Beyond Access

From Vision to Plan: Strengthening Transition Planning for Students with IEPs

Tuesday, March 10, 2026

7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

What we will talk about: 

  • Building Blocks of Transition Planning: This section takes a closer look at quality transition planning, focusing on the three core areas: education/training, employment, and independent living. We will unpack what meaningful planning looks like within each area and connect them to concrete activities, helping families understand how postsecondary goals translate into coordinated services and experiences during high school. 

  • Transition Planning on the IEP: This section breaks down where transition planning appears on the IEP, what each relevant section is meant to capture, and how those pieces work together to support a student’s long-term goals. Through examples of effective, specific transition goals and services, we will illustrate how strong planning moves beyond generic language and creates a clear roadmap for success beyond high school. 

  • Transition Timeline: This section outlines what transition planning should look like across different ages and grade levels, including when key milestones and requirements begin. Families will gain clarity about what should happen at various stages and what questions to ask to ensure planning stays on track. 

Zoom link to register

Hosted by: The Special Education Office

 

 

A Parent’s Guide to Summer Opportunities for Students with Disabilities

Tuesday, March 24, 2026

7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

What we will talk about: 

  • Explore Summer Opportunities for IEP Students: Learn about the Extended School Year (ESY) and Summer Rising programs for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) including those in District 75, Autism Nest, Horizon programs, and students in Temporary Housing. 

  • Discover Transportation Accommodations: Understand eligibility and transportation options for students, including those with 10-month transportation recommendations, to ensure safe, consistent travel to and from Summer Rising sites.

  • Understand Additional Accommodations: Find out about available health supports, nursing services, and behavioral paraprofessional assistance during Summer Rising. We will also walk through how the Summer Rising Accommodation Plan is created, how parents participate, and how final decisions are shared.  

  • Access Support & Resources: Learn how to access guidance, supports, and resources to help your family navigate summer programming. 

Zoom link to register

Hosted by: The Special Education Office

 

 

Disability, Discipline, and Intervention: Students’ and Families’ Rights Through the Discipline Process and Accessible Tools to Support Student Achievement

Tuesday, April 14, 2026

7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

This webinar is designed to support families in understanding their rights when a student with a disability is involved in the discipline process and to highlight accessible tools that help remove learning barriers and support student success. 

What we will talk about: 

  • Manifestation Determination Reviews (MDRs): Manifestation Determination Reviews are a required step in the discipline process for students with disabilities after a student has been suspended for a certain number of days. We will explain how the MDR process works and how families can participate.

  • Read&Write Educational Technology Tool: Oftentimes, students have challenging behavior because there are barriers to their learning. Read&Write is an educational technology tool that helps reduce those barriers by supporting reading, writing, and comprehension skills. Families will learn how students can access Read&Write at home and use it to strengthen learning, and build strong, independent study skills. 

Zoom link to register

Hosted by: The Special Education Office

 

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Language Access: For all Sessions

Families can access interpreters via a conference call line during this online event.

Spanish Language Line 

  • 1 347-966-4114 
  • Phone conference ID: 474 208 707# 

Mandarin Language Line 

  • 1 347-966-4114 
  • Phone conference ID: 702 744 359#

Albanian Language Line 

  • 1 347-966-4114 
  • Phone conference ID: 341 110 28#

Arabic Language Line 

  • 1 347-966-4114 
  • Phone conference ID: 870 056 490#   

Bangla Language Line 

  • 1 347-966-4114 
  • Phone conference ID: 133 222 398#   

French Language Line 

  • 1 347-966-4114 
  • Phone conference ID: 536 896 981# 

Haitian-Creole Language Line 

  • 1 347-966-4114

  • Phone conference ID: 339 617 810# 

Korean Language Line 

  • 1 347-966-4114 
  • Phone conference ID: 377 218 898#  

Russian Language Line 

  • 1 347-966-4114 
  • Phone conference ID: 608 952 257#

Urdu Language Line 

  • 1 347-966-4114 
  • Phone conference ID: 109 796 896# 

Uzbek Language Line 

  • 1 347-966-4114 
  • Phone conference ID: 511 641 746#

Ukrainian Language Line 

  • 1 347-966-4114 
  • Phone conference ID: 328 881 227# 

 

 

To view all our previous Beyond Access series follow our Beyond Access YouTube page to watch recordings.