SPAN Home Page

Welcome to the Special Needs Advocacy Network (SPaN)

We have created our Web site to provide information and resources to advocates, parents, and other professionals

Upcoming Events:

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Save the Dates for SPaN's Exciting 2008-2009 Workshop Programs - Details Coming Soon!

September 12

October 17 - Annual 'All Day' Workshop at Paparazzi's

November 14

December 12

January 9

February 6

March 6

April 3

Our programs this year will include presentations on Understanding Reading, Reading Disabilities and Interventions; Transitions - Turning 22 and Transition Planning at 16; Legal and BSEA Updates; an AANE staff member will present on older children with Asperger's and IEP and a presentation by BSEA Mediators focusing on how advocates can help families prepare for mediation. Our first program in September will be provided at no cost and the focus will be for new advocates on how to set up a successful advocacy practice.

All workshops (except the all day) will be held at the Needham ARC with a 9:30 - 10:00 Networking and 10:00 - 12:30 presentation. Details will be available soon with registration forms on the website.

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Dear SPaN members:
The following is important information regarding the Governor's recent vetoes on various line items affecting funding for disabilities in Massachusetts.
Governor signs budget and issues vetoes

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DOE Mandates New Forms for SLD Eligibility…more

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NEW! November 2007

MA DOE Students with Disabilities Annual Report: 2006-2007

http://www.doe.mass.edu/research/reports/1107sped.pdf

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Family Wins Case In Autism Coverage (Fri Nov. 30, 2007)…more

Massachusetts Advocates for Children seeks a part time attorney or advocate ...more

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New Advocates Looking for Extra Training? click here

Massachusetts Advocates for Children (MAC)

NOW Looking for Phone Volunteers!

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Newsletter Update
We are excited to inform you that the SPaN Newsletter has resumed publication and is ready for disbursement. For more information please see......Newsletter

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SUMMIT ACADEMY AIDS CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS PARENTS BY OFFERING IMMEDIATE SCHOLARSHIPS FOR PLACEMENT IN UNIQUE SPECIAL-NEEDS SCHOOL click here for more

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BSEA Information

The Bureau of Special Education Appeals will conduct information sessions for interested persons, especially for those who do or may appear at the BSEA. The information session is designed particularly for non-lawyers, parents, school district personnel, and public and private human services agency caseworkers since the sessions will address process more than "the law". But, anyone may attend and everyone is welcome. There is no charge for the sessions. Click here for more information.

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We hope you enjoy this site and visit often as we continue to build and offer expanded services

Dedication
To the children without whom we may never have shared, learned or met