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Arlington’s Special Education Parent Advisory Committee (SEPAC) is a volunteer parent group that acts as a resource for parents and caregivers. We advocate for students with disabilities in Arlington and advise the district and the School Committee on programs and policies that best meet their needs. If you’re a community member interested in Special Education or supporting the needs of Arlington students who learn differently, you’re automatically a SEPAC member!
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 WHEN: October 13th, 7:30pm – 8:30pm (Zoom)
An optional, casual parent/caregiver chat will follow post-meeting from 8:30-9:00pm.
We hope you’ll come check us out - no pressure to participate – observers welcome! View the agenda
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Free BSEA Mediation Supports for Families
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Mediators from the Bureau of Special Education Appeals (BSEA) offer free services to help navigate special education disagreements and processes.
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Individual Family Consultations. Even if you’re not sure mediation is the right next step, mediators are always happy to answer questions, discuss options, and help clarify the process when disagreements arise between families and school districts. You are welcome to call or email us anytime. Contacts:
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Monthly Informational Presentation (via Zoom): Open to all with no RSVP needed, including topics such as:
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More information on BSEA Info Sessions
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Virtual Workshop: Understanding School Refusal
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Is your child struggling to attend school? Are you a parent, caregiver, clinician, or professional supporting a child experiencing school refusal? Join Wayside on October 22, from 6:00–7:30 PM, for an informative virtual workshop exploring school refusal, its underlying factors, and practical strategies to help children overcome attendance challenges. Click here to register.
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In collaboration with the Arlington Public Schools, the Arlington Prevention Coalition, AYCC, and the town's Health & Human Services Department, the following Family & Community forums (PDF flyer) are being offered to community members.
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Programs and services in and around the community
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NOTE: We share this information as a courtesy. An endorsement should not be inferred.
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New Support Group from CBTeam - Worried About Getting Sick (emetophobia) is for children ages 7-17 and includes a parent/caregiver component too. There is a cost associated with this group.
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Hidden Voices: Americans with Disabilities in United States History: An instructional guide
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Lives in the Balance presents the 2026 Children's Mental Health Advocacy Conference (virtual): Wed, Oct 21, 2026 12:00 PM. Learn more
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Wayside’s Parent-Peer Partnership Program provides guidance, peer support, and advocacy assistance to parents and caregivers of children and adolescents experiencing social-emotional and/or behavioral challenges. Fully funded through a grant from the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health (DMH), our services are available at no cost to families, with no insurance or referral required. Questions? Contact: Carol Silva, 781-423-5218, carol_silva@waysideyouth.org or visit www.waysideyouth.org
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Fall Symposium: Special Education in Massachusetts: Past, Present, and Future (Host: University of Massachusetts Lowell, School of Education), Tuesday, October 6, 2026; 4:30 pm. Workshops include: "Basic Rights Denied".
"Your Child's Future: What you need to know about time out, restraint, and seclusion" — with a focus on the new DESE policy on seclusion; and "Disability Services in Higher Education: Developing Self-Advocacy and Passing the Baton from Parent/Guardian to the Student". Learn more
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