United Special Education PTSA of Stratford

06/18/2026

Get on the email list for Autism on the Seas to learn about cruise opportunities for eligible families.

Cruises are sponsored

What We Do:
Autism on the Seas, an international organization, has been in collaboration with Royal Caribbean International since 2007 in developing cruise vacation services to accommodate adults and families living with children with Special Needs, including, but not limited to, Autism, Asperger Syndrome, Down Syndrome, Tourette Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy and all Cognitive, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. These services quickly expanded to other cruise lines.

Fun Facts Friday: Two Companies, One Mission

What is the difference between Autism on the Seas and the Autism on the Seas Foundation?
While we work hand-in-hand to create accessible vacation experiences, we are actually two separate companies with distinct roles.
Below is the breakdown for today’s

06/18/2026

Have you heard of Autism on the Seas?

Based right here in Connecticut, Autism on the Seas and the Autism on the Seas Foundation help make vacations possible for families of individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities through specialized cruise programs and financial assistance opportunities. Families can sign up for grant alerts and, when applications open, apply for a chance to receive a fully funded autism-friendly cruise experience. Demand is high, and not every family is selected, but it's an incredible opportunity worth knowing about.

Their cruises offer trained staff support, respite opportunities, accommodations, and activities designed to help families enjoy a vacation with less stress and more confidence.

If your family could benefit from an autism-friendly travel experience, I encourage you to follow Autism on the Seas and join their grant notification list. You never know when an opportunity may come along that could create lasting memories for your family. 💙

Send a message to learn more

06/18/2026

Get on the email list for Autism on the Seas to learn about cruise opportunities for eligible families.

Cruises are sponsored. https://www.facebook.com/share/1Bk3u58vVV/

hat We Do
Autism on the Seas, an international organization, has been in collaboration with Royal Caribbean International since 2007 in developing cruise vacation services to accommodate adults and families living with children with Special Needs, including, but not limited to, Autism, Asperger Syndrome, Down Syndrome, Tourette Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy and all Cognitive, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. These services quickly expanded to other cruise lines.

Fun Facts Friday: Two Companies, One Mission

What is the difference between Autism on the Seas and the Autism on the Seas Foundation?
While we work hand-in-hand to create accessible vacation experiences, we are actually two separate companies with distinct roles.
Below is the breakdown for today’s

06/18/2026

Milford MAPS has some amazing activities planned throughout summer and there are scholarships available too

06/13/2026

Today is the last day to fill a bag of children's and young adult books at Next Chapter Books in Trumbull!

Just two more days until the end of our Children's and Young Adult $10 Fill-A-Bag sale!

Come on over on Friday or Saturday and find some great books to enjoy this summer.

06/13/2026

Feel free to share!

06/11/2026

Stratford High School swim teams are very inclusive for independent swimmers!

06/11/2026

Milford MAPS has some great programs. You don't have to live in Milford to register.

Make an account and check it out before spots are filled!

https://milfordct.myrec.com/info/default.aspx?fbclid=IwVERDUASXBDFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAwzNTA2ODU1MzE3MjgAAR70DqqPwAFd7vq6jR4bMn9oHgUw0dml_5oamC0yZpn76qhbmiInNHV42nZD4A_aem_dxW43dRl3y0-c_fuO3KIVg

06/09/2026

DDS Individual and Family Grants***

Hi everyone,

I just closed and resubmitted a new grant request for my daughter.

The new fiscal year is July 1, so after that date is when they will review the applications.

During the meeting, I asked a few questions and wanted to pass along the information to anyone who does not know this information yet, or forgot about it.

I was told they are usually granted for eligible minors with disabilities age 8-18 for up to $4999 per fiscal year. It's usually broken into two amounts, with 6 months to use it or lose it (you would have to return the $) so maximize the use. It also depends on funding so first come first serve. The sooner you are deemed eligible, the better reason they have to ask for more budget.

Things change every year, so call or email them and schedule an appointment to get your questions answered and hopefully you'll be able to apply soon.

If you have not applied yet and want more info:

1. Apply to get your child deemed eligible by emailing [email protected] and ask for an appointment.

You can also write all your questions in the email.

You can find more details here:
https://portal.ct.gov/dds/knowledge-base/articles/eligibility-for-an-individual-with-intellectual-disability?language=en_US

2. Start to gather the documents that you will need to send to the eligibility dept. Found here on the checklist.

https://portal.ct.gov/dds/-/media/dds/eligibility/applicationchecklist.pdf?rev=be23c050818246a6bfa232ad705f8536&hash=16CBAE11B36D4D3CC573D477BB2931D0

3. After being deemed eligible, you'll need to make an appointment to request an individual and family grant.

Best of luck.

Learn about eligibility for programs available for People with Intellectual Disabilities – State of Connecticut

06/08/2026

This pre-recorded webinar from Special Education Equity for Kids of Connecticut, Inc. (SEEK CT) is just under 30 minutes and has excellent information about Extended School Year (ESY) services for parents of students with disabilities in CT.

⚠️ What Every Parent Should Know About ESY

For some students with disabilities, learning doesn't stop when school ends.

Do you know how Extended School Year (ESY) services are determined? Are you prepared to participate in ESY discussions with your child's IEP team?

In this important SEEK Speaks webinar, special education attorney Jennifer Laviano and special education advocate Julie Swanson break down what parents need to know about ESY services, eligibility, and common mistakes families should watch for.

Knowledge is power, and understanding ESY could make a significant difference in your child's continued progress.

🎥 Watch the webinar now: https://seekct.com/seek-speaks-1

IG: Link in bio

📄 Be sure to download the accompanying ESY Topic Brief linked in the video description.

Please share with families, educators, and advocates who may benefit from this information.