Office of Special Education Newsletters, Listservs & Office Hours

The Special Education Director of Record holds a current professional license with the Special Education Director endorsement and is the person responsible for signing and ensuring the accuracy of all financial and data reports submitted by the AU to the Department. We also require a district fiscal contact for SPED. If you need to be placed on the list or need to update your information, please complete the AU Director of Record & SPED Fiscal Contact form. For more information or questions, please email Suzy Shotts.

The Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) listserv communicates about upcoming training events, job postings or other items that might be of interest to school district, community partners, families and other stakeholders interested in autism.

To subscribe to the ASD listserv, email the ASD Team.

The Brain Injury listserv shares information and professional development opportunities for parents and professionals on brain development, brain injury and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)

To subscribe to the Brain Injury and FASD listserv:

1. Open a new email.
2. In the “To” field, type the email address TBI-subscribe-request@cdelist.cde.state.co.us and send the message.
3. You will receive a confirmation email. You will not be added until you respond to this email.
4. If there is trouble joining the Brain Injury listserv, email Jody Dickerson. 

The purpose of this Institutes of Higher Education Community of Practice (IHE CoP) is to facilitate connections, awareness, and access to information, learning opportunities, and resources that will improve the lives of students with disabilities and benefit the families, communities, and professionals who support them. Sharing of information is encouraged; however, it is at the discretion of the CDE what information will be posted. This service is chat-free and does not include advertisements from vendors or contract-based companies. To subscribe to the IHE CoP Listserv, please follow the directions below. 

To subscribe to the IHE CoP listserv:

1. Open a new email.
2. In the “To” field, type the email and send the message IHE-COP@CDELIST.CDE.STATE.CO.US
3. Once added, you will receive a confirmation email.
4. If you have a problem joining the Community of Practice listserv, email Michael Ramirez.

The CONNECT (Connect to Networking, News and Encouragement for Caring Teachers) listserv is a place for teachers and service providers working with students with significant support needs (e.g. physical disabilities, autism, multiple disabilities, etc.) to find information, encouragement and networking opportunities.

We know that many times those working with students with significant needs may be isolated and lack the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues or find the expertise they need in a timely and safe setting. This is a place to ask questions, have discussion and share ideas with those in the field that are having the same experiences.

To subscribe to the CONNECT listserv:

• Please complete the online listserv subscription request, CONNECT Listserv Subscription.
• Once you have been added, you will receive a confirmation email

The Colorado Educational Audiologists listserv shares information relevant to the role of Educational Audiologist, by providing information about upcoming events, and resources to share with families.

To subscribe to the CO Educational Audiologists listserv, add your information to distribution list. 

The Colorado Educational Interpreters listserv shares information relevant to the role of Educational Interpreters, by providing information about upcoming events, and resources to share with families.

To subscribe to the CO Educational Interpreters listserv, add your information to distribution list. 

The ESSU e-Newsletter is a monthly newsletter is sent to administrators, educators, and support staff of Colorado school districts. This e-newsletter features training opportunities, news and events. The ESSU e-newsletter is open to join, please complete the ESSU e-Newsletter Sign-Up form. For more information or questions about the ESSU Newsletter, please email Suzy Shotts.

The purpose of this Community of Practice is to facilitate connections, awareness, and access to information, learning opportunities, and resources that will improve the lives of students with disabilities and benefit the families, communities, and professionals who support them. Sharing of information is encouraged; however, it is at the discretion of the CDE what information will be posted. This service is chat-free and does not include advertisements from vendors or contract-based companies. To subscribe to the EDI CoP Listserv, please follow the directions below. 

To subscribe to the EDI CoP listserv:

1. Open a new email.
2. In the “To” field, type the email and send the message EDI-COP-subscribe-request@cdelist.cde.state.co.us
3. Once added, you will receive a confirmation email.
4. If you have a problem joining the EDI CoP, email Michael Ramirez.  

Disability focused agencies, advocates, and partners can access this platform for information, updates, events, and resource distribution fostering a connected and collaborative community to support individuals with disabilities. For more information or to inquire about approval to join the Interagency listserv, please email Katie Oliver.

