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Parent Newsletter September 2026

Posted Date: 08/31/26 (11:00 AM)


What's Happening in ESE in September 2026

Parent Newsletter

 

Month at a Glance

9/2: ESE/Chipotle SPIRIT Night at 4351 13th Street, St. Cloud, FL 34769 from 5:00-9:00 PM
9/2: Lunch & Learn Virtual Parent Training at 11:30 AM
9/7: Labor Day, Teacher/Student Holiday
9/16: Empower Hour Virtual Parent Training at 2:00 PM
9/25: Professional Learning/Student Holiday
9/29: ESE/Texas Roadhouse Dine to Donate Event at 2515 Partin Settlement Road, Kissimmee, FL 34744 from 3:00 PM-10:00 PM


Upcoming October Dates
10/3: Studio Movie Grill Special Needs Screening "Forgotten Island" at 11:00 AM
10/7: Lunch & Learn Virtual Parent Training at 11:30 AM
10/9: End of 1st Grading Period
10/12: Teacher Workday/Student Holiday
10/21: Empower Hour Virtual Parent Training at 2:00 PM
10/27: ESE/Broadway Pizza Bar SPIRIT Day at 403 Broadway Kissimmee, FL, 34741 from 11:00 AM-8:00 PM.
 

Upcoming Parent Trainings, Workshops, and Events

Below you will find the complete list of trainings and workshops currently scheduled for the 2026-2027 school year.
A table displays a schedule of events with dates, topics, times, and locations (Virtual/F2F).
 

9/2: Lunch & Learn Virtual Parent Training

Exploring C.A.S.E. and T-UP: Postsecondary Pathways at oTech at 11:30 AM via TEAMS

This parent training is designed to help families explore postsecondary opportunities available through Osceola Technical College (oTech). During this session, participants will learn about the C.A.S.E. (Career and Skills Enrichment) program and the T-UP: Transition Education Unique Pathways, two options that support students with disabilities and special needs as they prepare for life after high school.

Families will gain valuable information about hands-on career training opportunities, skill development, employment preparation, independent living supports, transportation options, scholarship opportunities, and resources that help students transition successfully into adulthood. Whether your student is interested in career-focused training, building workplace skills, or pursuing a comprehensive transition program, this session will provide an overview of available pathways and guidance on how to access these opportunities.

Please RSVP to receive the TEAMS link for the training. Use the following link to: RSVP: Lunch & Learn- Exploring C.A.S.E. and T-UP : Postsecondary Pathways at oTech – Fill out form
 

9/16: Empower Hour Virtual Parent Training

Powerwalk through Project 10's Publications, Trainings, and Website at 2:00 PM via ZOOM

This training provides participants with a review of the Project 10 website and the resources that are available to all transition stakeholders, such as school district personnel, families, community organizations, agencies and discretionary projects. Participants will also learn how to navigate through the Project 10 website to locate the information they need. 

In order to attend the training, you must register to receive the Zoom link.

Please register using the following link: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/l9rRfY7tRzOimy5lNThDJg

*This training is not able to be recorded
 

Resources In and Around the Community...

Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities – Roadmap to Family Resources

The Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) offers a helpful Program Roadmap designed to support individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) and the families and caregivers who assist them. This guide provides a simple overview of key state programs and includes direct links to additional information, services, and next steps.

 

Osceola Interagency Transition Team (OITT) Transition Services at a Glance

The following link provides access to a number of organizations within our community that provide resources to families of students with disabilities.
 

Supporting Transitioning Youth to Adult Health Care

Assessing health care transition readiness is a key component of preparing adolescents and young adults for the move to adult-oriented health care. Using a standardized transition readiness assessment helps clinicians understand a young person’s skills, knowledge, and confidence in managing their own health care. These assessments support meaningful conversations about health priorities, identify areas where additional guidance is needed, and promote the gradual development of independence in areas such as scheduling appointments, managing medications, and communicating with providers.

Beginning in early adolescence and continuing through the transition period, readiness assessments allow clinicians, youth, and families to work together to develop and adjust care plans that support a successful transfer to adult care. Sharing transition readiness information with receiving adult clinicians ensures continuity, highlights areas where ongoing support may be needed, and helps adult providers tailor their approach during early visits.

Effective transition readiness tools are brief, age‑appropriate, easy to understand, and accessible in languages commonly used by the patient population. When used consistently, they play an important role in promoting smooth, coordinated transitions and supporting young adults as they take on greater responsibility for their health care.

