BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Federation for Children with Special Needs - ECPv6.17.3//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://fcsn.org/vi X-WR-CALDESC:Sự kiện cho Federation for Children with Special Needs REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/New_York BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20250309T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20251102T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20260308T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20261101T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20270314T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20271107T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:UTC BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:UTC DTSTART:20250101T000000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260406T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260406T200000 DTSTAMP:20260206T160648Z CREATED:20260206T160648Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260206T160648Z UID:10002516-1775498400-1775505600@fcsn.org SUMMARY:Basic Rights: Understanding the IEP DESCRIPTION:Host: MassPAC All-Access Pass\nProvides information about why the Individualized Education Program (IEP) is important\, how it is developed\, and the different sections of the document. Further discussion will focus on what types of services are included and measurable goals. \nAll meetings links are sent by Zoom prior to the workshop. Handouts will be sent to attendees on the day of the presentation. URL:https://fcsn.org/vi/event/br-iep-4-6-26/ CATEGORIES:Families,Parent Training & Information Center,MassPac ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://fcsn.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Fotolia_56224485_S-e1762985972325.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260406T183000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260406T190000 DTSTAMP:20260324T123712Z CREATED:20260324T123712Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260324T123712Z UID:10002573-1775500200-1775502000@fcsn.org SUMMARY:RTSC SESP Coffee And Connections 04/06/26 DESCRIPTION:RTSC’s SESP Coffee And Connections\nAre you an SESP with active appointments? Come to our SESP group support sessions on Zoom!\nThis will be an open zoom meeting format with RTSC support staff facilitating conversations around general questions that are common among SESPs.\nFor questions\, contact us at rtsc@fcsn.org or (617) 399-8342. URL:https://fcsn.org/vi/event/rtsc-sesp-coffee-and-connections-04-06-26/ LOCATION:Online Event CATEGORIES:RTSC,Volunteer ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://fcsn.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/RTSC-Landing-Page1000x500.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Federation for Children with Special Needs":MAILTO:info@fcsn.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260407T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260407T190000 DTSTAMP:20260407T224055Z CREATED:20251222T163331Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260407T224055Z UID:10002333-1775584800-1775588400@fcsn.org SUMMARY:FCSN’s Navigating Transition Workshop Series DESCRIPTION:Join us on the first Tuesday of each month from 6-7 to hear from experts on different parts of the transition process! Throughout this series we will discuss topics like employment\, independent living\, social opportunities\, benefits\, and more.\nYou only need to register once\, and you can attend all meetings. \nSorry. This form is no longer available. URL:https://fcsn.org/vi/event/navigating-transition4-7-26/ CATEGORIES:Families,Youth/Young Adults,Transition ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://fcsn.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Federation-4color-HIGHRES.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260407T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260407T210000 DTSTAMP:20260206T160802Z CREATED:20260206T160802Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260206T160802Z UID:10002517-1775588400-1775595600@fcsn.org SUMMARY:Basic Rights: Transition Planning DESCRIPTION:Host: MassPAC All-Access Pass\nOverview of the transition planning process for students aged 14-22. We’ll discuss the legal right to transition services\, why transition planning is important\, what it looks like in the IEP\, and the roles of students and parents. \nAll meetings links are sent by Zoom prior to the workshop. Handouts will be sent to attendees on the day of the presentation. URL:https://fcsn.org/vi/event/br-transition-4-7-26/ CATEGORIES:Families,Parent Training & Information Center,MassPac ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://fcsn.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/fotolia_26089831-e1762986595582.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260408T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260408T103000 DTSTAMP:20260323T171614Z CREATED:20260323T171614Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260323T171614Z UID:10002567-1775638800-1775644200@fcsn.org SUMMARY:Special Education Surrogate Parent Online Orientation Training Part One 04/08/26 DESCRIPTION:Become a Special Education Decision-Maker for a Child in State Custody\nVolunteers\, known as Special Education Surrogate Parents (SESPs)\, serve as appointed educational special decision-makers for students in the custody of the Department of Children and Families (DCF). SESP volunteers have the legal authority of a parent or legal guardian to attend special education team meetings\, approve or reject IEPs\, and\, if necessary\, file a complaint or appeal. SESPs spend about 30-40 hours a year volunteering their time.\n\nIn this Orientation Training\, you will learn about the role of an SESP\, how traumatic experiences can impact learning\, and how to incorporate the appropriate supports into the IEP.