The Multilingual Learners (ML) with Educational Disability listserv is for practitioners working with Multilingual Learners identified with or suspected of having educational disabilities.  For more information about the ML listserv or to inquire about approval to join this listserv, please email Hunter Smith. Or subscribe to the ML Listserv by sending an email to MLDB-subscribe-request@cdelist.cde.state.co.us. 

The Colorado Department of Education Occupational Therapy listserv supports school-based OTs by:

1. providing information and news regarding the profession;
2. announcing professional development and training opportunities; and,
3. posting school-based job openings.

There are no advertisements from vendors or contract-based companies. This service is also chat-free. Join the OT listserv by completing the online OT/OTA listserv subscription request.

The Colorado Department of Education Physical Therapy listserv supports school-based OTs by:

1. providing information and news regarding the profession;
2. announcing professional development and training opportunities; and,
3. posting school-based job openings.

There are no advertisements from vendors or contract-based companies. This service is also chat-free. Join today by completing the online PT/PTA listserv subscription request.

This School-Based Mental Health listserv is open to individuals interested in topics related to special education evaluation, school-based mental health, and associated areas. It is designed for professionals such as school psychologists, school social workers, school counselors, and eligible school-based therapists. 

For more information or to join the School-Based Mental Health Listserv, please email Krista Klabo.

The Secondary Transition has three listservs which shares resources.  The first listserv, TTL, provides training opportunities and information including current trends, research, and ongoing topics of interest related transition for transition coordinators, special education teachers, transition team leads, agency providers, parents etc. The second listserv, KTR, provides information and updates to special education directors and assistant directors. The third listserv, 18 to 21, provides updates and information to the 18 to 21 transition service providers. The purpose of these listservs is to facilitate connections, awareness, and access to information, learning opportunities, and resources that will better the lives of students in Secondary Transition and benefit the families, communities, and professionals who support them. Sharing of information is encouraged; however, it is at the discretion of the CDE what information will be posted. This service is chat-free and does not include advertisements from vendors or contract-based companies. To subscribe to any of the transition listservs, please follow the directions below. 

Transition Team Leads (TTL) Listserv

To subscribe to the TTL listserv:

1. Open a new email.
2. In the “To” field, type the email TTL-subscribe-request@cdelist.cde.state.co.us and send the message.
3. Once added, you will receive a confirmation email.
4. If there is a problem joining the TTL listserv, email Kacy Little Owl.

KTR Listserv

To subscribe to the KTR listserv:

1. Open a new email.
2. In the “To” field, type the email KTR-subscribe-request@cdelist.cde.state.co.us and send the message.
3. Once added, you will receive a confirmation email.
4. If there is a problem joining the KTR listserv, email Kacy Little Owl.

18 to 21 Listserv

To subscribe to the 18 to 21 listserv:

1. Open a new email.
2. In the “To” field, type the email 18-21-subscribe-request@cdelist.cde.state.co.us and send the message.
3. Once added, you will receive a confirmation email.
4. If there is a problem joining the 18 to 21 listserv, email Kacy Little Owl.

The Serious Emotional Disability (SED) listserv is a place for teachers and service providers working with students with significant emotional Disabilities to find information, encouragement and networking opportunities.

We know that many times those working with students with significant needs may be isolated and lack the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues or find the expertise they need in a timely and safe setting. This is a place to ask questions, have discussion and share ideas with those in the field that are having the same experiences. 

The SED Listserv is for any staff who work with Affective Needs, this could be SED Teachers, Mental Health staff, members of an MTSS PST. The topics are Social, Emotional and Behavioral covering information on Social Emotional Learning (SEL), Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBA), Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP), SED Individualized Education Program Eligibility, SED Quality Indicators etc.

To subscribe to the SED Listserv, email Krista Berkey.

For Special Education Teachers and Administrators to subscribe to this listserv, follow these instructions:

1. Open a new email.
2. In the “To” field, type the email SLD-subscribe-request@cdelist.cde.state.co.us and send the message.
3. Once added, you will receive a confirmation email.
4. If there is a problem joining the SLD listserv, email Lauren Gould. 

The Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) Listserv provides information pertinent to field educators working in speech-language pathology, including but not limited to SLPs, SLP assistants, and special education teachers.

To Join the Speech-Language Pathology Listserv: 

• Please complete the online listserv subscription request, SLP Listserv Subscription.
• Once you have been added, you will receive a confirmation email.

