The Culver City Middle School got a lot of attention on Saturday, April 22, 2023 with the first Transition Resource Fair, designed to help special needs students and their parents to find community support to help with everything from employment to transportation to college. Tri-City SELPA, the designated body for CCUSD, is the Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) for Beverly Hills, Culver City, and the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School Districts was one of the organizing factions, but of course, nothing happens without parents and community members supporting.
The event, created by Assistant Superintendent for Tri-City SELPA, Dina Parker, along with the Community Advisory Committee – Johanna Parker (BHUSD), Lindsay Crain (CCUSD), Megan Oddsen Goodwin (CCUSD) – was the first of its kind to take a day and focus on the many different needs and organizations available for Special Needs support.
The day began with remarks by Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager, who offered “As a parent, I am fully aware of how important a child’s education is, and in Congress, I will always be an advocate for students and student success. Just as I was in the California Assembly, I look forward to working with leaders in the education community to ensure that our young students and their families have the resources they need. Our children are our future, and they deserve to thrive.”
Assistant Superintendent Parker shared “It is vital that students with disabilities have access to resources in their communities supporting postsecondary learning options, employment, and independent living. We are thankful to have Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove’s support and leadership in this area,” continued Parker. “Her advocacy previously at the State level, and now at the Federal level for increased funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and these valuable services is appreciated.”
Assembly member Isaac Bryan was also on hand to express his support for education, and the many panel discussions were focused on services available at the Westside Regional Center, the Department of Rehabilitation, and both Community Colleges WLAC and SMC.
Local service participants at the Resources Fair included Adrian’s Place, LA Goal, Jazz Hands for Autism, UCLA Extension Pathway, Help Group, Pathpoint, Special Olympics, JLA Trust, Leaps n Boundz, and our own Culver City Bus.
Judith Martin-Straw
Photo – from bottom left – Johanna Parker, Dina Parker, Lindsay Crain, Megan Oddsen Goodwin
