Services

Community Resources for People with Autism is pleased to offer our Educational Advocacy Services.   Having a child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder comes with the responsibility of making sure he or she is receiving appropriate and necessary services through school.  Navigating the special education maze can at first seem overwhelming to some parents.  Community Resources provides services to make this process easier by teaching parents about their child’s rights under Special Education Law while parents gain a better understanding of their child’s educational needs.  Educational advocacy is not a one time event, but rather a process that continues throughout your child’s school career.  Our goal is to guide you through the IEP and Special Education process while focusing on developing your skills and capacity as an advocate for your child.

To view the Special Education and Individual Education Plan (IEP) Summary Packet,
Click here.

To download the Prior Written Notice information packet, click here.

DID YOU KNOW?


Every school district in Massachusetts has to have a Special Education Parent Advisory Council or PAC.  A PAC is a group of parents and educators that meet at least once a month in order to discuss a variety of topics related to special education.  The main purpose of a PAC is to educate and empower parents about the laws and regulations so that they can make informed decisions about their child’s education.

At a PAC meeting one can expect to receive support from other parents as well as an informative workshop.  Each PAC will choose the workshop   topics, but all focus on how parents, can advocate to ensure the best possible services.  Parents can become informed about educational rights while making connections with other local parents in one’s school district.  A PAC can be a powerful force in a school district.  Information regarding your local PAC can be found at your child’s school.  Our monthly CRPA newsletters will also begin listing the schedule of events for local PAC’s as we receive the information.


Every Parent Can Have a Voice!

One of the most effective ways parents can advocate for their children is to become actively involved with their school’s SPED Parent Advisory Council (PAC).

Involvement can be as simple as being aware of the PAC leaders and officers and their contact information; familiarizing yourself with the calendar of events and attending those that are relevant to your family’s needs; and attending meetings to network with other parents.  This is your opportunity to become more informed, and to share stories and ideas about your school district SPED department and policies.

PAC officers want to hear from you.  They represent your concerns.  Help them help you by getting involved.  Many PACs offer childcare and can assist with transportation issues. 

Please help Community Resources update our records by contacting us with local SPED PAC contact information.  Email address:  greaneyk@theassn.org; or call Karen Greaney at (413) 529-2428 x118.

To download contact information for Western MA SPED PACs, click here.

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