This group is for SLP team leads, coordinators, directors, and others who manage SLPs and SLPAs in their district or BOCES. It provides a space to email questions, share resources, and collaborate on solving challenging situations. 

To Join the Speech-Language Pathology Leadership Listserv: 

• Please complete the online listserv subscription request, SLP Leadership Listserv Subscription.
• Once you have been added, you will receive a confirmation email.

The Teachers of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing listserv provides access to all the latest offerings for assistive technology training and resources provided at a state level as well as a quarterly newsletter on Assistive Technology.

To subscribe the Teachers of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Listserv, add your information to distribution list. 

Colorado teachers of students with visual impairments (TVIs) and/or Orientation and Mobility (O&M) Specialists working at A Shared Vision, Anchor Center for Blind Children, and/or Colorado administrative units are eligible to be on this interactive listserv. For more information about approval to join the CO Teachers of Students with Blindness/Low Vision and Orientation and Mobility Specialists listserv, please email Tanni Anthony.

Colorado educators of students with blindness or visual impairment are invited to join the 2025-2026 Sound Bites Webinar Series.

The seven sessions will be hosted via Zoom from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM MST on the following dates:

• October 15, 2025: READ ACT: A Differentiated Pathway for Learners with Blindness/Low Vision
• November 13, 2025: Deep Dive into Digital Math Checklists
• December 2, 2025: Low Hanging Fruit of Access Technology
• January 12, 2026: Making Math Accessible with Morf
• February 11, 2026: Dispelling Myths when Choosing Braille Code Options for Math and Science
• March 11, 2026: Helping Students Manage Vision-Specific Stress So They Can Learn Better
• April 22, 2026: Low Vision Tests and Their Role
• May 6, 2026: What can you Learn From A Little Information?

This webinar series is only for Colorado personnel working with students with visual impairment, including blindness or Colorado families of children with visual impairment, including blindness.

Registration

Register for Sound Bites

Session Details

October 15, 2025: READ ACT: A Differentiated Pathway for Learners with Blindness/Low Vision

Presented by Dr. Tanni Anthony and Dr. Debbie Mendoza

Participants will:

1. Understand the Colorado READ Act screening tools and requirements.
2. Identify the categories of learners with blindness/low vision as they related to being screened by READ Act tools and other possible processes to determine their status as a child with or without a reading deficiency.
3. Describe and be able to implement the special considerations of a differentiated pathway specifically for some learners with blindness/low vision.

November 13, 2025: Deep Dive into Digital Math Checklists

Presented by Dr. Tina Herzberg and Sara Larkin–

1.5 CDE / ACVREP Clock Hours

Participants will:

1. Describe the components of the checklists.
2. List 3 ways they can use the checklists in their own practice.
3. Identify 3 resources they would like to explore after the session

December 2, 2025: Low Hanging Fruit of Access Technology

Presented by Dr. Ting Siu –

 1.5 CDE / ACVREP Clock Hours

Participants will:

1. learn at least 5 apps/tools for on-demand text-to-speech
2. learn at least 3 apps/tools for on-demand magnification
3. learn at least 5 differences between generic access technology and specialized assistive technology

January 14, 2026: Making Math Accessible with Morf

Presented by Dr. Anitha Muthukumaran and Dr. Hari Palani

 1.5 CDE / ACVREP Clock Hours

Participants will:

1. Identify common challenges that blind and low-vision learners face when engaging with mathematical content and examine how Morf-Math addresses these barriers.
2. Learn how to upload, convert, and customize STEM content into accessible formats, including Braille (UEB/Nemeth), tactile graphics, and audio-first representations.
3. Explore strategies for integrating Morf-Math into assessments, classroom instruction, and individualized education programs (IEPs) to improve learning outcomes for students with visual impairments.

February 11, 2026: Dispelling Myths when Choosing Braille Code Options for Math and Science

Presented by Dr. Frances Mary (FM) D’Andrea

1.5 CDE / ACVREP Clock Hours

Participants will:

1. Explain the purpose of the Pennsylvania braille guidance document and how they can access it.
2. Identify key differences and questions to consider for IEP development regarding UEB Math/Science and UEB with Nemeth.
3. Identify how to use this document and find related resources.

