Special Education Legal Fund

06/05/2026

Are you a professional, school, or provider serving families with special education needs in Connecticut or Westchester County, NY? Join the S.E.L.F. Resource Guide and get in front of the parents and caregivers who are looking for you. From schools and therapists to agencies and nonprofits — this is where families turn for support.
📌 Deadline to join: June 30
https://form.jotform.com/spedlegalfund/online-resource-guide

05/19/2026

Save the date! S.E.L.F.'s Gala will be on Saturday, November 14, 2026 at Innis Arden Golf Club in Old Greenwich, CT.
https://SELF2026Gala.givesmart.com

05/14/2026

The Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center (CPAC) would like to clear up some recent misinformation about our organization. CPAC is not closing or going away. We remain strong and committed to supporting Connecticut families whose children and youth need special education services.

We encourage families to contact us anytime:

Phone: 860-739-3089
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.cpacinc.org

Thank you for your continued trust and support.

05/08/2026

On May 5, 2026, S.E.L.F. Executive Director Stephanie Bilenker had the opportunity to visit Saint Catherine Academy, a state-approved private special education school in Fairfield, and learned more about its dedicated staff and innovative, student-centered programs. (The hydroponic garden was especially fun to see.) Thank you to Lisa Lanni, Director of Education, and Laura Grozier, Executive Director, for welcoming us and sharing the important work you do to help students build confidence and success both in and out of the classroom.

05/08/2026

This past weekend at the annual Family Brunch, Chapel Haven Schleifer Center presented Special Education Legal Fund with their Community Partner Award.

We are deeply grateful to the community at Chapel Haven, including President Mike Storz, as well as Christy Chandler and Catherine Sullivan DeCarlo, for this recognition. We are also incredibly thankful for and blessed by Chapel Haven’s friendship, support, and partnership over the past eight years. Our Corporate Sponsorship Program, which has grown over the past five years to include ten deeply supportive and collaborative partners, owes a debt of gratitude to Catherine DeCarlo for its creation.

Thank you Chapel Haven Schleifer Center, Inc.

Chapel Haven Schleifer Center in New Haven, CT offers specialized Asperger treatment and educational programs for individuals with autism and Asperger’s Syndrome.

05/07/2026

Thank you to those who attended, and a huge thank you to our panelists last night for the final S.E.L.F. webinar of the 2025-2026 school year. Attorney Naomi Nova, Advocate Diane Willcutts, Dr. David Porrino and Dr. Elizabeth Hannaway all provided guidance and insight to this popular topic. For those who missed it, the recording is attached below. The S.E.L.F. Webinar series will return in September to bring you more great content!
https://vimeo.com/spedlegalfund/bestdistrict?share=copy

05/06/2026

RECORDING AVAILABLE WITH FREE REGISTRATION! Can't make tonight's webinar? No problem- we will send you the recording with your Evenbrite registration. Tonight, May 6th at 7 PM join us for this informative webinar or watch the recording at your convenience. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1983131716348?aff=oddtdtcreator

05/04/2026

As seen in the latest New Canaan and Darien Magazine, and Stamford Magazine, S.E.L.F., in partnership with SEEK CT, held its annual resource fair on March 28, 2026. This popular in-person event enabled parents and caregivers to network with 50+ vendors and learn about services in local communities, as well as experience two expert panel discussions. Thank you to all attendees, panelists, vendors, SEEK CT, and to the Stamford J.C.C for once again hosting this event. We were happy to be joined by many of our corporate sponsors, including Villa Maria School, Sasco River Center, Fusion Academy, Chapel Haven Schliefer Center, The Pinnacle School, Spire School, Eagle Hill School, and Winston Preparatory School.
.pinnacle.school JCC

04/29/2026

Parents frequently ask on social media about the "Best" school district, contemplating moving within the district, or from their current town or state. There is no good answer, but many factors to consider. Join S.E.L.F Staff Attorney Laura Sullivan as moderator of this expert panel as they discuss how to assess your child's needs, questions to ask and resources to consult. Registration free with Eventbrite.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1983131716348?aff=oddtdtcreator

04/23/2026

Thank you to everyone who attended last night's webinar "Let's Talk Summer". A special thank you to our panelists, Jordan Yannotti from , Megan Colvin from , Bill DeHaven from , Justin Brooks from , and Amanda Sylvester from . For those of you who missed it, the recording is linked here: https://vimeo.com/spedlegalfund/summerprograms?share=copy