Events
CT Transition Community of Practice
Thursday, March 12, 2026
9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Cost: No cost
Location: Virtual
CT Transition Community of Practice (CoP) - March
March 12, 2026 (9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.)
Connecticut has created the CT Transition Community of Practice (CoP) to centralize all activities, resources, and initiatives related to secondary transition and to provide information and support to students, families, and professionals. The CoP is comprised of multiple stakeholder groups that have come together with a single focus: enhancing the transition of youth with disabilities to adult life. Come learn what we are all about! See how your ideas fit into Connecticut’s overall plans and help us plot our course for improving student outcomes.
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Taller de Narración de Historias
El Cambio Comienza con Tu Historia
Thursday, March 12, 2026
7:00pm
Cost: Gratis
Location: Virtual
¿Te apasiona generar un cambio? ¿Quieres mejorar la manera en que compartes tus experiencias para que otras personas se sientan tan inspiradas como tú? Este taller virtual en español está diseñado para brindar a los participantes las herramientas necesarias para involucrarse cívicamente y participar activamente en sus comunidades. Utilizaremos los tres componentes de la narrativa desarrollados por Marshall Ganz (La Historia de Mí, La Historia de Nosotros y La Historia del Ahora) para construir nuestras historias personales. Además, exploraremos estrategias para compartir tu historia mientras promueves cambios en políticas públicas. Finalmente, hablaremos sobre la importancia de construir relaciones clave y conectar con las personas que pueden ayudar a que tu historia tenga un impacto real.
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Storytelling Workshop: Change Starts With Your Story
Thursday, March 12, 2026
7:00pm
Cost: No cost
Location: Online
Are you passionate about changing something? Do you want to improve the way you share your passions with others, so they’re just as captivated as you are? This ONLINE workshop is designed to equip participants with the tools necessary to be civically engaged and active in their communities. We will use Marshall Ganz’s three aspects of storytelling (Story of Me, Story of Us, and Story of Now) to build our personal stories and then pair strategies to share your story while advocating for policy change. Finally, we will talk about essential relationship building — connecting with those who can ensure your story has impact.
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Stepping Into School: Parent Tools for Readiness
Sunday, March 15, 2026
10:00am to 3:00PM
Cost: This is a no cost event.
Location: 28 Cutler St. Stonington, CT
Join the HELLO Lab and Hands and Voices for a fun and informational event about school readiness for parents of children who are D/deaf and hard of hearing ages 2 to 10. The event features free educational seminar to help families navigate the start to the public school system, lunch provided by Mystic Pizza, and exclusive playtime at the Niantic Children's Museum for Hands and Voices families.
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» View event flyer
Early Steps Together
Monday, March 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
PARTE TRES: El superpoder emocional de tu familia
Mindfulness y herramientas para una crianza compasiva
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Cost: Gratis
Location: Virtual
En las Partes Uno y Dos, aprendimos a descifrar el código. Aprendimos el lenguaje. Pero ¿qué pasa mañana cuando la vida vuelve a golpearte? Cuando tu jefe está exigente, tu pareja está estresada y tu hijo necesita que te presentes como el padre o madre que siempre has querido ser. Aquí es donde las familias vuelven a caer en viejos patrones… o desarrollan su superpoder emocional. Construyamos el conjunto de herramientas que hará de la crianza compasiva la nueva normalidad de tu familia. ¡Reclama tu SUPERPODER! Aprende con nosotros a:
Implementar prácticas de mindfulness apropiadas para cada edad en toda la familia
Usar Momentos Meta y estrategias de tu Mejor Versión para transformar el conflicto en conexión
Crear una Carta Familiar: un mapa hacia un cambio duradero
Dr. Maureen Ruby, DMD, PhD
Sacred Heart University
Farrington College of Education and Human Development
Center of Excellence for Belonging & Leadership
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PART THREE: Your Family’s Emotional Superpower
Mindfulness & Tools for Compassionate Parenting
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Cost: No cost
Location: Online
In Parts one and two we learned to crack the code. We've learned the language. But what happens tomorrow when life hits again? When your boss is demanding, your partner is stressed, and your child needs you to show up as the parent you've always wanted to be? This is where families either fall back into old patterns... or develop their emotional superpower. Let’s build the toolkit that makes compassionate parenting your family's new normal. Claim your SUPERPOWER! Learn with us how to:
Implement age-appropriate mindfulness practices for the whole family
Use Meta-Moments and Best Self strategies to transform conflict to connection
Create a Family Charter- a roadmap to lasting change
Presented by: Dr. Maureen Ruby, DMD, PhD
Sacred Heart University
Farrington College of Education and Human Development
Center of Excellence for Belonging & Leadership
» Register for event
Reading is a right, not a privilege.
