Jana Parker’s journey into education advocacy began in 2017 after her eldest son faced a mental health crisis while attending school in Seattle.
This personal experience illuminated the complexities of the U.S. education system as Parker struggled to obtain the necessary support for her son.
As a medical professional, immigrant, and someone living with disabilities, Parker saw firsthand how challenging it can be for families navigating this landscape.
She recalls, “I felt like it would be meaningful to help others and share the knowledge I’ve gained.”
Parker now serves as the president of the Seattle Special Education Parent Teacher Student Association (SSEPTSA), a nonprofit organization committed to advocating for students with disabilities in Seattle Public Schools.
Upon discovering the organization, Parker became motivated to volunteer, realizing that many parents were experiencing similar challenges.
This motivated her to serve as a board member, further committing to the cause.
So, what exactly does the Seattle Special Education PTSA do?
As part of the Washington State Parent Teacher Association (WSPTA), SSEPTSA operates entirely on a volunteer basis, relying on donations to fuel its initiatives.
The organization supports all students with disabilities, regardless of whether they are formally recognized by the school district.
According to Parker, their mission includes advocating for individual students and systemic reform, as well as assisting families in navigating the often overwhelming education system.
“Educating the community, helping families know their rights, and advocating for their students are essential for making informed decisions, but without the knowledge or the help of an education advocate, navigating special education laws and policies can feel impossible,” Parker explains.
She emphasizes that many families, particularly immigrants, are largely unaware of crucial laws like the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) until a child requires support.
The SSEPTSA seeks to fill in these knowledge gaps by empowering families and amplifying the voices of students who may struggle to advocate for themselves.
But advocacy is not just about individual support.
Parker outlines the organization’s commitment to systemic change.
While the IDEA guarantees a free and appropriate public education for children with disabilities, its implementation is often flawed due to underfunding and outdated policies.
SSEPTSA works with various organizations, including The Arc of King County and Disability Rights Washington, to address these shortcomings and push for necessary reforms at both the district and state levels.
Furthermore, Parker stresses the importance of collaboration with educators, noting that teachers can be powerful allies in advocating for their students.
The SSEPTSA also provides a wealth of resources for families through events tailored to foster connections and share critical information.
One major resource is the Guide to Special Education, which outlines key insights for families.
The organization hosts free, ASL-assisted informational events to ensure accessibility.
An annual event known as Soft Landing invites families new to the district to ask questions and learn about Seattle’s special education system.
Additionally, Sip & Chats allow families to convene, share experiences, and celebrate their children’s accomplishments.
The SSEPTSA also organizes an annual legislative advocacy workshop in collaboration with The Arc of King County, aiming to inform families about the legislative processes that impact their children’s education.
Monthly general membership meetings, open to all, feature guest speakers and experts on various topics related to special education.
Families and educators alike consistently report the value of these sessions in providing critical knowledge and support.
Legislative advocacy remains a pivotal focus for SSEPTSA.
The organization is actively involved in efforts to remove the cap on the number of children with disabilities receiving state funding for education.
Their advocacy extends to ensuring appropriate identification of disabilities, equitable access to educational resources, and addressing the growing mental health crisis among students.
Parker emphasizes the importance of equitable family engagement in these efforts.
What does Parker want parents to know about this journey?
Disability does not exist in a vacuum.
The struggles students face are often compounded by intersecting identities such as race, immigration status, language, and socioeconomic factors.
Students of color, immigrant families, and multilingual learners frequently encounter systemic discrimination, which limits their educational opportunities.
Parker insists that addressing these disparities requires more than just policy changes; it calls for a unified effort to dismantle ableism and other forms of oppression within educational settings.
For those looking to learn more about the Seattle Special Education PTSA, resources are available at seattlespecialeducationptsa.org or through the email [email protected].
This information clearly outlines the organization’s work and underscores the importance of community engagement in advocating for equitable education for all students.
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