"The number of students with disabilities spending some of their school day in general education classrooms steadily increased over the past decade..." Read more: https://www.k12dive.com/news/more-students-with-disabilities-learning-in-general-education-classrooms-GAO/824369/

"Future educators will be paid and receive hands-on classroom experience working under an experienced teacher while completing the necessary classroom coursework..." Read to find out more about the program: https://www.wpr.org/news/national-teacher-apprenticeship-program-coming-wisconsin

In a recent episode of Rewriting the Narrative, host Ben Tillotson spoke with Rebecca Saunders, CEC’s Teacher of the Year, about her 23-year career as an intervention specialist. https://exceptionalchildren.org/blog/driven-innovate-through-community-teacher-years-reflections

CEC is seeking two Program Co-Chairs for the 2028 & 2029 CEC Convention & Expo to lead the Convention Program Advisory Committee. This is your chance to play a pivotal role in shaping CEC’s annual convention. Apply today: https://cecconvention.org/2028-2029-convention-program-co-chairs-application

"...why it is so hard for people with disabilities to access it[?]" Read more about how music can help those with disabilities and the barriers to access: https://www.the74million.org/article/harnessing-the-power-of-music-for-students-with-disabilities/

Looking for professional development that's focused, practical, and built for today's educators? At UnifiED, you'll choose one of four dedicated learning strands and spend the conference diving deep into the topics that matter most to your work. https://exceptionalchildren.org/events/unified-2026

"For many people, braille is something they encounter only on elevator buttons or public signs. Others assume advances in audiobooks and screen readers have largely replaced the need for braille." Find out more: https://ow.ly/xoNu50Zijob

Join CEC and Let's Go Learn to learn all about CEC's Teacher Empowerment Toolkit. TET is a powerful new member benefit designed to help educators save time, reduce stress, strengthen compliance, and focus on what matters most: supporting students. https://info.letsgolearn.com/discover-cec-tet

How well do you know AI? CEC and CIDDL's Quick Takes series on Artificial Intelligence will equip you with the information and tools you need to support every learner’s success. Register today: https://learn.exceptionalchildren.org/quick-takes-artificial-intelligence

On the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, we take a moment to reflect on the ideals that founded the United States: liberty, freedom, and justice for all. We hope you stay safe, hydrated, and cool as you celebrate this year!

Know an outstanding special education professional who deserves the spotlight? Submit your nomination for one of CEC's Professional Awards by September 30 and help us honor excellence in the field at CEC's 2027 Convention! Learn more and submit your nominations now: https://ow.ly/OLYG50Ziewu

In a recent episode of Rewriting the Narrative, Dr. Idakwo-Ada, member support officer for CEC’s DISES, shared insights drawn from nearly two decades of work across the world. https://exceptionalchildren.org/blog/access-equity-advancing-inclusive-education-across-global-contexts

In the latest episode of CEC's podcast, Ben Tillotson is joined by Megan-Brette Hamilton, PhD, CCC-SLP, to explore the distinction between language differences and communication disorders. https://exceptionalchildren.podbean.com/e/beyond-deficits-why-dialect-awareness-matters-in-special-education/

"Assistive Technology in New Hampshire (ATinNH) is expanding its efforts to improve access to assistive technology across the state..." Read more to find out all that the program encompasses: https://www.unh.edu/news/building-accessibility-through-collaboration

Check out our blog post on the history of Disability Pride Month and ways to observe: https://ow.ly/91Q550ZhJtF Learn more about the Disability Rights Movement with PBS: https://ow.ly/Hk0u50ZhJtG

Meet CEC's Partner of the Month: the University of North Texas's Special Education program! UNT's program, led by nationally recognized faculty, emphasizes evidence-based instructional practices, behavioral management, and collaborative strategies. https://coe.unt.edu/special-education.html

Join us on Wednesday, July 15 for a webinar on Behavior Intervention Plans that will explore what's actually required by law, where districts commonly fall short, and more. Find out more and register now: https://learn.exceptionalchildren.org/p/BIPsInPractice

Don't miss out on your chance to join hundreds of passionate advocates for the Special Education Legislative Summit! Learn about the issues impacting the field, connect with your elected representatives, and champion the future of special education. https://specialeducationlegislativesummit.org/

Find out more about DeafBlind Awareness Week from the Helen Keller National Center for DeafBlind Youths and Adults (HKNC): https://www.helenkeller.org/dbaw2026/ Explore CEC's resources: https://exceptionalchildren.org/taxonomy/term/74

Funding is expiring soon—don't miss the opportunity to set up your staff for success! CEC can create a custom package to help your school, district, or state meet its goals and promote student success. https://exceptionalchildren.org/about-us/partner-opportunities/make-every-dollar-count-june-30

"The study makes recommendations for other districts wanting to go this route..." Read more to find out what the recommendations are: https://www.k12dive.com/news/is-sustained-bilingual-education-best-for-english-learner-achievement/823659/

A new fact sheet from the Learning Policy Institute explores the impacts of early childhood education and the importance of recruiting and retaining educators in this area. Read the full fact sheet: https://learningpolicyinstitute.org/product/preparing-supporting-early-childhood-educators-factsheet

34 Senators are demanding OCR stop mass-dismissing disability complaints. CEC President Ben Tillotson's take on rewriting the special ed narrative hits different right now. youtu.be/scbuSNnMBTA #SpecialEducation #IDEA #CECTV @cecmembership.bsky.social

Encouraging people to call their representatives today so we can advocate for kids with disabilities and their families!

TODAY: Stand up for special education and call your Congressional representatives!