For more information on the Six Core Elements of Health Care Transition (HCT) you can visit: Got Transition® - Six Core Elements of Health Care Transition™

For a "Sample Transition Readiness Assessment for Youth" you can visit: Sample Transition Readiness Assessment for Youth
For a "Sample Transition Readiness Assessment for Youth" in Spanish you can visit: Sample Transition Readiness Assessment for Youth-Spanish

For a "Sample Transition Readiness Assessment for Parents" you can visit: Sample Transition Readiness Assessment for Parents/Caregivers
For a "Sample Transition Readiness Assessment for Parents" in Spanish you can visit: Sample Transition Readiness Assessment for Parents/Caregivers-Spanish
 

Career and Skills Enrichment (C.A.S.E.) Program

The C.A.S.E. program is looking for participants!! As long as the students are clients of Vocational Rehabilitation, there is no cost to them. VR will pay for everything. VR will also help the students find employment after they graduate from the program. Contact Sullymar Reices-Irazarry at 407-344-5080 or SCAN the QR code for more information.
An informational flyer for Osceola Technical College announcing a C.A.S.E. program beginning September 14, 2026, offering culinary and automotive pathways.
Promotional flyer for Osceola Technical College's C.A.S.E. program, featuring a black SUV and details about automotive skills training.
Osceola Technical College C.A.S.E Program flyer with pizza and cake decorating images.
 

T-UP: Transition Education Unique Pathways at oTech

T-UP: Transition Education Unique Pathways @ oTECH is a comprehensive post-secondary transition program tailored for students with intellectual disabilities. This individualized program is designed to provide the technical skills, employability skills, and real-world experience necessary to prepare for integrated competitive employment in the student’s chosen career field.
A diverse group of smiling students give thumbs up, promoting education and career opportunities.
Osceola Technical College flyer promoting the T-UP program for students with intellectual disabilities.
T-Up Brochure
T-Up Program Description
 

Abilities of Florida

Flyer for Abilities of Florida's Families Achieving Self-Sufficiency Together program, detailing services and eligibility.
Brochure for 'Familias Logrando Autosuficiencia Juntas' program by Abilities of Florida.
Abilities of Florida Flyer ENG
Abilties of Florida Flyer SPA
 

My Digital Counselor

My Digital Counselor is an official Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) vendor providing comprehensive vocational evaluation services for students and individuals with disabilities. We collaborate with agencies, schools, and service providers to support informed academic and career planning through accessible, person-centered evaluations.
We offer both virtual and in-person services and provide:
  • Comprehensive vocational evaluations
  • Functional, academic, and cognitive assessments
  • Career exploration and goal clarification
  • Clear, actionable reports to support education, VR services, and employment planning

For additional information you may visit: https://mydigitalcounselor.com/vocational-services/
A woman works on a laptop in a bright room, with the 'Digital Counselor' logo and text about vocational services visible.
A young person in a hard hat works on machinery in a workshop, representing real-world job experience.
My Digital Counselor Brochure
 

Lighthouse Central Florida

Did you know that Lighthouse Central Florida offers specialized programs and services for children and young adults living with blindness and vision loss? Through individualized support and real-world learning opportunities, Lighthouse Children's Services helps participants build the skills they need to thrive both in school and in everyday life.

Programs include:
*Early Intervention for children from birth to age 5, focusing on maximizing visual and developmental growth.
*Children's Program for school-age children, designed to foster independence through meaningful experiences and skill development.
*Transition Program for young adults ages 14-22, providing training and experiences to support successful transitions from high school to postsecondary education, employment, and independent living.

Available services include Activities of Daily Living, Orientation and Mobility, Adjustment to Blindness, Braille instruction, Assistive Technology, and Vocational Rehabilitation. Each child begins with a personalized assessment to identify the programs and supports that best meet their needs.

For more information or to connect a child with services, visit LighthouseCFL.org or contact the Client Experience Team at(407) 898-2483 Ext. 106 or ClientExperience@LighthouseCFL.org.
An informational flyer for Lighthouse Central Florida, highlighting programs for children and teens with vision loss.
An informational flyer for Lighthouse Central Florida, detailing steps to access services for children and teens with vision loss.
 

Florida Heiken Children's Vision Program

Florida Heiken Children's Vision Program is providing no cost eye exams and glasses for children. Applications can be submitted on any internet enabled smart phone/tablet/computer using the following link: www.floridaheiken.org
Advertisement for Florida Heiken Children's Vision Program offering no-cost eye exams and glasses for children.
Flyer advertising free eye exams and glasses for children in multiple languages, with instructions to visit www.floridaheiken.org.
 

CHAPS--Children's Hearing Aid Program

Brochure for the Children's Hearing Aid Program with images of children and text.
Brochure for the Children's Hearing Aid Program (CHAP) in Florida, featuring children and program information.
A brochure in Spanish promotes a hearing aid program for children, featuring images of smiling children.
A brochure in Spanish promotes the CHAP program for children's hearing aids, featuring images of children and a baby.
Brochures available for download in the attachments.
 

