Southbridge, MA, March 30th, 2026, with Virtual Options, which may be attended outside of your typical geographical region. Free. Seven Hills is hosting afour-part series to elevate your understanding of the special education process. Presenter Beth Doyle is the education program manager at the MA Dept. of Developmental Services (DDS) with years of
experience supporting families of students with disabilities to be informed and empowered advocates.
* Beth creates a welcoming space to ask questions, share experiences, and practice strategies.
* Trainings can be continued as one-on-one consultations with Beth, and will be translated in Spanish.
All workshops and dates:
1) HOUSING 101: January 26. This session will explain fair housing policies with limited exceptions, highlight helpful resources,
and how to request accommodations and modifications. You will come away with a clearer understanding of how the housing
rules work and what steps you can take when challenges arise.
(2) KEY TERMS AND HOW IT WORKS: February 23. An overview of special ed terms and concepts including service
delivery, evaluations, qualifications, and progress monitoring. We will review dispute options if you disagree with a school decision.
Families will gain a better understanding of the special ed system and how to actively engage in their child’s education.
(3) SAFEGUARDS FOR PARENTS: March 30. Designed to help parents better understand the Parent’s Notice of
Procedural Safeguards. We will walk you through your rights and protections under special education law, including notices,
consent, evaluations, and your options if you disagree with a school decision. We will cover topics like transition planning,
discipline procedures, and support resources. You will leave feeling more confident when advocating for your child.
(4) MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR IEP MEETING: April 27. Knowing what to expect can make preparing for your IEP
much easier. We will explain the different types of IEP meetings and how invitations and scheduling work. Learn what documents
you will need and how to accept/reject an IEP. We want to make sure your voice is heard by the IEP team.
To register or for the Zoom Link contact:
South Valley FSC: Kim Holstrom, kholstrom@sevenhills.org
Greater Lowell FSC: Kim Guy, kguy@sevenhills.org
North Central FSC: Malissa Wilson, mwilson@sevenhills.org;
North Quabbin FSC: Tammy Vivas, tvivas@sevenhills.org;
Bilingual: Myriam Arpin Lugo, mlugogonzalez@sevenhills.org
In-Person for series: South Valley FSC, 5 Optical Dr., 2nd Fl., Southbridge.
Virtual: Link provided at registration.