\n\nPlease arrive 5 minutes before the start of the training. The training will start on time and we will not be able to admit attendees after the training begins. If you cannot make it on time\, please email us at rtsc@fcsn.org and sign up for the next Orientation\nFor questions\, contact us at rtsc@fcsn.org or (617) 399-8342. URL:https://fcsn.org/vi/event/special-education-surrogate-parent-online-orientation-training-part-one-04-08-26/ LOCATION:Online Event CATEGORIES:RTSC,Volunteer ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://fcsn.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/RTSC-Landing-Page1000x500.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Federation for Children with Special Needs":MAILTO:info@fcsn.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260408T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260408T110000 DTSTAMP:20260318T180345Z CREATED:20260311T160421Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260318T180345Z UID:10002549-1775642400-1775646000@fcsn.org SUMMARY:Navigating CTE Pathways in Massachusetts: Access\, Admissions\, and Support Structures DESCRIPTION:Interpretation provided \nCareer Technical Education (CTE) opens doors for students to explore their interests\, develop real-world skills\, and prepare for future careers. In this session\, we’ll take a closer look at how CTE works in Massachusetts\, what programs offer\, how they support students’ academic and career goals\, and what families and schools should know about the admissions process. Participants will leave with a clear understanding of the state’s expectations for equitable access and how schools\, families\, and community partners can work together to help every student succeed through CTE opportunities. (This session will not be recorded) \nPresenter: Garvy Altine\, Regional Education Specialist with the Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education \nGarvy Altine is a Regional Education Specialist with the Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education\, supporting schools across Boston\, the Greater Lowell region\, and the South Shore. A mission-driven leader with over 15 years of experience\, Garvy is passionate about creating sustainable and equitable access to education for all learners. He has served as a mentor\, teacher\, and school leader\, always centering students and families in his work. Garvy earned his bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York and is pursuing an M.B.A. at Boston University’s Questrom School of Business. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oops! We could not locate your form. URL:https://fcsn.org/vi/event/navigating-cte/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://fcsn.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Fotolia_56862287_M.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260408T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260408T131500 DTSTAMP:20260317T221719Z CREATED:20260317T221034Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260317T221719Z UID:10002566-1775649600-1775654100@fcsn.org SUMMARY:A Year in Review: Key Special Education Updates DESCRIPTION:This event will be hosted with access to interpretation and transcription in 50+ languages.  Accessing Interpretation \nDescription \n\nJoin Attorney Dan Heffernan for a walk-through of important special education developments from 2025. We will highlight significant decisions\, regulations and legislation in the past year and address important trends as well as special education law issues that loom on the horizon. \n\nSince this workshop was rescheduled from the Visions of Community Conference\, a recording will be shared on the VOC conference platform and will remain available through December 2026.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Presenter:\nDaniel Heffernan\, Esq.\, Kotin\, Crabtree\, & Strong \nDaniel T.S. Heffernan is a partner with Kotin\, Crabtree & Strong and concentrates his practice on representing families of children with special needs in special education and civil rights matters. From 1995 to 2015 he served on the board of directors of FFCSN and was board president from 1995 to 2007. He received the 2014 President’s Award from the Federation for Children with Special Needs. He was one of the honorees at the 2023 Federation for Children with Special Needs’ 49th Anniversary Gala\, “HONORING GIANTS ALONG THE WAY” the trailblazing giants who founded\, built\, and grew the Federation for Children with Special Needs. as one of In 2002\, he and his wife\, Julie\, received the Dr. Allen C. Crocker Award for Excellence from the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress. Mr. Heffernan has been named a Super Lawyer in special education law every year since 2005 and was named as a Top Rated Lawyer in Education by The Boston Globe. From 1995 to 2000\, he served as the president of the board of directors of Community Legal Services and Counseling Center. He also serves on the MDSC Education Task Force. He has two daughters and a son with Down Syndrome. URL:https://fcsn.org/vi/event/key-special-education-dec/ LOCATION:Online Event CATEGORIES:Families ORGANIZER;CN="Federation for Children with Special Needs":MAILTO:info@fcsn.