The Federation is a center for parents and parent organizations to work together on behalf of children with special needs and their families. We can help! Organized in 1975 as a coalition of parent groups representing children with a variety of disabilities, the Federation operates a Parent Center in Massachusetts which offers a variety of services to parents, parent groups, and others who are concerned with children with special needs.
What's New
Dr. William Henderson is Saluted Upon His Retirement
 Dr. William Henderson, Federation Board member and retiring Principal of the O'Hearn School in Boston, received a fitting tribute upon his retirement. The O'Hearn School has been renamed the Dr. William W. Henderson Inclusion Elementary School.
- Boston Globe Article
- WBZ-TV Video
- APPLE Project Brief. (PDF) This report discusses the experiences of Massachusetts’ school districts that participated in the Advancing Parent/Professional Leadership in Education (APPLE) Institutes over the past four years. Research surveys and interviews with parents of children with IEP’s were used to develop a list of strategies for creating and running successful parent advisory committees for special education programs.
- Learn about Family-Centered Care and Family/Health Provider Partnerships. Download the new Family-Centered Care Self-Assessment tools and participate in a short survey.
- Technical Assistance Advisory (SPED 2009-2) from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education regarding the Observation of Education Programs by Parents and Their Designees for Evaluation Purposes.
- The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has issued a new Special Education advisory concerning Services for Young Children with
Disabilities, Ages Five and Six, in Preschool Program.
- Accessible Textbooks: A Guide for Parents of Children with Learning Disabilities...
- Legal Planning for Special Needs In Massachusetts: A Family Guide to SSI, Guardianship, and Estate Planning...
- Parent Consultant Trainings- Become an advocate. Read more about the course schedule and application process.
- IDEA resource materials from NICHCY...
- IDEA website from the US Department of Education. Building the Legacy: IDEA 2004...
- Questions about SSDI and SSI? The 2006 Red Book serves as reference for the employment-related provisions of Social Security Disability Insurance and the Supplemental Security Income Programs. It is a resource for educators, advocates, rehabilitation professionals, and counselors who serve people with disabilities...
- IDEA Information Page...
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This article from Newsline is full of tips for helping your teen find a summer job. (PDF)
On May 1, 2009 the Federation celebrated 35 years of informing, educating and empowering families. View a photo recap of the celebration...
Download our Parent's Guide to Selecting an Advocate (PDF)
Rhea Tavares' connection with Tim from Slovenia is profiled on NBC Nightly News.
Executive Director Rich Robison discusses special education on WBUR.