March 11, 2026: Helping Students Manage Vision-Specific Stress So They Can Learn Better

Presented by Erika Anderson Ko -

Participants will:

1. Describe the nervous system regulation process in broad strokes
2. Discuss how resilience is developed in children in the presence of stressors
3. Apply five strategies for either nervous system regulation and developing resilience

April 22, 2026: Low Vision Tests and Their Role

Presented by Dr. Kara Hanson

Participants will:

1. Know the basic tests performed and how they might impact visual function.

• Visual acuity at distance and near
• Refractive error
• Contrast sensitivity
• Confrontation visual field
• Extraocular muscle motility
• Accommodation
• Color Vision

May 6, 2026: What can you Learn From A Little Information?

Presented by Dr. David  Simpson

Participants will:

1. Understand typical features of the most common causes of visual impairment in children. 
2. Interpret visual acuity and how it can be applied to reading tasks.
3. Identify when a child may or may not use their glasses based on prescription information.

Join us every 4th Thursday from 8:30–9:30 AM, beginning October 23rd, for monthly Brain Injury Support Office Hours. These sessions are open to anyone interested in learning more, asking questions, or sharing insights related to brain injury support. Whether you're new to the topic or have experience to contribute, all are welcome to participate in this collaborative space.

Same Zoom link each month – no registration required. Just drop in and join the conversation.

Dates: 

• Oct 23, 2025
• January 22, 2025
• February 26, 2026
• March 26, 2026
• April 23, 2026
• May 28, 2026

Register for Brain Injury Support Meeting 

Join us this fall for a dynamic, practice-based Zoom training series led by Robert Frantum-Allen, designed for Colorado professionals supporting the language and literacy development of students who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Whether you attended Robert’s powerful summer session or are joining for the first time, this series will deepen your knowledge, strengthen your instructional skills, and provide actionable strategies to move from theory to meaningful impact!

Session 1: Assessment & Goal Writing

September 18, 2025 from 3:30–5:30 PM
Get clarity on how to assess students' literacy needs and craft meaningful, measurable goals.

Session 2: Instructional Strategies

October 16, 2025 from 3:30–5:30 PM
Discover effective, evidence-based approaches tailored to DHH learners.

Session 3: Progress Monitoring

November 13, 2025 from 3:30–5:30 PM
Learn how to track student growth and adjust instruction with purpose.

Come ready to collaborate, reflect, and elevate your practice!

Mark your calendar so you don’t miss this opportunity to build on the momentum from summer and continue transforming literacy outcomes for DHH students.

Register for Literacy and Language

Please join us for the 2025-2026 Mental Health Office Hours Series hosted by Bill Brown and presented by Dr. Tyler Anderson.  

The Mental Health Office Hours series will take a deep dive into the world of clinical mental health diagnosis and clinical mental health services and treatment approaches. The discussion will focus on how the presented clinical mental health information can be adapted and used appropriately within schools to better meet the needs of students with significant mental health needs. Each session will have a 30-minute presentation and a 30-minute question and answer period.

Dates & Topics

The Mental Health office hours will be held from 8:00 - 9:00 AM on the Tuesday dates:

• October 14, 2025: Neurodevelopment Disorders Part 1
• November 18, 2025: Neurodevelopment Disorders Part 2
• December 16, 2025: Schizophrenia Spectrum and other psychotic disorders
• February 10, 2026: Bipolar and Related Disorders (Pre-Adolescent Bipolar Disorder)
• April 14, 2026: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders

Registration

Due to logistical requirements, all participants must register no later than two weeks in advance for each office hour.  

• Registration links will be sent out through the Serious Emotional Disability (SED) Listserv

Let’s get to know the Other Health Impairment (OHI) category a little better and become friends with it. OHI is just as important and valid as any other eligibility category—and it’s time we give it the attention it deserves.

Join our open sessions to learn more about OHI, share your experiences, ask questions, and engage in meaningful conversation. Everyone is welcome! 

Date and Times: 

OHI Office Hours will be held on the 2nd Wednesday of each month, starting in October! 

• October 8, 2025 from 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
• Nov 12, 2025 from 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
• Dec 10, 2025 from 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
• January 14, 2026 from 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
• February 11, 2026 from 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
• March 11, 2026 from 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
• April 8, 2026 from 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
• May 13, 2026 from 11:30 am - 12:30 pm

Register for Other Health Impairment Office Hours! 

