About Us
For more than 20 years, the Special Needs Advocacy Network (SPaN) has provided continuing professional development and support for advocates and other professionals in the field of Special Education across Massachusetts. Collaboration exists with other professionals as well as with parents of children with disabilities.
SPaN started as a grass roots effort by a small number of parents whose mission to support their own children led them to becoming advocates. This small group of committed pioneers evolved into a growing membership, under a formalized Board of Directors who continues this spirit and mission today. The dedication and forward thinking of its members, past and present, have combined to establish SPaN as a leader in the field of Special Education Advocacy in Massachusetts.
This website is one of the many services we hope will support our members and act as a vehicle for networking while providing links to other important information for advocates, professionals and parents. Each of our standing committees: Membership and Nominating, Programming, Publicity and Public Relations, Networking and Advocacy Skills, and Newsletter, are always open to suggestions and would welcome your time as a volunteer.
While we are an organization for advocates we also provide parents of children with disabilities a better understanding of the role of an advocate and act as a resource for advocacy services.