Arlington SEPAC News
4/4/2025 7:02 am
SEPAC Newsletter: April 2, 2025
News, events, and resources for Arlington parents and caregivers supporting students who learn differently.
April 8th Monthly SEPAC Meeting (7:30pm)
Please join us for a discussion of early annual survey results and hear what’s in store for the May meeting (spoiler alert: an explanation of supported learning communities — or SLCs — and the upcoming SEPAC board elections. All are welcome. Zoom link below.
us06web.zoom.us/j/85412052274?pwd=iKNefvVmbpbrtYAKYBEGnbEW1RhcID.1
What you need to know about APS Supported Learning Centers (SLCs)
WHEN: May 13, 2025 (7:30-8:30pm)
WHERE: Zoom, more details at end of newsletter
At the May 13th monthly SEPAC meeting, APS staff will provide an overview of SLCs—what they are, why they exist, and how placement decisions are made. This session will focus on understanding the purpose and structure of SLCs. While we won’t be diving into individual selection criteria, there will be a facilitated Q&A.
AHS Students Need Your Input for Inclusive Playgrounds!
The Arlington High School Civic Engagement class requests your feedback! One group’s class project is focused on making local playgrounds more inclusive for children with disabilities in Arlington. Please help them gather feedback by completing this survey by April 8th. Your responses will help them determine what features are needed.
Questions? Contact 11th grader, Cece Kapaale: ckapaale2026@spyponders.com
Monthly meetup for caregivers of kiddos with learning differences returns
Friday, April 4th, 12—1 pm (and every first Friday of the month)
Where: Roasted Granola, 1346 Mass Ave, Arlington MA
You are warmly invited to the Arlington-area monthly meetup for caregivers of kiddos with learning differences. Come share your experience of the challenges and joys of caring for kids who learn differently. Questions? Contact Dawn Kopatish, dawnkotapish@gmail.com.
How to help your child with anxiety: SPACE workshop
The Arlington Public Schools counseling team is excited to offer another parent workshop series on the SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) treatment model. SPACE is designed for families who find themselves struggling to navigate and support their child's anxiety. The next round of workshops will take place in April. More details in the link below!
Do you have a child struggling with anxiety?
Do you find yourself modifying daily routines, avoiding certain places or activities, or doing things for your child to prevent their distress?
If yes, this workshop might be a great fit for you...
See if SPACE could support your family!
Connection, Co-Regulation, and Coping Skills: Helping kids and teens navigate big feelings
(Webinar) Wednesday, April 9th, 12-1pm ET
Sometimes, big feelings can take over a household. Sometimes they're our kids' feelings, and sometimes they're our own! Join Cartwheel and Janine Halloran, LMHC for a webinar to learn practical tips on how to help kids and teens cope with big feelings.
Arc of Massachusetts Launches Community Check-In Survey in response to government cuts
With new changes occurring in Washington, D.C. seemingly on a daily basis, the disability community finds itself in a moment of great upheaval. The Arc of Massachusetts is trying to track any harm caused by federal government cuts. They are “checking in with our community to identify the most critical services that you fear losing access to because of the simultaneous, impending cuts being discussed at the federal level. The responses to this survey will inform our advocacy and outreach as we look ahead to the challenges to come. This first survey will run from March 27 to April 17.”
Take the Community Check-in Survey
The Arlington Disability Commission is in need of more Commissioners!
The Arlington Disability Commission works to raise awareness of the rights and needs of people with disabilities, and works for full inclusion in all aspects of community life in Arlington. Disabilities and impairments can include physical, sensory, cognitive, intellectual, and other types of chronic disease.
Learn about the role of a Commissioner and volunteer.
Questions? Contact Grace Carpenter, gmcarpenter1@gmail.com
Research Opportunity: Understanding Language and Cognition in Children with Autism
Children with autism sometimes have difficulty adjusting to change. One theory is that they find it challenging to predict what will happen next, whether in conversation or other everyday activities. This Harvard University study looks at these predictive skills across different areas—such as language, hearing, and vision—to see if there are commonalities how they change across development.
Eligibility: children with autism, ages 6-12. The study includes two sessions:
How it works: Session 1 (2.5 hours) is an EEG study at our office on Harvard’s campus in Cambridge. Afterward, your child will receive a small toy of their choice, and you'll receive travel compensation. Session 2 (1.5 hours) would be conducted over Zoom. After this session, you'll receive $55 in Amazon gift cards.
Your participation in this study can help us better understand how language and other predictive abilities develop in children with autism!
Questions? Contact Hanna Shine, languagecognition@g.harvard.edu/
SEPAC Zoom information:
Link: us06web.zoom.us/j/85412052274?pwd=iKNefvVmbpbrtYAKYBEGnbEW1RhcID.1
Meeting ID: 854 1205 2274
Passcode: 378204
Join by phone: 309 205 3325
