Helping Young People & Families Navigate School Supports

Leslie M. Leslie, JD, and Rebecca Davis, MFA

This training will provide a review of school supports for youth and families who are navigating education during a first episode of psychosis. Attendees will learn how to support clients in understanding their legal rights, identifying and advocating for appropriate accommodations, and navigating hospitalizations or other academic disruptions.

 The Federation for Children with Special Needs (FCSN) is Massachusetts' Parent Training and Information Center (PTIC), a nationally recognized non-proft organization dedicated to empowering families, engaging diverse communities, and eliminating barriers to improve life outcomes for all children and young adults, especially those with disabilities.  FCSN works with families and youth to navigate special education processes and state systems and to connect to community organizations.  The majority of FCSN's staff are family members of or identify as individuals with disabilities. 

Leslie M. Leslie joined the Federation in 2011 and serves as Project Director for the MassPAC project,  providing technical assistance to both Special Education Parent Advisory Councils (SEPACs) and district special education administrators. Leslie is the mother of two young adult sons, both of whom attended public school on an IEP. Leslie holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations and Political Science from Tufts University and a J.D. from Suffolk University Law School.

 Rebecca Davis is a project officer at FCSN and a former teacher, parent advocate, and speaker with nearly two decades of experience in special education and non-profit management.  She is the mother of two young adult daughters, the youngest of whom has multiple disabilities.  Rebecca is dedicated to improving systems of support for all children with disabilities and their families.  

Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ZTjIIeemTy6_da0blnH4OA