Benton-Franklin Counties Special Education PTA

10/19/2026

October is Dyslexia Awareness Month, and there’s still so much about dyslexia that gets misunderstood. Swipe through to bust 3 common myths, then share this with someone who needs to see it. 📚

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Image description: A single graphic on a light textured background titled “Common Misconceptions About Dyslexia” in bold black text, with the Undivided “U” logo in the top right corner. Below are three stacked green cards, each a slightly darker shade than the last, comparing a myth and a truth.

Card 1: “Myth: Dyslexia is a visual perception disability where individuals see letters or words backwards. Truth: It’s now considered a language-based disorder, as dyslexia is rooted in phonological processing (connecting sounds to letters), not how the eyes view text.”

Card 2: “Myth: Dyslexia only impacts reading. Truth: Individuals with dyslexia may also experience memory issues, struggle with social relationships, and experience unhealthy reactions to stress.”

Card 3: “Myth: Children can outgrow dyslexia. Truth: Dyslexia is a lifelong condition, but proper tools and accommodations can help individuals live with it.”

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10/14/2026

Sharing!

October is Dyslexia Awareness Month! We're celebrating by busting common myths, sharing the facts, and shining a spotlight on the remarkable strengths and potential of students with dyslexia. Because understanding dyslexia starts with seeing beyond the myths.

MYTH #1: Dyslexia means you aren't smart.
TRUTH: Dyslexia has nothing to do with intelligence.

What does intelligence look like? It might look like finding a solution no one else saw. Asking the question that makes everyone stop and think. Building, creating, imagining, experimenting, or seeing connections between ideas. One of the most persistent myths about dyslexia is that it is connected to intelligence. It isn’t.

Our students remind us of that every day. Students with dyslexia are thinkers, problem-solvers, artists, mathematicians, musicians, storytellers, leaders, and innovators. Reading and spelling may require different instruction and more effort, but they do not define a student’s ability, ideas, or potential.

October is Dyslexia Awareness Month! We're celebrating by busting common myths, sharing the facts, and shining a spotlight on the remarkable strengths and potential of students with dyslexia. Because understanding dyslexia starts with seeing beyond the myths.

MYTH #1: Dyslexia means you aren't smart.
TRUTH: Dyslexia has nothing to do with intelligence.

What does intelligence look like? It might look like finding a solution no one else saw. Asking the question that makes everyone stop and think. Building, creating, imagining, experimenting, or seeing connections between ideas. One of the most persistent myths about dyslexia is that it is connected to intelligence. It isn’t.

Our students remind us of that every day. Students with dyslexia are thinkers, problem-solvers, artists, mathematicians, musicians, storytellers, leaders, and innovators. Reading and spelling may require different instruction and more effort, but they do not define a student’s ability, ideas, or potential.

10/13/2026

¡Presentamos la Guía de Apoyo para Reuniones del IEP!

¡Un agradecimiento especial a Joanna Perez, nuestra presidenta del Comité de Inclusión y Recursos de BFCSEPTA, por crear este maravilloso recurso para ayudar a las familias a comprender mejor y navegar el proceso del IEP!

¡La Asociación de Padres y Maestros de Educación Especial de los Condados de Benton y Franklin (BFCSEPTA) se complace en compartir nuestra Guía de Apoyo para Reuniones del IEP, disponible en inglés y español!

Esta guía, diseñada para las familias, es una versión resumida de la guía de la Oficina del Superintendente de Instrucción Pública de Washington (OSPI), "Educación Inclusiva Integral en Washington" (Comprehensive Inclusive Education in Washington). También incluye consejos de defensa de derechos, preguntas prácticas y recursos útiles para apoyar a las familias durante el proceso de educación especial.

Nuestro objetivo es sencillo: ayudar a los padres y cuidadores a sentirse informados, preparados y empoderados para defender las necesidades educativas de sus hijos.

✨ ¿QUÉ ENCONTRARÁ EN ESTA GUÍA?

✅ Cómo funciona el proceso del IEP y cuál es su papel como padre, madre o cuidador.

✅ Derechos importantes de educación especial y protecciones legales.

✅ Preguntas que puede hacer durante las reuniones del IEP.

✅ Información sobre la inclusión y el Entorno Menos Restrictivo (LRE, por sus siglas en inglés).

✅ Consejos prácticos para defender los derechos de su hijo y comunicarse y colaborar con el equipo escolar.

✅ Organizaciones y recursos útiles para obtener orientación y apoyo adicional.

💡 ¡EL CONOCIMIENTO ES PODER!

¡No necesita ser un experto en educación especial para defender eficazmente los derechos de su hijo! Conocer sus derechos, saber qué preguntas hacer y familiarizarse con las leyes y directrices que influyen en su educación puede marcar una gran diferencia.

