Educational Information

2/21/23 Webinar: Conservatorship, Guardianship, Supported Decision Making With, Connecticut Family Support Network 
These sites have information about education at all stages, ranging from Pre-K to college and post-baccalaureate, including—but not limited to—information about the laws governing education for people with disabilities.
 
Webinar
Conservatorship, Guardianship, Supported Decision Making With, Connecticut Family Support Network 
February 21, 2023
12:30pm
To register go to:  https://bit.ly/CTFSN-02-21--23
 
Information About Pre-K Education
Connecticut Birth to Three supports families when they have concerns about their children’s development during the time period from the child’s birth until they reach the age of three years. Anyone may refer a child to the program, but only the child’s parent or guardian may accept a referral and schedule a developmental evaluation.
 
The Children’s Services Program at the Bureau of Education and Services for the Blind (BESB) provides services for infants, toddlers, and preschool children who are blind or visually impaired. You can reach it by phone at 860-424-5055; Toll-Free: 800-537-2549.
 
K to 12 School Age Educational Resources
Tolland has four public schools: Birch Grove Primary School (Grades Pre-K to 2); Tolland Intermediate School (Grades 3-5); Tolland Middle School (Grades 6-8); and Tolland High School (Grades 9-12). The Tolland Public Schools website has a variety of resources, including detailed information about each school. In addition, the Tolland Public Schools Superintendent has a Facebook page.
 
The Director of Pupil Services oversees the implementation of special education supports, educational services, and Section 504 accommodations for all grades preschool through high school across the Tolland Public Schools. This website has information about the Director and staff, as well as many links to Special Education Resources, including a manual for Individual Education Plans (“IEPs”) and a Transition Bill of Rights, as well as contact information for the entire Special Education Department.
 
The Children’s Services Program at the Bureau of Education and Services for the Blind (BESB) provides services for school children who are blind or visually impaired. Those services include braille instruction, mobility instruction, adaptive technology devices and training, braille and large print textbooks, and independent living training to children, as well as professional development training and technical assistance to school districts. You can reach the Program by phone at 860-424-5055; Toll-Free: 800-537-2549.
 
Post-Secondary Educational Resources
The Adult Services Program at the Bureau of Education and Services for the Blind (BESB) serves as the central intake for blind or visually impaired clients and provides independent living training to adults to assist them with maintaining independence within the home and the community. You can reach the Program by phone at 860-424-5055; Toll-Free: 800-537-2549.
 
The Connecticut State Department of Education’s website has information regarding special education for children with disabilities, including guidance documents, links to the relevant legal materials, and resources for families.
 
Resources Regarding the Laws Governing Education for People with Disabilities
There is a wide array of federal and state laws and regulations that govern the education of people with disabilities. Broadly stated, the primary federal laws are the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (“the IDEA”), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (“Section 504”), and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (“the ADA”). This site provides a helpful overview of how these laws relate to each other.  How these laws apply to any specific student and any specific situation can be complex and may require the assistance of a qualified attorney, but these resources may be helpful.
 
Wrightslaw is a comprehensive resource for parents, educators, advocates, and attorneys seeking information about special education law and advocacy for children with disabilities. Wrightslaw offers a variety of free articles and videos as well as a free newsletter on its website. In addition, it offers books and other materials for sale as well as in-person training.
 
The Center for Children’s Advocacy is a Connecticut-based organization that seeks to be a one-stop shop providing holistic legal services to meet all of a child’s legal needs, including education but many others. It provides individual legal representation, legal rights training for youth, parents and professionals, and advocates for system reforms. Its website offers a variety of legal resources.
 
SEEK is an organization that lobbies on behalf of parents of Connecticut children who have disabilities. Its website includes a directory of professionals that includes Special Education Advocates, Special Education Attorneys, and clinical providers. In addition to SEEK’s website, it has a Facebook page.