Resources

Brookline SEPAC is NOT affiliated with or sponsored by any of the third-party programs or agencies listed below, and makes NO guarantees, warranties, or representations regarding the information provided below. Please email info@brooklinesepac.org if you have items to add or comments on programs listed.  

SEPAC

• Brookline SEPAC By-Laws

• State Guidance for SEPAC

Public Schools of Brookline (PSB)

• Special Education Programs

• Special Education Child Find Notice

Town of Brookline

• Brookline Police Departmen

  • Youth Resource Officers 

    • Officer Katie and Bear!

  • Youth Summer Program

  • BPD Crisis Response Special Consideration Form JUV F2026

MA State-Level Resources

• Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)

  • • Special Education Parent Guides

    • IEP Process, Forms, and Notices

    • IEP form, revised 11/18/2024, translated versions in Albanian, Arabic, Cape Verdean, Chinese, French, Haitian Creole, Hmong, Japanes, Khmer, Korean, Laotian, Portuguese, Russian, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese

• Special Education Mediation at the Bureau of Special Education Appeals (BSEA)

  • • Mediation and Facilitation Informational Sessions via Zoom 

• The Insurance Resource Center for Autism and Behavioral Health

• MassHealth CommonHealth

• MassHealth Premium Assistance

• Department of Developmental Services

Community Resources

General interest programs and services available in Brookline or recommended by Brookline SEPAC members. Please email info@brooklinesepac.org if you have items to add or comments on programs listed.  

• The Brookline Center for Community Mental Health provides affordable mental health care and social services that help people and families lead healthier, safer lives

• New Balance Foundation Adaptive Sports Program at Franciscan Children's Hospital offers various adaptive programs in track, soccer, basketball, dance, ice skating, swimming, and many others for children aged 2-22.  See link above to sign up for mailing list, register for a program, or get in touch with Director Paul Ward. 

• Adaptive Climbing Group

• Adaptive Dance @ Boston Ballet

• Berklee Institute for Accessible Arts Education

• JCC Greater Boston Adaptive and Inclusive Programs

• Lovelane Special Needs Horseback Riding Program

• Adaptive Skiing at Wachusett

• Adaptive Skiing at Nashoba Valley

• List of Summer Camps that attended Brookline SEPAC's January 2025 Summer Camp Fair 

• List of Local Service Providers for PT, OT, Speech, Social Skills and Others

  • Boston PEERS Social Skills Program, Brookline

  • OTA The Koomar Center, Newton

  • Wellesley Pediatric Occupational Therapy (and Speech Therapy)

  • The Ely Center, Needham

  • Boston Ability Center, Wellesley

  • Zebra Speech, Brookline

  • Kids Get Social, Cambridge

  • The Lark Center, Norwood

  • Academy of Physical and Social Development, Newton

  • Engaging Minds Executive Function Coaching, Newton

  • YourTrueSelf Occupational Therapy, Newton/Needham

• Aspire @ MGH

• Center for Parent Information and Resources - a central “Hub” of information and products created for the network of Parent Centers serving families of children with disabilities

• Discovery Museum, Especially for Me, Acton

• Boston Children's Museum Morningstar Access

• Autism Eats

• Wings for Autism

Transition and Adult Services

Programs and services targeted to 14yr+ students and adults recommended by Brookline SEPAC members. Please email info@brooklinesepac.org if you have items to add or comments on programs listed. 

• Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act - (WIOA) P.L. 113-128, 2014 mandates services for youth and young adults (ages 14-24) with disabilities, including those with psychiatric disabilities or serious mental health conditions, to help them prepare for, obtain and pursue careers in integrated settings that offer competitive salaries and benefits. This tip sheet provides information that parents can use to advocate for and educate themselves about WIOA services that are available to youth and young adults living with serious mental health conditions.

• Federation for Children with Special Needs Youth & Young Adults

• Mass Vocational Rehabilitation - The Vocational Rehabilitation Program helps job seekers with disabilities obtain and maintain a job. Vocational rehabilitation helps people with physical, cognitive, intellectual or mental health conditions manage the modern workplace.

• College for Students with Disabilities - a guide to help students with disabilities and their parents better understand their rights and responsibilities in regard to a postsecondary education. You will also find useful tips and information for locating the college or university program that best suits your needs.

• Paying for College for People with Disabilities​ - a guide to programs designed to assist people with disabilities pay for college.

Legal Resources

• Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)

  • • Complaints and Compliance

    • Problem Resolution System (PRS)

  • PRS Complaint Process​

  • PRS Intake Form

    • Laws and Regulations

• Massachusetts IEP Timelines

• Federation for Children with Special Needs

• Office of Civil Rights

• Disability Law Center

• Massachusetts Advocates for Children - Special Education