Esperamos que esta guía ayude a las familias a participar en las reuniones del IEP con mayor conocimiento, confianza y una voz más fuerte en las decisiones que afectan la educación de sus hijos.

📖 ¡Guárdela, compártala y llévela a su próxima reunión del IEP!

💙 Porque todos los niños merecen la oportunidad de aprender, crecer, participar, sentirse incluidos y alcanzar el éxito.

¡Juntos podemos construir una comunidad de educación especial más informada, conectada y empoderada!

Aviso importante: Esta guía es un recurso resumido y fácil de entender para las familias, elaborado por BFCSEPTA utilizando las recomendaciones y orientaciones de OSPI. No es una publicación oficial de OSPI ni sustituye el asesoramiento legal. Se recomienda a las familias consultar la guía original de OSPI para obtener información adicional.

10/13/2026

Introducing the IEP Meeting Toolkit!

A special thank you to Joanna Perez, our BFCSEPTA Inclusion and Resource Chair, for creating this wonderful resource to help families better understand and navigate the IEP process!

The Benton-Franklin Counties Special Education PTA (BFCSEPTA) is excited to share our IEP Meeting Toolkit, available in both English and Spanish!

This parent-friendly toolkit is a condensed version of the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)'s Comprehensive Inclusive Education in Washington guide, with added advocacy tips, practical questions, and helpful resources to support families navigating special education.

Our goal is simple: Help parents and caregivers feel informed, prepared, and empowered to advocate for their child's educational needs.

✨ WHAT'S INSIDE?

✅ Understanding the IEP process and your role as a parent
✅ Important special education rights and legal protections
✅ Questions to ask during IEP meetings
✅ Understanding inclusion and the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)
✅ Practical advocacy tips for communicating and collaborating with school teams
✅ Helpful organizations and resources for additional guidance and support

💡 KNOWLEDGE IS POWER!

You don't have to be a special education expert to be an effective advocate! Understanding your child's rights, knowing what questions to ask, and becoming familiar with the laws and guidelines that shape their education can make a meaningful difference.

Our hope is that this toolkit helps families come to the IEP table with knowledge, confidence, and a stronger voice in decisions affecting their child's education.

📖 Save it, share it, and bring it to your next IEP meeting!

💙 Because every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, participate, belong, and succeed.

Together, we can build a more informed, connected, and empowered special education community!

Disclaimer: This toolkit is a condensed, parent-friendly resource developed by BFCSEPTA using guidance from OSPI. It is not an official OSPI publication or a substitute for legal advice. Families are encouraged to consult the original OSPI guide for additional information.

10/13/2026

https://zoom.us/meeting/register/9oDBVA3yT-mJjVLBgrcQlw

10/13/2026

Our 2026-2027 BFCSEPTA Annual Calendar is Here!

We're excited to share another year of free educational workshops, inclusive community events, and opportunities to connect.

The Benton-Franklin Counties Special Education PTA (BFCSEPTA) welcomes families of all ages and abilities. Whether you're looking for resources, support, opportunities to learn, or simply a chance to have fun and connect with other families, we hope you'll join us!

Check out our annual calendar and save the dates.

We look forward to seeing you throughout the 2026-2027 school year!

Questions email: [email protected]

10/04/2026

Sharing this resource!

Something we've been working on for a long time is finally here. 🎉

We built the CAA Caregiver & Family Resource Hub on our website 💻, a plain-language guide to disability services in the Tri-Cities. Whether you're just starting to navigate the system or looking for something specific, it's all in one place.

DDA and DVR explained. Local organizations. Housing help. Crisis resources. Downloadable guides. 90+ pages of real, usable information built for families like yours.

🔗 columbiaabilityalliance.com/resources

09/24/2026

Sharing! Virtual & FREE

Register today to save your spot! https://ow.ly/IZfI50ZPQXx

“What Benjamin Banneker Can Teach Us About Potential, Belonging, and Brilliance"
Thursday, October 8 from 6:00 - 7:00 pm

What happens when we see possibility instead of limitation? Join us for the first HRS Speaker Series event of the year with Monique Harrison, Ed.S., President of the Benjamin Banneker Association, author, and nationally recognized education leader.

"What Benjamin Banneker Can Teach Us About Potential, Belonging, and Brilliance"
Thursday, October 8 from 6:00 - 7:00 pm
Virtual & FREE

Through the remarkable story of Benjamin Banneker, Dr. Harrison will explore how identity, belonging, and expectations can shape a student’s confidence and achievement, and how families and educators can help learners recognize their strengths, challenge limiting narratives, and see what is possible. Participants will leave with practical strategies for nurturing confidence, curiosity, belonging, and brilliance in every learner, including students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences.

Whether you’re a parent, educator, or someone who cares about helping students thrive, we hope you’ll join us.

Discover. Learn. Connect. Register today to save your spot! https://ow.ly/IZfI50ZPQXx