Subscribe to the AB SEPAC Newsletter – Subscribe to the AB SEPAC newsletter to receive updates regarding special education and disability-related issues impacting students in the ABRSD. This is the AB SEPAC’s primary way of reaching caregivers with news, events, and resources. Please email abrsdsepac@gmail.com with any questions. You can also follow us on Facebook.

NEW! AB SEPAC Inclusion Recommendations to the ABRSD – As one of our priorities for 2024-2025, the AB SEPAC developed recommendations to share with the school district regarding inclusion practices. Our goals were to establish 1) what is currently working well and 2) what would help to improve inclusion practices in the ABRSD. Following a similar process to the development of our dyslexia and Autism recommendations (linked below), we sought input from parents and caregivers through an online form, a public listening session, and discussion at our meetings. The AB SEPAC’s inclusion recommendations were voted on by the membership at the April business meeting.

NEW AB SEPAC Inclusion Recommendations
AB SEPAC Autism Recommendations
AB SEPAC Dyslexia Recommendations

The AB SEPAC seeks the broader adoption of these practices as appropriate for individual students given the wide range of needs among the students we represent. Questions or comments about any of the AB SEPAC’s recommendations should please be directed to abrsdsepac@gmail.com.

New Director of Special Education – Upon the Superintendent’s recommendation, the School Committee has voted to approve Natalia Kierul from the Framingham Public Schools as the new ABRSD Director of Special Education beginning July 1st. The AB SEPAC looks forward to working collaboratively with Ms. Kierul on behalf of the students and families we serve. Mary Emmons will continue to serve as Interim Director of Special Education through the remainder of this school year.

Acton-Boxborough New IEP Form Webinars – Massachusetts has a new IEP form for the first time in over 20 years. The ABRSD Special Education Department with the AB SEPAC held two webinars to go over what is the same and what has changed with the new form.
The New IEP: What’s the Same? What’s Different?
The New IEP: Content & Resources

Federal Assistive Technology Guidance – Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), every time an IEP Team meets to develop, review, or revise a student’s IEP, they are required to consider if the child needs Assistive Technology (AT) devices and services. Here are some examples of AT by disability type. The US Department of Education has issued a new “Dear Colleague” letter and accompanying guidance with myths and facts about AT devices and services. You have the right to request an AT evaluation to help determine what is appropriate for your student to access their education.

Basic Rights Webinar – Missed our annual Basic Rights in Special Education workshop? Need information now about navigating the special ed process or your rights as an IEP team member? You can watch a recorded version of the presentation from the Federation for Children with Special Needs here. The Federation offers free online workshops on an ongoing basis. Topics include understanding the IEP, evaluations and eligibility, transition planning for ages 14+, the new IEP form, and more. Visit their events calendar to learn more and register.

Donate through our 501(c)(3) to help us provide quality speakers, workshops, and social events for our community. To give, please send a check payable to “Friends of AB SEPAC” c/o Erica Abbruzzese, 7 Madison Lane, Acton, MA 01720. Thank you for your support!

• The AB SEPAC has two email lists, one for news about upcoming events and activities, the other for direct communication between parents/guardians of children with disabilities.
• To become more involved, please see our volunteer page.
• For further information about the AB SEPAC, contact us at abrsdsepac@gmail.com.