• What is the difference between a SEPTA and a PTA?
• Who can join a SEPTA?
• Why should there be a separate PTA for parents of children with special needs?
• What does a SEPTA do?
• What does a SEPTA not do?
• How do you start a SEPTA?

What is the difference between a SEPTA and a PTA?

A SEPTA is different from a PTA because it serves the entire school district, and in some cases, multiple districts across a geographic area. A SEPTA does not have a home school or a home campus.

Who can join a SEPTA?

Any person who is interested in enhancing the educational experience of children receiving special education services may join. Members of the SEPTA do not have to reside in any particular area or have children that attend public schools in Oldham County.

Why should there be a separate PTA for parents of children with special needs?

SEPTA is not meant to be a substitute for the regular PTA. In fact, all SEPTA members are encouraged to join their school’s PTA as well. SEPTA and PTA work together to ensure that all children benefit from PTA efforts. However, parents and teachers of children with special needs have special needs themselves. Members need to learn how to work and communicate with regular teachers, special education teachers, and any other specialists who educate the child, inside and outside of the school system. They need to understand the system of special education. They need to know where to find information and the latest research based on the child’s disability. They need the opportunity to connect with and support other members in the same position.

What does a SEPTA do?

Each SEPTA organization is different and sets goals to address the unique needs of it’s particular membership. Our main goals are to share information and resources, improve communication between schools, families and the community, and to provide support for our members. Here is what we plan to do to reach those goals:

1. Information
1. Develop a website.
2. Provide members with information on specific disabilities by appointing a representative for each area that will be responsible for gathering local, regional and national resources.
3. Begin a lending library by asking members and organizations for donations.
4. Bring in speakers to address specific needs of parents and teachers.
5. Provide members with information to help them advocate for a child’s right to a free and appropriate education by connecting them with the appropriate organization or person who can help them.
6. Provide members with essential information about special education.
2. Communication
1. Collaborate with the regular PTAs to put information in their monthly newsletter or emails, to let members know about up-coming events or educational opportunities.
2. Help bridge the communication gap between parents, teachers, administrators and outside agencies.
3. Support
1. Provide a place for members to connect with each other to share their experiences.
2. Hold social events appropriate for all children with special needs.
3. Connect members so they can develop support groups, play groups, peer buddies, friendship clubs, social skills groups, etc.

What does a SEPTA not do?

• SEPTA does not get involved in issues that pertain to individual students, intervene in any way, take sides, or in any way violate HIPAA by disclosing or discussing the private, confidential information of any student.
• SEPTA is not a place for airing criticism of the school district, administrators, or teachers, nor is it a vehicle for parents to gang up, bash or otherwise bully the school district. If a parent comes to SEPTA with questions, concerns or complaints pertaining to the school district, a referral will be made to the appropriate person/group or department within the school district.
• SEPTA may not endorse, or appear to endorse, people, businesses, products, treatments (whether mainstream or alternative), political candidates, etc.

For more information, email Donna Allen or call her at 243-2694.