Benton-Franklin Counties Special Education PTA

09/05/2026

REGISTRATION IS CLOSED DUE TO CAPACITY.

If you're having difficulty accessing the Rollarena registration form through FB, please use this link to sign up:

Sensory-Friendly Family Skate Night The Benton-Franklin Counties Special Education PTA in partnership with The Arc of Tri-Cities is excited to invite families to a Sensory-Friendly Family Skate Night at Rollarena Skating Center! Enjoy an evening of skating in a welcoming, inclusive environment. This...

09/02/2026

It’s time to sign up for another Accommodation Saturday event! ⭐️

Join us for a sensory sensitive morning this Saturday September 5, 2026!

Choose between two sessions at either 9:30-10:15 or 10:15-11:00!

Register to let us know you’ll be there!
Gesacarouselofdreams.as.me/sensory

08/29/2026

Great job, RSD!

08/29/2026

This article is for educators with questions about Alliance Against Seclusion and Restraint’s work to reduce the use of restraints and eliminate seclusion.

You are not alone if your first reaction to criticism of restraint and seclusion is, “You don’t understand the kids we support,” or, “What do you expect us to do when a child kicks us?”

Many educators arrive at “If not seclusion and restraint, then what?” from a place of exhaustion, moral injury, and fear. This article is written for you, not to shame you or blame you, but to invite you to consider something that can result in better outcomes for you and your students.

We encourage you to read this with genuine curiosity and an open mind.

You are not alone if your first reaction to criticism of restraint and seclusion is, “You don’t understand the kids we support,” or, “What do you expect us to do when a child kicks us?” Many educators arrive at “If not seclusion and restraint, then what?” from a place of exhaustion, mo...

07/31/2026

Access means more than removing barriers. Access creates opportunities. 🌱
When people with disabilities are included, respected, and supported, communities become stronger for everyone.

Washington has long been a leader in inclusive education.
📜In 1971, our state became one of the first in the nation to guarantee children with disabilities access to a free public education—four years before Congress passed the federal Education for All Handicapped Children Act, now known as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Decades of inclusive practices have strengthened our understanding that when students with disabilities are fully included in general education classrooms, all students have more opportunities to learn, grow, and succeed together. 🌞🪴

This Disability Pride Month, we celebrate the students, families, educators, and advocates who continue to advance belonging, accessibility, and opportunity in Washington’s schools. ❤️

07/22/2026

07/14/2026

iCan Bike Camp - July 27 - 31, 2026
Southridge Sports Complex
$250

Registration Contact:
For information or to register for this bike camp please e-mail or call Dawn Jones at [email protected] or call (503) 750-6440.

Registration form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeq5c6Uh7Hh8B-Q_f6fW1HhQbpLpk2oC6PoHPu9Y-JqfYe_Mw/viewform?usp=send_form

We understand that the vast majority of people with disabilities never have the experience of independently riding a conventional two-wheel bicycle during their lifetime. Research shows that over 80% of people with Autism and 90% of people with Down syndrome never experience this thrill. Defying the...

07/10/2026

Sharing!

The Caregiver's Compass Training - 2026 July/August Session

The Caregiver’s Compass is a free, four-week virtual course where parents and caregivers come together to learn practical strategies for managing stress, strengthening communication, and supporting mental wellbeing. Each live session is guided by our licensed therapist Brad Thompson in a supportive, community-centered space.

Goals of The Caregiver’s Compass
Equip participants with the tools to recognize and navigate recurring stress and grief with evidence-based strategies they can apply in everyday life.

Strengthen family and care-team communication to support stronger advocacy and reduce burnout.
Build sustainable, community-rooted caregiving support.

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07/07/2026

06/26/2026

Highlights of the new rules for highly capable programs.

Washington’s new Highly Capable rules (WAC 392-170) took effect in June. These significant changes to the state’s Highly Capable program include universal screening, updated identification standards, domain-specific services, and stronger protections for underserved students including multilingual learners, twice exceptional (2e) students, students in foster care, and McKinney-Vento students.