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260408T183000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260408T193000 DTSTAMP:20260316T181943Z CREATED:20260316T181943Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260316T181943Z UID:10002559-1775673000-1775676600@fcsn.org SUMMARY:Bullying: What Parents Need to Know DESCRIPTION:Host: MassPAC All-Access Pass\nAddresses what bullying is\, the school’s legal obligation to prevent and address bullying\, some strategies and tools for dealing with bullying\, and how to address bullying in the IEP. \nAll meetings links are sent by Zoom prior to the workshop. Handouts will be sent to attendees on the day of the presentation. URL:https://fcsn.org/vi/event/bullying-4-8-26/ CATEGORIES:Families,Parent Training & Information Center,MassPac END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260409T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260409T130000 DTSTAMP:20260325T152609Z CREATED:20260325T152609Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260325T152609Z UID:10002575-1775736000-1775739600@fcsn.org SUMMARY:April Networking: Planning for Summer Success DESCRIPTION:Join us for the April Networking: Planning for Summer Success. \n\nLooking for summer jobs\, camp programs or services?  If yes\, it’s important to discuss with the young person and caregivers\, plan ahead\, and take advantage of available resources.   Come to our April networking event on “Planning for Summer Success” to discuss what steps to take\, explore upcoming opportunities\, and share strategies for a happy\, healthy and fulfilling summer. \n\nFor questions\, contact us at rtsc@fcsn.org or (617) 399-8342. URL:https://fcsn.org/vi/event/april-networking-planning-for-summer-success/ LOCATION:Online Event CATEGORIES:RTSC ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://fcsn.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Fotolia_23458077_XS-1000x500-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260409T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260409T200000 DTSTAMP:20260206T160942Z CREATED:20260206T160942Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260206T160942Z UID:10002518-1775757600-1775764800@fcsn.org SUMMARY:Basic Rights: Evaluation and Eligibility DESCRIPTION:Host: MassPAC All-Access Pass\nA comprehensive overview of special education laws and procedures. Covers the special education process\, including referrals\, evaluations\, eligibility\, services\, placement\, and parents’ rights in dispute resolution. \nAll meetings links are sent by Zoom prior to the workshop. Handouts will be sent to attendees on the day of the presentation. URL:https://fcsn.org/vi/event/br-ee-4-9-26/ CATEGORIES:Families,Parent Training & Information Center,MassPac ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://fcsn.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Fotolia_7330838_S1-e1762986099292.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260409T183000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260409T203000 DTSTAMP:20260401T165953Z CREATED:20260128T173959Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260401T165953Z UID:10002489-1775759400-1775766600@fcsn.org SUMMARY:Participação do Estudante DESCRIPTION:April 9\, 2026- 9 de abril de 2026\nPT: Participação do Estudante\nEN: StudentParticipation\nDescription (EN):\nThis session focuses on student participation in the IEP process and how families and teachers can support students in participating meaningfully.\nDescrição (PT):\nEsta sessão aborda a participação do estudante no processo do IEP e como as famílias e os professores podem apoiar os alunos para que participem de forma significativa.\nPT | Portguês\nSérie de workshops e conversa sobre educação especial: Espaço de Aprendizagem para Famílias\, um encontro virtual mensal e gratuito em português\, realizado via Zoom.\nEste programa é uma parceria entre a Federação para Crianças com Necessidades Especiais e a The Arc of Greater Brockton.\nData: Segunda quinta-feira de cada mês\nHorário: 18h30–20h30\nCusto: Gratuito | Inscrição obrigatória\nEN | English\nSeries of workshops and chat about special education: Family Learning Space\, a free monthly virtual meeting in Portuguese held via Zoom.\nThis program is a partnership between the Federation for Children with Special Needs and The Arc of Greater Brockton.\nDate: Second Thursday of each month\nTime: 6:30–8:30 PM\nCost: Free | Registration required URL:https://fcsn.org/vi/event/spedworkshopseries-portuguese-4-9-26/ CATEGORIES:Portuguese,Families,Parent Training & Information Center,MassPac END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260411T083000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260411T100000 DTSTAMP:20260323T172649Z CREATED:20260323T172649Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260323T172649Z UID:10002568-1775896200-1775901600@fcsn.org SUMMARY:Special Education Surrogate Parent Online Orientation Training Part One 04/11/26 DESCRIPTION:Become a Special Education Decision-Maker for a Child in State Custody\nVolunteers\, known as Special Education Surrogate Parents (SESPs)\, serve as appointed educational special decision-makers for students in the custody of the Department of Children and Families (DCF). SESP volunteers have the legal authority of a parent or legal guardian to attend special education team meetings\, approve or reject IEPs\, and\, if necessary\, file a complaint or appeal. SESPs spend about 30-40 hours a year volunteering their time.\n\nIn this Orientation Training\, you will learn about the role of an SESP\, how traumatic experiences can impact learning\, and how to incorporate the appropriate supports into the IEP.\n\nPlease arrive 5 minutes before the start of the training. The training will start on time and we will not be able to admit attendees after the training begins. If you cannot make it on time\, please email us at rtsc@fcsn.org and sign up for the next Orientation\nFor questions\, contact us at rtsc@fcsn.org or (617) 399-8342. URL:https://fcsn.org/vi/event/special-education-surrogate-parent-online-orientation-training-part-one-04-11-26/ LOCATION:Online Event CATEGORIES:RTSC,Volunteer ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://fcsn.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/RTSC-Landing-Page1000x500.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Federation for Children with Special Needs":MAILTO:info@fcsn.org END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR