Parents, professionals, and educators of students with special education and disability needs have atypical circumstances, challenges and interests. Often, these special educational needs may not be the focus of programs designed for predominantly general education students. A SEPTA can supplement the educational experience for disabled students, families and professionals to support academic and social success. A SEPTA allows for these parents, students and professionals to:
- Connect with and support one another
- Fund, sponsor and provide special trainings, workshops and events unique to special education needs
- Understand and navigate the special education system and special education and disability rights under the law.
A SEPTA does not take the place of a local school PTA nor any other PTA organization. We encourage all SEPTA members to participate in their local PTAs as well! Participation in your local PTA(s) will provide general PTA and school-based programming and participation opportunities that our county-wide SEPTA may not.
In addition to SEPTAs, the National PTA also encourages the establishment of: Parent, Student, Teacher Associations (PTSAs), Early Childhood PTAs, LGBTQIA+ (or Pride) PTAs, and Senior Citizen PTAs. Please contact Virginia PTA or National PTA for more information on these other special-interest PTA organizations.
Our History
Our journey to this point began in 2016 when two parents decided that there must be a way to unite the diverse and numerous communities of special education and special needs families and educators within Fairfax County. Since then, we have been joined by a group of dedicated Fairfax County volunteers with interest in special education who also have a desire to unite, educate and strengthen the network of resources, information, education, and social opportunities for our special needs community. Our official launch was on April 25, 2017, and we could not be more excited by the enthusiasm with which the community has greeted us.
Founding Members
Front row L-R: Diane Cooper-Gould, Brooke Varma, Lindsay Latham, Ami Todd
Complete List of Founding Members in Alphabetical Order:
Laura Baker
Diane Cooper-Gould
Cathy Greulich
Norm Hall
Lindsay Latham
Toby Latham
Helen Minor
Ami Todd
Jess Valdez
Brooke Varma
Joanne Walton