Thursday, March 19, 2026
6:00 PM to 7:30 PM EST
Cost: No cost
Location: Online
Join us for an engaging session centered on high quality literacy instruction for all learners. This presentation will highlight structured, multisensory, evidence-based approaches to teaching reading and include meaningful discussion about students with intellectual disabilities.
Designed for both parents and professionals, we will explore what high quality literacy instruction looks like in practice and how to ensure that all students including those with intellectual disabilities have equitable access to effective reading instruction.
Presented by: Sheryl Knapp, M.Ed., C/OGA, C- SLD, Director & Literacy Therapist at Literacy Learning and Assessment of CT
» Register for event
La lectura es un derecho, no un privilegio
Thursday, March 19, 2026
6:00 PM to 7:30 PM EST
Cost: Gratis
Location: Virtual
Acompáñenos en una sesión dinámica enfocada en la enseñanza de lectura de alta calidad para todos los estudiantes. Esta presentación destacará enfoques estructurados, multisensoriales y basados en evidencia para la enseñanza de la lectura, e incluirá una conversación significativa sobre estudiantes con discapacidades intelectuales.
Dirigida a padres y profesionales, exploraremos cómo se ve en práctica una instrucción de lectura de alta calidad y cómo garantizar que todos los estudiantes, incluidos aquellos con discapacidades intelectuales, tengan acceso equitativo a una enseñanza eficaz de la lectura.
Presentadora: Sheryl Knapp, M.Ed., C/OGA, C- SLD, Director & Literacy Therapist at Literacy Learning and Assessment of CT
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Special Education College Fair
3rd Annual Special Education College Fair
Thursday, March 19, 2026
5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Cost: This is a no cost event
Location: 372 Danbury Road, Wilton CT 06897
Get ready to explore your future at our 3rd Annual College Fair! We are extremely proud to be hosting colleges and universities that specifically offer learning supports on their campus. Our mission is to provide families and students with information about disability services and other supports that may be available to them if needed after high school!
» Register for event
» View event flyer
Early Steps Together
Monday, March 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, March 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
DDS Employment and Day Services: You’re 22, Now What?
Thursday, March 26, 2026
6:00-7:30 PM
Cost: No cost
Location: Online
Join us for a virtual presentation designed for individuals and families to learn about the next steps after turning 22 and moving into adult services. This informative session will provide an overview of DDS Employment and Day Services, including available support and resources. Additional information will be shared about services offered by CTFSN and CPAC.
The presentation will take place virtually on Zoom.
» Register for event
Tienes 22 años, ¿y ahora qué?
Bienvenidos a los Servicios de Empleo y Servicios Diurnos de DDS
Thursday, March 26, 2026
6:00-7:30 PM
Cost: Gratis
Location: Virtual
Acompáñenos a una presentación virtual diseñada para que las personas y sus familias conozcan los próximos pasos después de cumplir 22 años y comenzar la transición a los servicios para adultos. Esta sesión informativa ofrecerá una descripción general de los Servicios de Empleo y Servicios Diurnos de DDS, incluidos los apoyos y recursos disponibles. También se compartirá información adicional sobre los servicios ofrecidos por CTFSN y CPAC.
La presentación se llevará a cabo de manera virtual a través de Zoom.
» Register for event
Resource Fair 2026
Saturday, March 28, 2026
2:00 pm- 5:00 PM
Cost: No Cost to Attend
Location: Stamford J.C.C 1035 Newfield Avenue
S.E.L.F. & SEEK Special Education Resource Fair
Join us for Special Education Legal Fund's 2026 Resource Fair on Saturday March 28th from 2-5pm at the Stamford JCC!
Are you a parent or caregiver in need of resources for your special needs child? Are you interested in learning more about schools, therapists, providers, agencies, and nonprofit organizations that support your child with special education needs?
***This event is FREE for attendees with registration.
» Register for event
Early Steps Together
Monday, March 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
An Inside Look at Structured Literacy
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
6:00 PM to 7:00 PM EST
Cost: No cost
Location: Online
What happens during a Structured Literacy lesson?
Join us for an engaging presentation designed for families and professionals who want a clear, accessible look at how evidence-based reading instruction supports all students including those with dyslexia and other reading challenges. This session features a classroom video of a Structured Literacy lesson created by Understood.org, with expert commentary from Margie Gillis Ed.D,. explaining the instructional strategies and why they matter. Discover what effective reading instruction looks like and why it works!
Participants will:
• Learn the essential components of a Structured Literacy lesson
• See how skills are taught explicitly, systematically, and cumulatively
• Better understand what effective reading intervention looks like
Presented by: Jeanne Morgan M.S., Ed.S., WCT, WDT, a Dyslexia Training Specialist with over 35 years of experience in education.
» Register for event
Explorando la enseñanza estructurada
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Cost:
Location: Online
Explorando la enseñanza estructurada de la lectura y escritura
¿Qué sucede durante una lección de lectura y escritura estructurada?
Acompáñenos en una presentación informativa diseñada para familias y profesionales que desean comprender, de manera clara y accesible, cómo la enseñanza de la lectura basada en evidencia apoya a todos los estudiantes, incluidos aquellos con dislexia y otras dificultades en la lectura. Esta sesión incluye un video de una lección en el aula sobre lectoescritura estructurada, creado por Understood.org, junto con los comentarios expertos de Margie Gillis, Ed.D., quien explica las estrategias de enseñanza utilizadas y por qué son importantes.
Aunque fue creada pensando en las familias, esta sesión también es de gran valor para educadores, paraprofesionales y administradores que están comenzando su camino en la lectura y escritura estructurada.
Descubra cómo se ve una instrucción de lectura efectiva y por qué funciona.
Los participantes podrán:
•Aprender los componentes esenciales de una lección de lectura y escritura estructurada
•Observar cómo las habilidades se enseñan de manera explícita, sistemática y progresiva
•Comprender mejor cómo es una intervención efectiva en lectura
Presentadora: Jeanne Morgan, M.S., Ed.S., WCT, WDT, especialista en Capacitación en Dislexia con más de 35 años de experiencia en el campo de la educación.
» Register for event
Early Steps Together
Monday, April 6, 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, April 13, 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, April 20, 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
Inclusive School Safety Practices for Students with Disabili
Parent Event
Monday, April 27, 2026
4:30-7:30 pm
Cost: No cost
Location: New Haven, CT
Inclusive School Safety Practices for Students with Disabilities
Parent Event
On behalf of the Connecticut Center for School Safety and Crisis Preparation at Western Connecticut State University (WCSU), in collaboration with Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU), please join us for our April 27th Parent and Caregiver Dinner Event held at Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU).
An event designed to provide meaningful information while bringing together families, educators, disability advocates, and school and community leaders to explore strategies that promote safe, inclusive learning environments for all students.
Date: Monday, April 27, 2026
Time: 4:30-7:30 PM | Check-in: 4:00 PM | Dinner included
Please note: Childcare will not be available for this event.
Location:
Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU)
Michael J. Adanti Student Center, Room 325 (3rd Floor)
345 Fitch Street
New Haven, CT 06515
(Directions & Parking information will follow)
Cost: FREE
Registration Deadline: April 3, 2026
Presenters:
Dr. Dewey Cornell, Developer of the Comprehensive School Threat Guidelines and Professor of Education, University of Virginia;
Michele Gay, M.S., Co-Founder & Executive Director of Safe and Sound Schools;
Dr. Christina Cipriano, Director, Education Collaboratory at Yale, Associate Professor, Yale Child Study Center
Dr. Stephanie Leite, Clinical and Forensic Psychologist, Forensic Intelligence, LLC; and
Melissa Marshall, J.D., Director of Policy & Programs, The Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies
» Register for event
Early Steps Together
Monday, April 27, 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, May 4, 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, May 11, 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, May 18, 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