The Special Education Parent-Teacher Association (SEPTA) is like a PTA that works primarily with the special needs community. The organization can help parents:
• Learn to navigate the special education system and become an effective advocate for their child
• Become knowledgeable about special education policies and procedures in the school
• Get acquainted with special education faculty and district administrators
• Network and share ideas, information and experiences with other parents of special needs students
• Access resources related to special education news and legislation
• Attend education programs on relevant topics
• Be part of a solution-oriented group
• Become a member of the largest child advocacy volunteer association in America
• Provide opportunities for administrators, teachers, professional and others to support and communicate with parents of special needs students
Unlike a regular PTA, whose main purpose is to fund raise and provide volunteer support within a school, SEPTA serves a broader purpose and is intended to serve as a support for special needs families. This is accomplished largely through educational programs, workshops and networking opportunities through social functions.
SEPTA is non-profit 501 (c) (3) status, the organization. We are allowed to actively fundraise for special items or services that might not be fully funded in a school budget.
Finally, SEPTA helps to unite families experiencing similar challenges and provides opportunities for parents to network with peers through a variety of activities and collaboration with other community resources.
