Special education at IHS is a combination of support, specialization, and community. However, many students and caregivers still don’t fully understand how those pieces fit together or where to turn with questions and concerns. That is where the Special Education Parent Teacher Association (SEPTA) comes in.
SEPTA is a nonprofit organization connected to the New York State Parent Teacher Association (PTA) that focuses on children and youth receiving special education services in ICSD. Its mission is to promote welfare and success at home, at school, and in the wider community for these children and youth. Members of SETPA include caregivers, educators, district leaders, and students, with and without disabilities, who are committed to inclusion and to solving challenges related to disability equity in Ithaca schools.
This year, SEPTA’s theme is “building bridges.” Much of its work right now is about gathering information and listening. At each meeting, members share upcoming events, celebrate bright spots in programming, and name issues that need attention. Caitlin Bram, ICSD’s Director of Special Education, regularly attends meetings, takes notes, and responds to questions. In addition, SEPTA’s vice president, Courtney Reinhart, joins monthly PTA Council meetings with other PTA and ICSD leaders to make sure disability inclusion stays on the district-wide agenda.
Recent SEPTA meetings show what this bridge-building looks like in practice. One meeting focused on three diagnoses under the “learning disabilities” category: dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia. Participants compared similarities and differences between them and rotated through stations sharing evidence-based accommodations and services that help students succeed in school. Caregivers and educators also shared personal stories of what has worked, what hasn’t, and how they’ve partnered to support students. One attendee described the interactive poster activity as “fantastic,” saying it provided hands-on information, encouraged collaboration, and felt like “a community building task.” SEPTA also publishes monthly newsletters and saves meeting agendas and notes so families can revisit the resources later.
Looking ahead, SEPTA wants to connect with more students and caregivers and expand its programming. The group is in a data-gathering phase, using surveys to learn what families and teachers most want and need. They hope to host more community events, such as trips to IHS Unified Sports games or an adaptive skiing and snowboarding day at Greek Peak, and they need feedback to plan them.
There are many ways for students and community members to get involved. SEPTA recently launched its website (icsdsepta.org), where people can learn more about upcoming meetings, initiatives, and resources. SEPTA is also looking for volunteers! Open roles include a secretary and representatives to share SEPTA updates with each school’s PTA. Students or adults who are interested, have questions, or want to nominate someone can email IthacaSEPTA@gmail.com. Meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month and typically focus on a specific topic, with guest speakers ranging from community providers to ICSD teachers and administrators. To make it easier for families to attend, SEPTA provides pizza and child care during these evening sessions.
Special education at IHS is not just a set of services on paper. Through groups like SEPTA, it is becoming a growing network of people working to make sure every student, and every caregiver, feels seen, heard, and supported.
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