Recognize the outstanding student in your life and submit a nomination for the Yes I Can Awards! CEC has recognized outstanding youth in six categories with the Yes I Can awards for over 45 years. Submit your nomination: https://exceptionalchildren.org/awards/yes-i-can-awards-cec-national

"Soon, half of all American schoolkids will be able to apply for state money to finance a private education, and many states will offer the scholarships even to families with high incomes." Read more to find out how this could affect students with disabilities: https://ow.ly/GwYu50ZfU0a

Will we see you at UnifiED? This new event features four dedicated learning strands. Attendees will engage in one strand throughout the conference to enhance collaboration, continuity, and practical application. Register today: https://exceptionalchildren.org/events/unified-2026

CEC is joining advocates from across the country on Thursday for a national call-in day in support of people served by IDEA, their parents, professionals, and other concerned stakeholders. For more information, please visit: https://exceptionalchildren.org/events/national-idea-call-day

CEC joins nearly 600 disability, civil rights, and education organizations in opposing the Administration's efforts to transfer OSERS to HHS and OCR to DOJ. Read more: https://exceptionalchildren.org/blog/broad-coalition-disability-civil-rights-and-education-organizations-denounces-eds-latest

Join CEC's Kuna Tavalin as she discusses the most recent changes to the Department of Education and the Inter-Agency Agreement to transfer the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS). Register now: https://learn.exceptionalchildren.org/p/WHIW_June2026

Transition services are essential to helping youth with disabilities. The NCTS credential unlocks a community of professionals committed to elevating this important work. https://exceptionalchildren.org/blog/elevating-transition-services-introducing-nationally-certified-transition-specialist-ncts

CEC is more than a membership—it’s a movement. As educators, leaders, and advocates, we’re facing challenges. The best way forward is together: learning from each other and lifting each other up. https://exceptionalchildren.org/blog/what-you-gain-when-you-join-professional-association-cec-advantage

CEC is proud to recognize the recipients of the inaugural Special Education Legislative Summit Scholarship Program. SELS scholarships support educators committed to advancing special education policy and practice. https://exceptionalchildren.org/blog/announcement-sels-2026-scholarship-recipients

CEC offers flexible professional learning, memberships, and customized solutions designed to help schools, districts, states, and universities make a lasting impact with remaining funding. https://exceptionalchildren.org/about-us/partner-opportunities/make-every-dollar-count-june-30

Explore our resources for Functional Behavioral Assessments, including blogs, journals, webinars, books, and more: https://exceptionalchildren.org/taxonomy/term/36

Have you listened to the latest episode of CEC's podcast? Dottie Vea, M.S., M.Ed., discusses the value of finding common ground with students and communities beyond the classroom and the importance of collaboration. https://exceptionalchildren.podbean.com/e/culture-identity-and-special-education/

The Administration has announced its plan to move special education from the Department of Education to HHS. At its core, IDEA is an education law, and moving special education programs to HHS deemphasizes its purpose. https://exceptionalchildren.org/lac?vvsrc=/Campaigns/121668/Respond

"When Helena Donato-Sapp received a 2024 Yes I Can Award from the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), the recognition came at a time when she needed encouragement most." Read more to discover Helena's accomplishments since receiving the Yes I Can Award: https://ow.ly/z2Hy50ZcmuF

Have you checked out our partner of the month, Ball State University? Ball State University offers online graduate programs in applied behavior analysis and special education with a focus in autism. Learn more: bsu.edu/online/MAABA

AI is becoming increasingly prevalent. Are you ready? CEC and CIDDL's Quick Takes series on Artificial Intelligence will equip you with the information and tools you need to support every learner’s success. Register today: https://learn.exceptionalchildren.org/quick-takes-artificial-intelligence

The Center for Educational Innovation is hosting a free, two-day virtual conference for teachers of K-2 and Grades 6-8 students with IEPs. This event will equip educators with tools and strategies for teaching literacy through visual arts and music. https://sites.google.com/ceimeridian.org/2026/home

Special education in the United States has evolved through decades of advocacy, innovation, and groundbreaking legislation. CEC's interactive timeline highlights key moments, figures, and advancements in the field. https://exceptionalchildren.org/blog/history-special-education-united-states

"The new initiative...enables certified teachers and recent graduates who have passed student teaching to earn their PK-12 special education add-on certification in just 15 months." Learn more about the program: https://ow.ly/lJ0V50ZaIbn

Explore our wide range of special education topics, including assessment, intervention, technology, and much more! Earn continuing education hours now: https://learn.exceptionalchildren.org/

Are you joining us in Milwaukee for UnifiED? This 1.5-day experience will bring education professionals together to learn practical strategies they can apply immediately in their classroom or district. Register today: https://exceptionalchildren.org/events/unified-2026

Great news: registration is now open for #CEC2027! Join thousands of educators and professionals in Columbus, Ohio, for a Convention packed with learning, sharing, growth, and connection. Register today: https://cecconvention.org/

Read more about potential issues that could be caused by restricting screen time in schools: https://www.edsurge.com/news/2026-05-19-amid-school-techlash-accessibility-advocates-worry-about-exclusion

CEC offers flexible professional learning, memberships, publications, conferences, and customized solutions designed to help make a lasting impact with remaining funding. Learn more: https://exceptionalchildren.org/about-us/partner-opportunities/make-every-dollar-count-june-30

Celebrate Pride Month by learning more about its history and the value of shared, inclusive language preferred by the community to which it refers: https://learn.exceptionalchildren.org/products/power-pride#tab-product_tab_overview