How can educators better support the families of autistic children? CEC's latest publication, Navigating the Spectrum, offers insight into building meaningful partnerships. https://exceptionalchildren.org/blog/supporting-families-autistic-children-practical-guide-educators

The Department of Education plans to expand its use of frontloaded grants significantly. What could that mean for the special education workforce? Watch our explainer to learn how changes to federal grantmaking could affect the special education workforce.

Each year, CEC recognizes both an undergraduate and a graduate student who have made outstanding contributions in service to CEC and to children with exceptionalities. Awardees will be recognized in Columbus, OH, at #CEC2027. https://exceptionalchildren.org/awards/student-awards

Outstanding Student Award

Award Benefits The 2024 Outstanding Undergraduate Student Member Award recipients will each: Receive complimentary registration, and $500 travel stipend for the CEC 2024 Convention & Expo, March 13-16th, 2024, in San Antonio, TX Be recognized and receive a commemorative plaque at the Awards Luncheon during the CEC 2024 Convention & Expo on Thursday, March 14th, 2024 Be featured on the CEC website

exceptionalchildren.org

Professional development is more than earning credits. At #CEC2027, explore evidence-based practices, gain practical tools, and connect with special education colleagues—all while earning credits to support your growth. See what's available: cecconvention.org/convention-n...

How do we ensure AI helps learners become more capable, confident, and independent rather than more dependent on technology? Join CEC and CIDDL for our AI Quick Takes series to get the latest on this emerging technology. https://learn.exceptionalchildren.org/quick-takes-artificial-intelligence

Build your understanding and expand your toolkit. Join CEC for Unlocking Potential: Neurodiversity 101, a full-day Master Class focused on strategies for supporting neurodivergent learners. https://learn.exceptionalchildren.org/products/cec-master-class-unlocking-potential-neurodiversity-101

Today is World Dyslexia Awareness Day! According to the International Dyslexia Association, up to 20% of the population experiences symptoms of dyslexia. Take the time today to learn how students with dyslexia are affected. Discover our resources on learning disabilities: https://ow.ly/SGNL50ZW69k

ADHD is about more than attention. Explore executive functioning, communication, motivation, emotional regulation, and behavior supports in CEC’s ADHD Strand. Register today: https://learn.exceptionalchildren.org/products/cec-master-class-unlocking-potential-neurodiversity-101

The #CEC2027 Convention program is here! Explore sessions covering the topics shaping special education—from classroom practice and assessment to research, technology, and more. New to the field or a seasoned professional? There’s something for you: https://cecconvention.org/session-browser

UnifiED features dedicated learning strands, covering topics that matter most to special educators—from assessment and instruction to literacy, classroom management, and behavior. Save 50% on your registration using code 26UNFD50. https://exceptionalchildren.org/events/unified-2026/registration

"The project — developed with the foundation and the educational open source coding tools Microsoft MakeCode and Blockly — makes the micro:bit compatible with computer screen readers that tell students what is on their screen." Learn more about the project: https://ow.ly/itcl50ZUXZs

Join us tomorrow at 4:00 PM ET for a webinar that will examine common challenges, review assessment and progress-monitoring practices, and walk through a structured fluency lesson plan template that can be implemented right away. Find out more and register now: https://ow.ly/64Nh50ZUJKm

October is a month to recognize, learn about, and celebrate the disability community. These and other observances throughout the month recognize the experiences, contributions, and achievements of people with disabilities and the communities that support them.

Paraeducators are indispensable partners in the mission of providing inclusive, effective education for students with disabilities. Read more: https://exceptionalchildren.org/blog/partners-classroom-paraeducators-special-education

CEC MEMBERS: You have until Monday to submit your vote for CEC's Board of Directors. This is your chance to choose two new members of the Board and shape the future of CEC. Learn more and vote today: https://exceptionalchildren.org/cecs-board-directors-elections-2026

The application deadline for CEC Professional Awards has been extended to October 9, 2026! Don't miss your chance to submit a nomination for an educator, leader, and/or scholar whose passion and commitment is transforming the field of special education. Find out more: https://ow.ly/IFZc50ZTTHE

Go beyond awareness. Build practical skills for supporting learners with Autism. CEC’s Autism Strand explores communication, advocacy and allyship, behavior support, and transition. https://learn.exceptionalchildren.org/products/cec-master-class-unlocking-potential-neurodiversity-101

Explore our new Paraeducator Academy, a three-level experience that will ensure exposure to and alignment with all national competencies for Special Education paraeducators, in additional to CEC’s 22 High-Leverage Practices (HLPs). Find out more and register now: https://ow.ly/ls2h50ZTjvb

Join CEC and SSEPC for a session that will examine how collaboration and networking can inform practice. Attendees will leave with practical next steps to connect with scholars, community members, and educators in their own work. Find out more and register now: https://ow.ly/7fJ750ZTiaa

Don't miss out on your chance to present at #CEC2027! Submissions for Posters and Teacher Exchanges are being accepted until October 14, 5 PM ET. Learn more about each session type and get your submissions ready! Submit today: https://cecconvention.org/second-call-posters-and-teacher-exchanges

Nominate an undergraduate or graduate student who has made outstanding contributions in service to CEC and to children with exceptionalities by December 4, 2026! Find out more and submit a nomination now: https://exceptionalchildren.org/awards/student-awards

"Private school voucher programs have proliferated in the United States in the last decade. The number of students with disabilities in these programs has grown too..." Read more about how private school voucher programs affect students with disabilities: https://ow.ly/Pt4P50ZSp7M

Know a child or young person whose accomplishments deserve to be recognized? Nominate them for a CEC Yes I Can Award! Don’t wait—submit your nomination by September 30: https://exceptionalchildren.org/awards/yes-i-can-awards-cec-national

Join CEC and SSEPC for a three-part series focused on navigating professional life in academia! Sessions will center around collaborating and networking, the world of manuscripts and grants, and using AI in your professional life and beyond. Find out more and register now: https://ow.ly/wNRh50ZRwEm

In the latest episode of CEC's podcast, Olivia Fudge Coleman, PhD, rethinks how we support students with extensive support needs and the role that artificial intelligence plays. https://exceptionalchildren.podbean.com/e/who-gets-to-belong-ai-cant-rewrite-the-narrative-alone/

Join us next Tuesday, September 29 at 5:00 PM ET for a webinar sponsored by Special Education Leadership Partners (SELP) that will examine staff retention through an organizational leadership lens. Find out more and register now: https://ow.ly/WhX350ZR64c

CEC’s Master Class features keynote sessions exploring ADHD, executive function, motivation, and emotional regulation, as well as how autism and neurodiversity can shape learning and behavior. https://learn.exceptionalchildren.org/products/cec-master-class-unlocking-potential-neurodiversity-101

CEC MEMBERS: Have you voted in the Board of Directors election yet? CEC's strength relies on its members, and this is the time to make your voice heard. Take the opportunity to meet the candidates and submit your vote before 10/5. https://exceptionalchildren.org/cecs-board-directors-elections-2026

Want to present at #CEC2027! The call for proposals for posters and Teacher Exchanges is now open! Share your research, ideas, strategies, and expertise with a global community of special education professionals. https://cecconvention.org/second-call-posters-and-teacher-exchanges

Dr. Teri Marx and Dr. David Bateman explore the opportunities and legal considerations of using AI to develop IEPs—and why professional judgment & accountability must remain at the center of the process. https://exceptionalchildren.org/blog/algorithm-cant-know-child-ai-and-future-iep