What It Is:

Join me for STT:  A relaxed, solution-focused space where educators, service providers, and partners across Colorado come together to talk all things Secondary Transition.

Each session is designed for conversation and collaboration to celebrate what’s working, explore new strategies, and problem-solve real challenges that help students prepare to thrive beyond high school.

Come ready to connect, share, learn, and leave with ideas!

Schedule:

We’ll meet every four weeks on Thursdays from 12:00–1:00 PM through April.
Bring your lunch, your team, and your questions - everyone is welcome!

Dates:

• December 18, 2025
• January 15, 2026
• February 13, 2026 (Friday Session)
• March 12, 2026
• April 9, 2026

Registration Information:

To ensure accessibility and equity for all participants, registration will be required for each STT session.

Let’s keep the conversation going, because every connection and idea moves students closer to their future goals!

Use the registration link to sign up for any of the dates provided above.

Register for Secondary Transition Talks (STT)

The Significant Support Needs Network Team and the Significant Support Needs Task Force Members will hold monthly office hours for 2025-26 on the first Wednesday of each month from 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM.​

The Sessions will be held on the following dates: 

• September 17, 2025 - Tangible Teaching Tips
• October 1, 2025 - Communication and AAC Implementation 
• November 5, 2025 - Creating Systems and Implementation of UDL
• December 3, 2025 - Using AI to Make Your Life Easier
• January 14, 2026 - Successful Collaboration between Special Education and General Education Teachers
• February 4, 2026 - Successful Collaboration between Special Education and General Education
• March 4, 2026 - Inclusion - Empowering the SSN Teacher to be the Conduit/Change Maker
• May 6, 2025 - AI for Intermediate Users

SSN Power Hour Registration

All participants must register no later than two weeks in advance for each power hour session/conversation.

Special Education Directors/Administrators are invited to attend these office hours. We will discuss trends in the special education conflicts occurring within IEP Teams and strategies that can be used to work through them.

Each session will focus on a different topic and follow the format below:

• 5 minutes reviewing recent trends in parent phone calls and facilitation requests.
• 25 minute presentation on the session topic, including answering questions submitted in advance.
• 15 minutes answering questions raised during the 1st half of the session.
• 15 minutes moderated open discussion with attendees.   

Directors will need to register in advance for each session. A list of topics is available by clicking on the registration link below. There is an opportunity to submit questions pertaining to each topic.

Dates & Times:

• September 19th from 1:00 to 2:00 pm via Zoom - How to Help Identify and Correct Miscommunications When They Occur.
• November 21st from 1:00 to 2:00 pm via Zoom - The Power of Perspective Taking
• January 16th from 1:00 to 2:00 pm via Zoom - Encouraging Your Teams to Lean into Difficult Conversations.
• March 20th from 1:00 to 2:00 pm via Zoom - How to Help Schools Debrief Challenging Meetings
• May 15th from 1:00 to 2:00 pm via Zoom - TBD based on trends

Contact Kat Rains with any questions. Email Kat Rains

Learn More Information About & Register for Special Education Conflict Engagement Office Hours

 Join our seven-part webinar series covering the foundational concepts of special education evaluation. This series is designed to help educators develop the skills and knowledge needed to conduct thorough evaluations, build strong family partnerships, and make data-informed decisions. These sessions are ideal for Colorado public educators who are new to special education or looking to refresh their understanding of best practices. Each session runs from 8:00 to 9:30 AM.

Dates & Topics

Sessions will be from 8:00 to 9:30 AM on the following dates: 

• September 16, 2025: Foundations of Special Education Evaluation
• October 15, 2025: Assessment Selection, Data Collection & Teleassessment Best Practices
• November 19, 2025: Non-Discriminatory Assessment & Cultural Responsiveness
• December 17, 2025: Family Engagement & Collaboration in the Evaluation Process
• January 13, 2025: Data Use in Eligibility Decision-Making, Progress Monitoring, and Other Data Sources
• February 12, 2026: Writing Clear, Effective, and Actionable Psychoeducational Reports
• March 3, 2026: Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA): Guidelines and Application

Register for Special Education Evaluation Webinar Series