Knowledge builds confidence. Advocacy creates change.

The Dysart Special Education PTSA Empowered Advocacy Series connects families, educators, and community members with knowledgeable professionals who can help them better understand the issues affecting children with disabilities.

Our presentations are free and open to everyone. Explore our recorded sessions below and watch whenever it is convenient for you.

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Strength-Based IEP Goals

Presented by Maegan Obregon

Would you like to play a more active role in your child’s IEP meetings and better understand how meaningful goals are developed? In this presentation, Maegan Obregon explains strength-based IEP goals and how they can help teams build upon a student’s abilities, interests, and potential.

This session is helpful for families at every stage of the special education journey—from those beginning the evaluation process to experienced parents whose children have had IEPs for many years.

What You’ll Learn:

  • What makes an IEP goal strength-based
  • How a student’s abilities and interests can inform their goals
  • Questions families can ask during an IEP meeting
  • Ways parents can participate more confidently as members of the IEP team

Trauma-Informed Care at Home and in the Classroom

Presented by Peter Tumolo, LPC and EMDR Consultant, and Renee’ Tumolo, MSW and CLC

Trauma can affect the central nervous system, behavior, relationships, and a person’s ability to teach or learn. In this presentation, Peter and Renee’ Tumolo explain what trauma is and introduce a compassionate, trauma-informed approach that can be used at home and in the classroom.

Families and educators will learn practical tools for creating environments that promote safety, connection, regulation, and learning.

What You’ll Learn:

  • What trauma is and how it can affect the nervous system
  • How trauma may influence behavior, teaching, and learning
  • Ways to recognize when a child or adult may be dysregulated
  • Trauma-informed tools that can be used at home and at school
  • Strategies for creating safer and more supportive environments

Understanding Section 504 Plans

Presented by Raising Special Kids, now Encircling Families

Many families are unsure about the differences between an Individualized Education Program, or IEP, and a Section 504 Plan. This presentation provides an approachable overview of Section 504 and explains how it may support eligible students with disabilities in school.

Participants will learn about the evaluation process, available accommodations and services, and some of the important differences between IEPs and 504 Plans.

What You’ll Learn:

  • The purpose of a Section 504 Plan
  • How a 504 Plan differs from an IEP
  • How students are evaluated for eligibility
  • Examples of accommodations and services that may be included
  • Questions families can ask when seeking support for their child

Managing Stress and Anxiety

Presented by Peter Tumolo, LPC and EMDR Consultant, and Renee’ Tumolo, MSW and CLC

Stress and anxiety can affect our emotions, relationships, decision-making, and ability to manage everyday challenges. In this presentation, Peter and Renee’ Tumolo explore the similarities and differences between stress and anxiety and share practical techniques for responding to both.

This session offers useful information for parents, caregivers, educators, and anyone looking for healthier ways to manage stressful moments.

What You’ll Learn:

  • The differences and similarities between stress and anxiety
  • How stress and anxiety can affect the mind and body
  • How to recognize signs that stress may be building
  • Specific techniques to use during stressful moments
  • Strategies for supporting emotional regulation and well-being

Special Needs Planning: Who Will Care When I Am Not There?

Presented by Nicole Kuck of Eminent Special Needs Planning

Planning for the future can feel overwhelming, especially when a loved one may require lifelong assistance or support. In this presentation, Nicole Kuck introduces families to the importance of special needs planning and the value of creating a coordinated plan for a loved one’s future.

Eminent Special Needs Planning works with families and nonprofit organizations to help protect the needs, services, and quality of life of individuals with disabilities.

What You’ll Learn:

  • Why future planning is important for families of individuals with disabilities
  • Areas families may need to consider when developing a plan
  • How planning decisions may affect services and supports
  • Questions to consider when choosing future caregivers and advocates
  • How professional guidance can help families prepare with greater confidence

Learn more about Eminent Special Needs Planning.

Bond and Override Presentation: Community Information Session

Presented by Dysart Unified School District

What are school bonds and overrides, and how can they affect students, schools, and neighborhoods? This community information session provides an overview of these funding measures and explains how they relate to educational resources, school safety, facilities, staffing, and student programs.

This educational presentation is designed to help community members better understand the measures and make informed decisions when voting.

