EG SPEAKS

09/08/2026

Tonight!
The IEP World Can Feel Like A Lot. Let’s Make It Make Sense.
New to EGUSD?
New to the IEP process?
New to special education altogether?
Or maybe you’ve been doing this for a while and still find yourself thinking, “Wait… who is supposed to do what?" 😅
This orientation is for you.
Join EG SPEAKS for our **Special Education Orientation**, designed to help families understand the people, programs, processes, and practices they may encounter within EGUSD.
We’ll talk about:
✨ Who’s who on your student’s educational team
✨ What different programs and services may look like
✨ What to expect throughout the IEP process
✨ How to prepare for meetings and ask effective questions
✨ Where families can go for information and support
✨ How to become a more confident, informed advocate for your student
No jargon. No judgment. No prior IEP knowledge required.
Just practical information to help you understand the system, find your footing, and feel more confident advocating for your child.
Because you shouldn’t have to learn the special education system by being thrown into the deep end.
Come with questions. Leave with context, confidence, and a better understanding of where to go next.
📅 Tuesday, September 8th
🕐 6 PM
📍 Elk Grove High School Library 9800 Elk Grove Florin Road
🎟️ https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1996315633800?aff=oddtdtcreator
Tag a parent who needs this! 👇

09/07/2026

EG SPEAKS will be at Global Feast Fest on Saturday, September 12, from 3:00–8:00 PM at District56

Come by our resource table to learn about EG SPEAKS, our services, and upcoming events. Kids can also SPIN to WIN a prize!

09/04/2026

September 2026 Newsletter -

There’s something about this time of year that makes us notice change. The days begin to shift, routines settle into new rhythms, and we start to see the first hints of a new season. As parents and caregivers, we know that feeling well. Our children are constantly growing and changing, and sometimes the support they need changes right along with them. We change, too. Learning, adapting, letting go of what no longer fits, and making room for what comes next. EG SPEAKS is entering a new season of change, too…

https://mailchi.mp/f11ab0cddfde/new-upcoming-events-6019152

09/04/2026

📣 ELK GROVE FAMILIES & EDUCATORS: YOUR VOICE MATTERS

On Tuesday, September 15, the Elk Grove Unified School District Board of Education will receive a presentation on the WestEd Special Education Study.

This is an important moment for our community.

The WestEd study has identified significant issues within our education system and behind every finding are real students, families, educators, and staff who have experienced the impact.

We’re asking our community to show up and share your story.

💬 If you’re a parent or caregiver, tell the Board:
• What has your experience navigating special education been like?
• Have you experienced harm, barriers, or inequities that connect to the issues identified in the study?
• What do you want district leadership to understand about the impact on your child and your family?
• What would meaningful change look like for your family?

If you’re an educator or district staff member:
• What have you witnessed or experienced?
• How have systemic challenges affected your ability to support students?
• What changes do you believe are necessary?
• What do you hope the district does with the findings?

And you don't have to have experienced harm to participate.

You can also use your public comment to share your hope for what comes next.

What do you want to see the district do differently?
What would accountability look like?
What would a truly inclusive, equitable special education system look like in Elk Grove?

You don't need the perfect words.
You don't need to be an expert.
You just need to tell the truth about your experience and what you hope will change.

📅 Tuesday, September 15, 2026 6 PM (EG SPEAKS Team will be outside to greet participants at 5:30 PM)
📍 9510 Elk Grove-Florin Road
🎤 Public comment is an opportunity for community members to be heard.

If you've ever wondered whether your story matters, this is a moment to bring it into the room.

Come listen. Come learn. Come speak. Come stand alongside other families and educators.

The study may document the problems, but our community has the stories that show why change matters.

08/31/2026

Empower your journey on September 17th at our uplifting Caregiver Mixer! This month, we're gathering at Mendocino Farms during the EG S.P.E.A.K.S. Fundraiser (from 2pm-9pm). Come share your inspiring story 💫

08/28/2026

With Labor Day coming up, we will be postponing the Caregiver support group for September, with plans to pick up right on schedule for first Monday of October. With that in mind, EG S.P.E.A.K.S is planning a lot of events for September, so be on the look out for our Ask an Advocate, Board Meeting where we cover the WestEd study results, and the Small Bites, Strong Futures events. Check out our Eventbrite for more info on these upcoming events: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/108429815581

08/26/2026

🍦 TODAY’S THE DAY!🍦

We’re scooping up some goodness for EG SPEAKS! 💙

From 11 AM–10 PM today, every purchase at Handel’s Ice Cream can help support EG SPEAKS. Just mention EG SPEAKS Fundraiser” when you check out, and a portion of your purchase will go toward supporting local families and students with disabilities. 🙌

And PLEASE snap a pic while you’re there and tag us! 📸🍦 We want to see your ice cream, your crew, your favorite flavor, and all the fundraiser fun!

🍨 Grab a scoop.
💙 Support local families.
📸 Tag EG SPEAKS.
✨ Make a difference.

See you at Handel’s!🍦

08/25/2026

Tomorrow! Don't forget to cool off with an ice cream from Handel's and mentioned EG SPEAKS! 20% of proceeds will be donated to EG SPEAKS to support disabled youth and their families in Elk Grove 🫶

(PS Our team will be there between 5 PM and 6:30 PM if you want to come by and say hi!)

Save the Date! Get yourself a sweet treat AND support your local special education and disability nonprofit on Wednesday, August 26th from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

20% of the proceeds will be donated directly to EG SPEAKS (Elk Grove Special Education, Advocacy, Knowledge, and Support).

Handel's Ice Cream: 7701 Laguna Blvd, Ste 400 Elk Grove, CA
See you there!

08/22/2026

Join our FREE Ask an Advocate session with Sarah Fetter, EG SPEAKS' Director of Advocacy Services, and get answers to the questions that matter most to your family.

As a trained non-attorney special education advocate, Sarah has extensive experience helping families:
✨ Understand their rights under IDEA and Section 504
✨ Navigate the IEP process with confidence
✨ Prepare for meetings and difficult conversations
✨ Better understand evaluations, services, accommodations, and supports
✨ Develop effective advocacy strategies for their child
Whether you're just beginning your special education journey or facing a challenging situation, this is a unique opportunity to receive guidance from an experienced advocate at no cost.
Bring your questions, leave with greater clarity, confidence, and practical next steps. These sessions are held just twice each month, so don't miss your opportunity to connect with an advocate and get personalized answers to your questions
Register Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ask-an-advocate-tickets-1993271028303?aff=oddtdtcreator(link in bio)

08/19/2026

✨ Tomorrow night! Come connect with us. ✨

Caregiving can feel isolating, but it doesn’t have to. 💛

Join us tomorrow at 5:00 PM at Christopher Cellars Winery for our Caregiver Connection Mixer, an evening to step away from the daily hustle, meet other caregivers, build community, and simply be around people who *get it.*

No pressure or expectations! Just connection and community!

Whether you’re a longtime part of the EG SPEAKS community or joining us for the first time, you’re welcome here. 🫶

📍 Christopher Cellars Winery
🗓️ Tomorrow
⏰ 5:00 PM

Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1995611618070?aff=oddtdtcreator

Come as you are. Bring a friend. Stay for a little while, or stay awhile longer. 💫

We’d love to see you there!