Local Nonprofits To Hold Resource Fair With Expert Panels, 50-Plus Exhibitors

STAMFORD, CT — Special Education Legal Fund (S.E.L.F.) and SEEK CT (Special Education Equity for Kids of Connecticut) will host the 2026 SEEK/S.E.L.F. Resource Fair on Saturday, March 28, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Stamford JCC.

The free, community-wide event will bring together more than 50 schools, therapeutic providers, advocates and nonprofit organizations supporting children with learning differences and special education needs across Connecticut and beyond.

Organizers said the event is intended to provide families navigating the special education system with access to information, resources and connections in one place. Advance registration is available at this link.

In addition to an exhibitor hall, the event will include two panel discussions led by attorneys, advocates and school leaders.

A 2:30 p.m. panel titled "Hiring an Attorney or Advocate" will focus on when and how to seek legal or advocacy support, what to expect during the process, and how to build an effective team.

Panelists include Attorney Dana Jonson (Law Offices of Dana Jonson), Advocate Diane Willcutts (Education Advocacy), Lara Damashek (CSE Representative, The Windward School), and Bill DeHaven (Head of School, Villa Maria School). The panel will be moderated by Laura Sullivan (S.E.L.F.).

A 3:30 p.m. panel titled "Finding the Right School" will address evaluating educational placements, admissions considerations, and identifying programs aligned with a child’s learning profile.

Panelists include Attorney Meredith Braxton (Meredith Braxton Law), Advocate Virginia Blum (Advocacy Office of Virginia Blum), Kara Ashley (Admissions Director, Eagle Hill School), and Beth Sugerman (Chief Enrollment Officer, Winston Preparatory School). Sullivan will moderate.

Since its founding, S.E.L.F. has provided grants and free educational programming to support families who lack financial resources to secure legal or advocacy assistance within the special education system.

"Families navigating special education often feel overwhelmed and isolated," said Laura Sullivan, staff attorney at S.E.L.F., in a news release. "This Resource Fair is about empowerment. It’s about giving parents real information, real access, and real relationships so they can advocate confidently and ensure their children receive the education they are entitled to. When families are informed, systems work better."

SEEK CT, a nonprofit coalition of parents, advocates and attorneys, works to secure equitable educational access for students with disabilities across Connecticut.

"Access to information is equity," said Naomi Nova, vice president and conference chair of SEEK CT, in a news release. "By bringing together legal experts, school leaders, advocates, and service providers in one space, we are creating a powerful ecosystem of support. This event reflects our shared commitment to protecting the civil and educational rights of students with disabilities and strengthening outcomes for families across our state."