Planning for Employment, Independence
Virginia’s Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center (PEATC) in partnership with the Exceptional Children’s Assistance Center (ECAC) is offering a free course available to North Carolina parents, caregivers, and professionals
Pathways to Employment and Independent Living will help families learn how their students can work in the community and build a future after high school. The session will review the benefits of working and common fears and myths, and share practical strategies to remove barriers to employment.
The self-paced training can be accessed any time from March 9 to April 6, 2026. Participants who complete the training will receive a certification of completion.
Programs Prepare Young Adults for Transitions
Division of Services for the Blind Offers Summer Opportunity
NC Department of Health and Human Services Division of Services for the Blind (DSB) Career and Training Center is accepting applications for the 2026 SAVVY Summer programs, which will run from July 5 to 31. Programs include:
- College Prep that will equip rising seniors and 2026 graduates with the skills and knowledge they need to be successful in the college environment;
- World of Work for juniors, seniors, and 2026 graduates who need to develop in-demand skills and gain real-world work experience; and
- Youth in Transition, for rising sophomores, juniors, seniors, and 2026 graduates who will explore career pathways and develop skills that increase independence, resilience, and self-confidence.
Contact your child’s DSB Transition Counselor or Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor to apply. If your child needs a counselor, call 866-222-1546. Applications are due to counselors by March 13.
Connect with NC 211 for Resources
NC 211 is a free, confidential service that connects individuals to local health and human service resources. The service, operated by the United Way of North Carolina, is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in more than 170 languages.
NC 211 provides information about local food pantries, affordable housing, healthcare, mental health resources, and employment support. The service also acts as a public information portal during emergencies such as hurricanes. You can get help by calling 211 or visiting the website.
Upcoming Meetings Open to the Public
Council on Educational Services for Exceptional Children
The Council on Educational Services for Exceptional Children (CESEC) meets quarterly and advises the NC State Board of Education (SBE) with respect to the unmet needs of children with special needs and in the development and implementation of policies related to the coordination of services for students with disabilities.
The Council meets virtually on March 18, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. The agenda and a link to the meeting are posted 10 business days prior to the meeting.
Any individual may submit a comment via written letter or email, which must be received at CESEC Email or Johanna Lynch, Office of Exceptional Children, 6356 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-6356 by 4 p.m., 10 business days prior to the quarterly CESEC meeting. Any comments submitted after that time will be read and/or distributed at a later date.
Additional information and requirements specific to public comment can be found on the CESEC website.
North Carolina State Board of Education
The North Carolina State Board of Education (SBE) meets monthly and makes meetings available to the public via live streaming. You can learn how to view live stream meetings or view previous meetings on the SBE website. Agendas, meeting minutes, and how to provide public comments or feedback regarding specific agenda items are also available.
Tell us What you Think, Take the Survey
Your participation in your child’s education is very important to us. As a parent, family member, or guardian of a student with a disability, you know firsthand what is working and what is not. Therefore, each year, the Office of Exceptional Children (OEC) gathers feedback from families through a survey to improve services.
Please complete the 2025-2026 Exceptional Children Parent Survey to share your views on how your school involves you in your child’s education. The survey is available through all Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) and open to all parents in the state. The survey will accept responses until June 30, 2026. If you have more than one child with a disability receiving services, you may complete the survey for each child. The survey is open to parents with children from preschool through high school.
Completing the survey is voluntary and anonymous. The survey consists of six questions and takes fewer than two minutes to complete. The information is confidential. The information from all families will be compiled to create a report about your school system, the state, the efforts to involve families in their children’s education, and the impact of that involvement on educational results for students with disabilities. The report is shared with LEAs so they can make improvements. We hope you will participate.
Agencies of Interest:
Office of Special Education Programs (U.S. Department of Education)
N.C. Department of Public Instruction
Upcoming Events:
Autism Society of North Carolina
Autism Speaks
The Center for Appropriate Dispute Resolution in Special Education
Exceptional Children's Assistance Center
Family Support Network
National Alliance on Mental Illness
NC ABLE
NC Down Syndrome Alliance
Special Olympics North Carolina
Triangle Disability & Autism Services
Do you have an event you would like to share with the community? Please email with information.
Contact Information:
Johanna Lynch, IDEA Parent Liaison
Office of Exceptional Children, NCDPI
Email: johanna.lynch@dpi.nc.gov
Historical newsletters can be found in the Parent Newsletter Google Folder.
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