Autism Acceptance Month
April is recognized as Autism Acceptance Month, a time to move beyond awareness and take meaningful action to support inclusion, understanding, and advocacy for autistic individuals. This month centers the voices, identities, and lived experiences of autistic people, recognizing autism not only as a diagnosis but as an important aspect of identity that includes both strengths and challenges. The shift from “awareness” to “acceptance” reflects an important evolution—one that calls us to create inclusive environments, ensure equitable access to services, and elevate the perspectives of those most impacted. Acceptance is not passive; it requires intentional action to build systems and communities where autistic individuals are respected, supported, and provided with opportunities to fully participate.
This focus aligns closely with the work of OSPI Special Education. Our efforts to expand inclusionary practices, strengthen early childhood systems, and improve outcomes for students with disabilities reflect a shared commitment to equity and belonging. By continuing to build inclusive learning environments, hold high expectations that include academic rigor, support social-emotional development, and partner with families and communities, we are advancing the vision that Autism Acceptance Month represents—one where acceptance is actively demonstrated in our schools and systems, and all students are valued and supported to thrive.
Notice of Public Comment Period for Annual State Application of Fiscal Year 2026 of the IDEA Federal Grant
The annual OSPI application for federal IDEA funds has been posted and will be available for public review for 60 days and public comment for a period of 30 days, prior to final submission to the US Department of Education Office of Special Education Programs by May 20, 2026.
The public comment period will be open from April 6, 2026, through May 8, 2026, with two opportunities to provide comment at a public meeting. Comments may also be submitted in writing to speced@k12.wa.us.
The first meeting for public comment is scheduled for:
The final meeting for public comment is scheduled for:
Note that each scheduled meeting has a separate Zoom link. Registration is not required to participate. If accommodations are needed beyond closed captioning, which will be provided, email speced@k12.wa.us by April 3, 2026.
For an overview of the Federal IDEA 2026 Application, please watch this video with Assistant Superintendent of Special Education, Dr. Tania May.
The Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC) Meeting
Where: Wenatchee, WA
When: May 12–13, 2026
The Washington State Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC) will conduct a hybrid meeting on May 12–13, 8:30 am–4:30 pm. The in-person location is the North Central Educational Service District, and registration is required for both in-person and virtual attendance at the SEAC meeting and the community forum. During registration, you can request interpreter accommodations if needed. The deadline for requesting language interpretation is the close of business on April 28. Captioning will be provided during the SEAC meeting. You will receive additional information and instructions for the meeting one week prior to the event. The meeting is open to members of the public interested in Washington special education services. The agenda will be posted the week prior to the meeting.
Public Comment will begin at 11:30 am on Tuesday, May 12. Public Comment is scheduled for 30 minutes. Each public comment will be restricted to three minutes and only allowed during this designated timeframe. If you want to email your comment to be read at the meeting, please send it to the SEAC email address no later than the close of business on May 4. The agenda will move forward to the next item once interested parties have had a chance to comment. The SEAC is not required to respond to comments and generally does not.
SEAC Community Forum – Hybrid
The SEAC, in partnership with The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, is hosting a hybrid community forum to share about the role of SEAC and host a discussion about Special Education. Please join us!
May 12, 2026
Noon–1 pm (Virtual Lunch & Learn)
-OR-
5:30–7 pm (In-Person)
North Central Educational Service District
430 Olds Station Road
Wenatchee, WA 98801
Legislative Update
The last day of the regular legislative session, Sine Die, was March 12th. The OSPI Special Education Bill Tracker includes information on bills passed this legislative session impacting special education.
Governor Ferguson signed ESHB 2557 into law, which addresses special education evaluation timelines and eligibility meetings. ESHB 2557 goes into effect on June 11, 2026. OSPI has received multiple inquiries regarding this legislation and has created this Question-and-Answer document to address questions.
ESHB 1795 addresses restraint and isolation and is effective as session law on June 11, 2026. OSPI Special Education is collaborating with Student Engagement and Special Programs for rulemaking and guidance. We anticipate that guidance will be released in the coming months and will be shared widely.
If you have questions about anything legislature-related, please contact OSPI Special Education with the subject line "Legislative Session".
Statewide IEP Project Request for Proposal Launching Soon!
The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) in Washington is developing a statewide IEP system. The Washington Statewide IEP Project webpage includes information around the project and anticipated timeline. OSPI is preparing to post Request for Proposal (RFP) information in May of 2026. This RFP will be available on OSPI's procurement website and at the Department of Enterprise Services, Washington Electronic Business Solution (WEBS) Procurement website. Vendors who register with WEBS can receive automatic notification when the RFP and updates are released. We encourage interested parties to review the webpage and listed resources as they prepare for the RFP.
The Washington Statewide IEP Project webpage will be updated as new information becomes available and the project advances.
MTSS Conference: District Travel Grants Available
To ensure equitable access, we are offering $500 District Travel Access Grants, funded by our generous sponsors. These grants help offset travel, lodging, or registration costs, enabling district teams across Washington to participate.
For more information, view the attached flyer. To submit an application, complete the travel grant form.
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Welcoming Our Newest Staff Member Chris Kane
The OSPI Special Education division is excited to welcome and introduce our newest staff member – Chris Kane. Chris will be overseeing OSPI’s work authorizing, monitoring, and investigating designated nonpublic agencies (NPAs) and other contracted placements. He also supports the ongoing efforts of the rest of the division to provide technical assistance related to implementing the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Washington’s special education requirements.
Chris joins OSPI after spending ten years working at the Agency of Education in Vermont. He has extensive special education experience at the local and state level, most recently in his role as Assistant State Director of Special Education for Vermont. This role gave Chris a thorough understanding of state and federal rules related to the implementation of IDEA, including compliance monitoring and technical assistance practices, grant administration and reporting, and the importance of community and family engagement. Chris has a master’s in special education, and prior to state employment worked in a variety of public and private settings across the educational spectrum, from preschool to high school. Chris is excited to work with his new team and bring his special education background to his work at OSPI.
Outside of work Chris enjoys spending time with his friends and family, travelling, spending time outside and supporting Washington’s women’s sports teams.
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Click here for this month’s Program Improvement updates on the following topics:
- Special Education Parent Survey – Check Your Response Rate
- Disproportionality Workbooks due May 1 from Identified LEAs (Repeat)
- OSPI Special Education Data, Fiscal, and Program Office Hours
Click here for this month’s Fiscal & Data updates on the following topics:
- Safety Net Updates
- Secondary Transition IEP Components (Indicator B-13) Application is Open!
- Consent Received to Share Student Information with State Transition Agencies Application is Open!
- New Disciplinary Removals Application
Click here for this month’s ECSE updates on the following topics:
- ECSE Office Hours
- Division for Early Childhood’s 42nd Annual International Conference on Young Children with Disabilities and Their Families
- 2026 Infant and Early Childhood Conference
- Early Childhood Transition Questions and Answers
During the 2025–26 legislative session Governor Ferguson signed ESHB 2557 into law, which addresses special education evaluation timelines and eligibility determination meetings. ESHB 2557 goes into effect on June 11, 2026.
OSPI has received multiple inquiries regarding the legislation. OSPI shares this Question-and-Answer (Q&A) document, current as of April 7, 2026, for districts, parents/guardians, and IEP teams to support team decision making during the 2025–26 school year and beyond.
As additional information is known, we will update this document with additional guidance. If you have questions, please email OSPI Special Education.
Remember – Previous Q&A, Technical Assistance Papers (TAPs), Tips from the OSPI Special Education Division, and other various resources are located on our Policy Guidance and Resources page on the Special Education website.
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