The Osceola Library System

Did you know that The Osceola Library System offers FREE access to a host of different programs and resources and all you need is a valid library card (number) to enjoy. Visit Mango Languages | Osceola Library System to see the different options like Mango Languages. Mango Languages offers over 70 world language courses expertly designed to adapt to a diverse range of learning needs, styles, and backgrounds. Sign up for your free account at Log In | Mango Languages
 

Central Florida Rockets

Looking for recreational and competitive sports opportunities for students with physical disabilities? Florida Rockets Adaptive Sports provides inclusive adaptive sports programs, including wheelchair basketball, for youth and individuals throughout Central Florida. Their programs focus on building confidence, leadership skills, friendships, and a strong sense of community through sport.

The organization is volunteer-led and works to make adaptive sports accessible and sustainable, creating opportunities for athletes of all abilities to play, compete, and belong.

Learn more about their programs and upcoming opportunities: https://www.floridarockets-adaptivesports.org/
A young person in a wheelchair smiles while holding a basketball, promoting the Florida Rockets Adaptive Sports program.
Central Florida Rockets Brochure
 

UCF CARD Parent Education Seminars, Support Groups, PAL Events, and More

Parent Education Seminars
Poster for 'Behavior Basics 1' event discussing ABA strategies, featuring a child with arms crossed.
A flyer for 'Behavior Basics 2' discusses ABA strategies for positive behavior, featuring a young girl with a frustrated expression.
Poster for 'Wandering and Drowning Prevention' event by UCF Center for Autism and Related Disabilities.
Event flyer for 'Picky Eaters: Protocols to Increasing Variety' hosted by UCF Center for Autism and Related Disabilities.
A flyer for a Zoom presentation titled 'Communicating with Your Child's Teacher' on September 14th.
Event flyer for 'Survivor: Middle School Island' hosted by UCF Center for Autism and Related Disabilities.
A graphic promoting a Zoom training on Understanding the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) on Sep 24th from 6:30-8:00 PM.
A young boy in a superhero costume smiles, promoting a "Shine Bright Self-Esteem Program Overview."
Event flyer for 'Puberty & ASD: Parent Overview' on Sept 28th via Zoom, featuring images of two young males and registration details.
Support Groups
Advertisement for 'Teen Talk' support group for parents of teens with ASD, featuring a photo of teens talking outdoors.
A flyer for the UCF Center for Autism and Related Disabilities announces a 'Just for Dads!' event.
A diverse family smiles while sitting together on a couch, representing support for families with ASD.
A family poses for a photo, with text announcing a Support Group for Parents of Young Children with ASD.
EN ESPANOL
LUPA event flyer: Learn about social stories and their benefits for individuals with ASD on September 9th, 11 AM-12 PM.
Poster for a session on "Visual Supports for Home" in Spanish, offering practical ideas for families supporting children with autism.

Activities with PAL

For activities with PAL please visit: https://flpals.org/events/ 
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For the link to the UCF CARD September newsletter with direct links to the events and offerings please visit: https://cx89x.r.sp1-brevo.net/mk/mr/sh/1t6AVsd2XFnIGF96Vrl2CH9xU8E5R9/KLk-Jmilfndv
 

Mark Your Calendars...

Safety Day

This event is open to all, not just those in Orange County.
A promotional flyer for Safety Day on September 26, 2026, featuring cartoon illustrations of a police officer, firefighter, and medical worker, plus photos of children with community helpers.

Abilities Expo Coming in October 2026 to Osceola Heritage Park

Abilities Expo is coming October 9-11, 2026, to the Osceola Heritage Park Event Center

Three days. One roof. Endless access to the latest products, technologies and resources for the disability community! Get ready for an accessible climbing wall, a ton of adaptive sports, info-packed workshops & more. It’s an epic day out & FREE, so register today.

For more information please visit:

You can register for this FREE event by visiting:
 

Studio Movie Grill: Special Needs Screenings

Special Needs Screenings present movies in a sensory friendly with the lights up, the volume low, and moving around, talking, and even dancing in the aisles are welcome. Special Needs Screenings are shown on select Saturdays at 11:00am at all SMG locations unless noted otherwise. Tickets are available at the Box Office only as early as the Wednesday prior to these screenings. Tickets are free to all attendees and seating is first come, first served. 

There are NO Special Needs Screenings in September!

October's Special Need's Screening is:
October 3rd- Forgotten Island
Movie poster for 'Forgotten Island' featuring clasped hands with charms and a 'Special Needs Screening' announcement for October 3.
 

Make sure to follow us on Facebook!

A Facebook 'Follow Us' graphic with a thumbs-up icon and the text 'Follow Us on Facebook'.
 

Helpful Links

Parent Square
Parent Portal (FOCUS)
Parent and Student Information
Varsity Tutor Information