Resources for Families
Find information, trainings, and organizations that can help you navigate special education in Wellesley and across Massachusetts. These resources are for parents and caregivers supporting students with IEPs, 504 plans, and other support services.
Start Here: Know Your Special Education Rights
Each year, Wellesley SEPAC and Wellesley Public Schools co-host a Basic Rights: Understanding the IEP presentation. This workshop explains special education laws, the evaluation process, IEP development, and how families can effectively participate in meetings. On March 16, 2026, WPS Office of Student Services led an advanced workshop building on the basic rights presentation entitled: Understanding the IEP Process.
If you missed the most recent session or want to review the material, you can download the presentation slides and access additional virtual trainings from the Federation for Children with Special Needs (FCSN).
These materials are for general information only and are not legal advice. For legal questions, please consult an attorney or advocate.
Updated Resource Guide
Members often write to the Wellesley SEPAC asking for referrals for a variety of private services. To help families connect with providers and supports recommended by fellow community members, we periodically survey our membership and compile the responses into our Resource Guide.
Thank you to everyone who responded, and a special thank you to Gena Peditto for coordinating the survey and compiling the information shared by our members.
We are pleased to share the updated 2025–2026 Resource Guide. The Guide includes providers and resources that have been specifically recommended by Wellesley SEPAC members. To maintain the integrity of the resource list, we do not accept self-referrals or paid listings from providers. Inclusion in the Guide reflects member feedback and experiences only and should not be considered an endorsement by Wellesley SEPAC.
Explore Resources by Topic
IEP & 504 Tools
Guides and templates to help you understand, organize, and respond to your child's IEP or 504 plan, including sample partial rejection letters.
Bullying Prevention
Information on how bullying can affect students with disabilities, protections under Massachusetts law, and steps you can take if your child is being bullied.
Basic Rights & Trainings
Annual Basic Rights: Understanding the IEP presentation and ongoing virtual trainings from the Federation for Children with Special Needs (FCSN) and MassPAC.
Wellesley Public Schools & Data
Links to WPS special education information, SEPAC's "WPS by the Numbers" data, and state report cards that show how Wellesley is serving students with disabilities.
Organizations & Supports
Statewide and local organizations that offer training, advocacy, and support to families of students with disabilities
Workshop Slides & Handouts
Slides, handouts, and recordings (when available) from Wellesley SEPAC and WPS workshops on topics like executive functioning, transition planning, and more.
Need Help Finding the Right Resource?
Every family's situation is different. If you're not sure which resources fit your child's needs, SEPAC volunteers can help you get started and connect you with information and organizations that may be helpful.