Family Learning Events

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Family Learning Opportunities

The Austin ISD Department of Special Education hosts Family Learning Opportunities throughout the year. These sessions include a variety of topics related to students with disabilities and special education. For more information, please contact Kellie Marino or Bree Rolfe at 512-414-SPED (7733).

Sessions are in English. To request interpretation in Spanish or any other language (including ASL), you must register 24 hours in advance. Registration/Interpretation Request: tinyurl.com/33u78ec7  

2026–27 Learning Events Calendar Downloads:

Austin ISD Special Education Family Events Calendar

Transition Fair 2026 & Navigating Special Education Conference 

Saturday, September 26

  • Conference Sessions: 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM 
  • Transition Fair: 10 AM - 12 PM

Bowie High School - 4103 W Slaughter Ln, Austin, TX 78749

Join Austin ISD’s Special Education Department and Partners Resource Network for the 3rd Annual Transition Fair and Navigating Special Education Conference! At the Transition Fair, families can explore resources on employment, education and training, independent living, and recreation and leisure while connecting with local agencies and Austin ISD support services. Additionally, Partners Resource Network will present conference sessions from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. covering IEPs, parent rights, advocacy, behavior supports, and community resources. RSVP: https://tinyurl.com/2m995s6c

Empower Hour: Discovering Dyslexia Together - Presented by Dyslexia Team & Suzann Vera

Wednesday, September 30 at 12 PM

Zoom: bit.ly/SPEDsessions

This session is created to help families and school partners better understand the Texas Dyslexia Handbook. Together, we’ll walk through important sections of the handbook in an easy-to-follow way, so parents and caregivers can feel more confident about the state guidelines and supports available for children with dyslexia and related learning differences. RSVP: tinyurl.com/33u78ec7

Empower Hour: What is My Student Learning in Life Skills and How can I Support at Home? - Presented by Charlie Campbell

Wednesday, October 7 at 12 PM

Zoom: bit.ly/SPEDsessions

Join us for an insightful session on how the Unique Learning System is used to teach Life Skills. Discover what your child is learning, how lessons are adapted to their unique needs, how their progress is monitored, and practical ways you can support their growth at home. Open to families and caregivers of students with disabilities. Open to families and caregivers of students with disabilities. RSVP: tinyurl.com/33u78ec7

Dyslexia Awareness Month-
“Left Behind” Documentary Screening & Panel Discussion - Presented by the Dyslexia Team

Wednesday, October 7 from 5:45 PM - 7:45 PM

Carver Branch Library - 1101 Angelina St, Austin, TX 78702

Join the Austin ISD Special Education Department for a special Dyslexia Awareness Month event featuring a screening of the powerful documentary Left Behind, followed by an insightful panel discussion. Open to families and caregivers of students with disabilities. Space is limited, RSVP to secure your spot: bit.ly/4yedziN

Empower Hour: Practical Strategies for Students with Dyslexia - Presented by Crystal Contreras

Wednesday, October 21 at 12 PM

Zoom: bit.ly/SPEDsessions

Join us for an encouraging and down-to-earth session designed for both parents and educators. Together, we’ll break down what dyslexia and related learning differences really mean and share simple, effective strategies that can be used at home and in the classroom. You’ll walk away with tools for reading and study support, tips for building organization and study habits, and ways to nurture resilience and confidence in students. We’ll also connect you with helpful resources and community support. Open to all families and caregivers of students with disabilities. RSVP: tinyurl.com/33u78ec7

Empower Hour: My Child is Twice Exceptional, Now What? - Presented by Blake Heygood

Wednesday, November 4 at 12 PM

Zoom: bit.ly/SPEDsessions

Navigating life with a twice-exceptional (2E) child means balancing high intellectual potential alongside unique learning differences or disabilities. In this session, we will break down the common traits of 2E learners, highlight available support systems within Austin ISD, and share practical strategies for effective parent advocacy. Join us to build a clear path forward that respects and nurtures every aspect of your child's educational journey. Open to all families and caregivers of students with disabilities. RSVP: tinyurl.com/33u78ec7

Empower Hour: Overview of Goodwill Resources & Services - Presented by William Barbow

Wednesday, November 11 at 12 PM

Zoom: bit.ly/SPEDsessions

Join us for an informative overview of Goodwill Central Texas Disability Services to explore customized employment support, vocational training, and career placement resources. We will walk through the step-by-step referral process for individuals and families, alongside ways to partner and collaborate with our local teams. This session is ideal for families, caregivers, and community advocates looking to build inclusive support networks across Central Texas. RSVP: tinyurl.com/33u78ec7

Archive of 2025–26 Learning Events Calendars: