How to Assess the “Best” School District for Your Special Needs Child

Special Education Legal Fund (S.E.L.F.) will host a free educational webinar, How to Assess the “Best” School District for Your Special Needs Child, on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, from 7:00–8:00 PM.

Designed for parents and caregivers navigating complex educational decisions, this timely discussion will focus on the key factors families should consider when evaluating school districts for children with special needs moving beyond rankings and reputation to what truly drives student success.

The webinar will be moderated by Laura Sullivan, S.E.L.F. Staff Attorney, and will feature a distinguished panel of experts, including:

• Attorney Naomi Nova (Braxton Law)
• Dr. Elizabeth Hannaway (Assistant Superintendent of Special Services, Ridgefield Public Schools)
• Dr. David Porrino (Sasco River Center)
• Advocate Diane Willcutts (Education Advocacy)

Together, the panelists will offer practical, real-world insight into how families can assess whether a district is equipped to meet their child’s unique academic, social, and emotional needs. Topics will include understanding district resources and services, evaluating support systems, and recognizing that the “best” school district is not a one-size-fits-all determination.“

Choosing the right school district for a child with special needs is deeply personal and often complex,” said Laura Sullivan. “This conversation is about helping families look beyond surface-level indicators and feel more confident in identifying environments where their child can truly thrive.”

The program is sponsored by Villa Maria School, a leader in specialized education.The webinar is free and open to the public, with advance registration required via Eventbrite: https://bit.ly/SELFBestFitDistrict

About Special Education Legal Fund (S.E.L.F.)
The Special Education Legal Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing legal advocacy grants and educational resources to families of children with disabilities. S.E.L.F. works to promote equitable access to special education services and empower families with the knowledge and tools they need to support their children’s success.

For more information, visit https://spedlegalfund.org
or contact: Laura Sullivan at laura@spedlegalfund.org