The Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE), Bureau of Special Education (BSE) and the State Education Resource Center (SERC) are pleased to announce the first year of our Special Education Youth Advisory Council, which is designed to increase student involvement in the special education process and to help students develop strong, effective leadership skills in order to make positive changes in their school and community.

You are receiving this letter because you are a potential partner as we carry the work of the forward. We hope you will be able to join us for an informational webinar on Friday, February 9, 2018 from 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

The purpose of the Special Education Youth Advisory Council is to:

1. Create a structure in which students with disabilities (middle and high school) can share their special education experiences and increase their capacity to make informed decisions regarding their educational programming;
2. Increase public awareness of the valuable role that student voice and increased student independence, can play in the lives of students, families, and communities; and
3. Inform the Special Education Bureau Chief on issues that are important to special education students.

This Special Education Youth Advisory Council will be designed to reach students who may not typically have an opportunity to share their voice. We look forward to working with district/school-based partners to ensure that the group represents diverse student perspectives.

For more information about this exciting opportunity, please contact Nicole M. Vitale at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Please RSVP for the webinar via the following link: www.ctserc.org/SEYAC no later than Thursday, February 8, 2018.