What You’ll Learn:

  • The difference between a school bond and an override
  • How these funding measures may support local schools
  • The potential effects on educational resources and programs
  • How funding decisions can affect students and neighborhoods
  • Where community members can find additional information

GI Disorders in Children With Autism

Presented by Dr. Joseph Woolley, Pediatric Gastroenterologist at Phoenix Children’s

Gastrointestinal concerns are common among children with autism and other developmental differences, but symptoms may not always appear in expected ways. In this recorded webinar, Dr. Joseph Woolley discusses common GI conditions, potential signs of discomfort, and ways families can prepare for conversations with medical providers.

This session was hosted to help families feel more informed, empowered, and supported as they navigate their child’s medical care.

What You’ll Learn:

  • Common GI disorders seen in autistic children
  • How symptoms may present differently in neurodivergent patients
  • Practical strategies that may support comfort and regulation
  • Signs that it may be time to seek medical care
  • Ways families can prepare for medical appointments and advocate for their child

This presentation is especially helpful for parents, caregivers, educators, therapists, case managers, and others who want to better understand the needs of autistic children.

Simple Sleep Steps for Improving Sleep

Presented by Emily Varon, BCBA and Sleep Expert

Sleep difficulties can affect a child’s learning, behavior, emotional regulation, and the well-being of the entire family. In this supportive presentation, Emily Varon shares practical and compassionate strategies to help families better understand their child’s sleep needs and develop calm, sustainable bedtime routines.

This session is especially valuable for families of children with disabilities and neurodivergent children, as well as anyone navigating bedtime struggles, night wakings, or difficulty falling asleep.

What You’ll Learn:

  • How to identify and adjust age-appropriate sleep schedules
  • Tools that may help children fall asleep more comfortably
  • Common reasons for middle-of-the-night awakenings
  • Strategies for calming busy minds and bodies before bedtime
  • Ways to build consistent and supportive sleep routines
  • How to begin developing an individualized sleep plan

Check out Emily’s other courses on sleep at her website readysetsleep.com!

Creating Calm: Strategies to Reduce Overstimulation and Meltdowns

Presented by Kelly Bridgeforth, MS, BCBA, LBA-AZ, of Children’s Specialized ABA Center for Autism

Overstimulation can make it difficult for a child to communicate, participate, and feel safe in their environment. In this family-friendly presentation, Kelly Bridgeforth shares compassionate, practical strategies to help autistic children strengthen their self-regulation skills.

Grounded in a whole-child approach, this session explores ways families and educators can create calmer, more connected moments at home, at school, and in the community.

What You’ll Learn:

  • How to support emotional regulation with everyday tools
  • Ways to recognize possible signs of overstimulation
  • How to understand behavior through a compassionate, whole-child lens
  • Strategies for building connection, safety, and trust
  • Ways to create environments that help children feel calm and supported

Want to learn more about Children’s Specialized ABA? Check them out here!

Finding Your Voice: Inclusion Through Storytelling

Presented by Beth Leipholtz of Beth & Coop

Join inclusion and accessibility advocate and author Beth Leipholtz for a meaningful conversation about disability representation, inclusion, and the power of sharing our stories.

Beth is the author of The ABCs of Inclusion, a children’s book that introduces readers to children with different abilities through relatable, real-life examples. In this presentation, Beth discusses how stories can encourage understanding, help children celebrate differences, and give families the confidence to share their own experiences.

What You’ll Learn:

  • Why authentic disability representation matters
  • How storytelling can build understanding and empathy
  • Ways to introduce children to different disabilities and experiences
  • How families can help children find and use their voices
  • Simple ways to encourage inclusion in everyday life

Be sure to check our Beth on Instagram!

Discovering Support Through Encircling Families

Presented by Encircling Families

Families navigating disability services do not have to do it alone. In this presentation, Encircling Families provides an overview of the organization’s programs, educational opportunities, and family-support services.

Participants will learn how Encircling Families can help parents and caregivers better understand special education, locate helpful resources, strengthen their advocacy skills, and connect with additional support throughout their family’s journey.

What You’ll Learn:

  • The programs and services available through Encircling Families
  • How families can access information and individualized support
  • Educational opportunities available to parents and caregivers
  • Resources for navigating special education and disability services
  • Ways to connect with other families and community resources

Want to connect with a specialist? Refer your family today!