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

Empower Hour: The Parent’s Guide to the ARD Process - Presented by Bailey Gates & Inclusion Workgroup

Wednesday, September 2 at 12 PM

Zoom: bit.ly/SPEDsessions

Navigating special education can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Join the Austin ISD Special Education Inclusion Workgroup for an empowering session designed to break down the official Texas Parent’s Guide to the ARD Process. Whether your child is newly referred for services or you are preparing for an annual review, this collaborative workshop will trace the special education roadmap from initial evaluation to developing a meaningful Individualized Education Program (IEP). We will demystify your procedural safeguards, clarify your role as an equal member of the decision-making team, and share practical communication strategies to help you partner effectively with your campus. Please bring your questions as we work together to ensure you feel fully informed, valued, and ready to champion an inclusive education for your student. RSVP: tinyurl.com/33u78ec7 

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

 

Archive of 2025–26 Learning Events Calendars: