CEC Greater Rochester NY Chapter

🎉 Exciting News! 🎉
We are thrilled to share that the Greater Rochester Chapter of NYSCEC has been awarded a mini grant from NYSCEC! 🙌

This grant will help us grow our chapter, strengthen our outreach, and bring meaningful opportunities to local educators committed to supporting exceptional children.

We can’t wait to put this support into action at our first in-person meet-up this October! Stay tuned for details—we’re planning a fun, informal evening filled with connection, conversation, and community. 💬✨

Thank you, NYSCEC, for believing in our vision!

In July of 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law. Every July since, we celebrate and commemorate the passage of the ADA by learning about the courage and persistence of the disability rights activists who fought to make it happen.

Check out our blog post on the history of Disability Pride Month and ways to observe: https://exceptionalchildren.org/blog/pride-and-progress-story-behind-disability-pride-month

Learn more about the Disability Rights Movement with PBS: https://www.pbs.org/articles/disability-pride-month-and-the-disability-rights-movement

🎧 New Episode Alert!
The latest CEC x TED Ed Collab Podcast breaks down the President’s FY 2026 Budget Proposal — and why it matters for education. 📉📚

Dr. Kait Brennan, TED Policy Advisor, walks us through the key takeaways from the Washington Update blog 📰— including a proposed $12.4 billion (15.6%) cut to the Department of Education’s discretionary budget. 😳

What could this mean for educators, students, and special education services? Tune in for a quick, clear breakdown — and what to watch next. 🎙️⚖️

🔗 Listen now — link in bio in our linktre
🎧💼🏫📉

Happy Pride Month! 🌈💖
At CEC, we celebrate every student, educator, and family — just as they are.
Let’s keep building inclusive spaces full of love, learning, and acceptance! 🏳️‍🌈📚✨

🫶🌟👩‍🏫🧑‍🎓💬

In celebration of Pride Month, we honor the voices and contributions of LGBTQ+ educators, students, and allies who are shaping the future of special education. 🌈 Check out this free webinar, which explores the origins of pride celebrations and the value of shared, inclusive language preferred by the community.

https://learn.exceptionalchildren.org/products/power-pride

📣 Join us for tomorrow’s CEC meeting!

We’re diving into how to better support students with complex needs — because every student deserves access, opportunity, and high-quality instruction. 💙

✨ General education teachers — don’t miss out! Attend the meeting and you’ll be entered into a drawing just for showing up and learning with us. 🎉

🎁 PLUS — we have a surprise to share that you won’t want to miss!

Let’s come together, collaborate, and advocate for our most vulnerable learners. See you there!

🚪✨ CEC membership opens the door to endless opportunities—but we get it, it can be a lot at first! That’s why we’re hosting special meet-ups just for YOU.

💬 Ask questions
🔍 Explore resources
🤝 Connect with fellow members
🚀 Learn how to make the most of your membership

Whether you’re new or looking to dive deeper—this is your space. Register today and let’s grow together!

🎙️ New Episode Drop! A must listen podcast!!!!
This week, they are breaking down 3 key special ed policy updates:

🟣 A Senate forum warns against dismantling the Dept. of Ed—and what’s at stake for students & families.
🟣 A new GAO report flags serious gaps in special ed services in DoD schools.
🟣 Early bird deadline for the 2025 Special Ed Legislative Summit is May 15!

Quick, powerful insights for advocates who show up and speak out. 💪
🎧 Listen now!

Important Update!
We’re moving our May CEC meeting to Tuesday, May 28th!
Please update your calendars and help spread the word!
Can’t wait to see you there!

Same time, same place – just a new date!



✏️📅➡️ May 28th!

If you are a parent, family member, or caregiver of a loved one with disabilities or you suspect they have disabilities, this is the perfect space for you to get advice, support, be heard and understood, and connect with others.

Interested in joining a group? Learn more: https://parentnetworkwny.org/family-and-caregiver-support/