervention ✨ Resources for your child and family ✨ Encouragement from others who understand your journey Where: Online – join from the comfort of your home When: Mondays starting October 6th, 6:30–7:30 PM Come share your story, connect, and take your next steps with confidence. Together, we’re stronger. ?

» Register for event

Early Steps Together

Monday, December 21, 2026
6:30–7:30 PM
Cost: No cost
Location: Online

Early Steps Together Are you a parent of a young child (ages 0–5) who has received Birth to Three (B23) services? You’re not alone! Join our virtual parent support group starting October 6th, designed to bring families together to share, learn, and grow through early support. In this group, you’ll find: ✨ A safe space to connect with other parents ✨ Support navigating early intervention ✨ Resources for your child and family ✨ Encouragement from others who understand your journey Where: Online – join from the comfort of your home When: Mondays starting October 6th, 6:30–7:30 PM Come share your story, connect, and take your next steps with confidence. Together, we’re stronger. ?

» Register for event

Early Steps Together

Monday, January 4, 2027
6:30–7:30 PM
Cost: No cost
Location: Online

Early Steps Together Are you a parent of a young child (ages 0–5) who has received Birth to Three (B23) services? You’re not alone! Join our virtual parent support group starting October 6th, designed to bring families together to share, learn, and grow through early support. In this group, you’ll find: ✨ A safe space to connect with other parents ✨ Support navigating early intervention ✨ Resources for your child and family ✨ Encouragement from others who understand your journey Where: Online – join from the comfort of your home When: Mondays starting October 6th, 6:30–7:30 PM Come share your story, connect, and take your next steps with confidence. Together, we’re stronger. ?

» Register for event