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Special Education (IEP / 504)

Parent Leaders: Experience. Expertise. Influence.

  • Take your experience and perspective as a parent of a child with a disability and put it to use by helping others.
  • Use your ideas for improved supports and services for children with disabilities and their families.
  • Tap into existing opportunities to have your voice influence decisions and policy.
  • Increase your big picture knowledge base of important legislation and policy.
  • Develop your leadership skills

PACER's Annual Parent Leadership Training

Learn how services on a child's IEP are based on the needs identified in the child's school district evaluation. Build capacity and confidence to advocate effectively within the special education process. Become familiar with the wide range of resources PACER offers parents.

To apply, you must be the parent of a child with a disability who is 5 to 20 years old and currently receiving special education services on an IEP and agree to participate in the entire training.

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Sections

Leadership Opportunities

Outcomes for children with disabilities are better when parents of children with disabilities are involved in the decisions that shape policy and drive changes in how services and resources are provided to families. There are many opportunities to build on your experiences as a parent by joining in the work of serving the needs of all children with disabilities in Minnesota.

Telling Your Personal Story

Never underestimate the power of your story. A well-told story has the potential to touch hearts and change minds. While impersonally delivered facts can easily be forgotten or dismissed, a story lingers and mingles with all the other stories that shape our shared human experience. As a parent leader championing the cause for children with disabilities, your personal experience stories can pave the way for policy change.

Special Education Advisory Councils (SEAC)

A SEAC (pronounced “seek”) is an acronym for Special Education Advisory Council, which is a group that provides input on special education issues to its local school district. Its purpose is to advise and advocate, not to decide policy.