In April 2026, months of planning and hard work culminated in the fourth annual Walking into Acceptance: All-Abilities Expo, coordinated by the Brentwood SEPTA in collaboration with the Department of Special Services and the Brentwood USFD. This event has grown exponentially since its inception, with a carefully crafted agenda to provide awareness and acceptance about various special education classifications, services and supports. In addition to heightening SEPTA’s visibility and providing a membership boost, the day was a testament to how inclusion can enhance learning and connection for students, families, teachers and staff.
To kick this year off, the unit was visible at several back-to-school events and even got a head start by sending membership emails over the summer. Multiple reminder emails and membership forms provided to every school helped position the Brentwood SEPTA as a consistent presence. They also made connections with other PTA units and district superintendents by participating in every Parent Institute for Quality Education meeting. Having teachers and staff serve as committee members ensures that activities are diverse, inclusive, and reflective of the students who benefit from their tireless efforts.
Brentwood SEPTA supports other units and attends different district events to represent the voices of their special needs students, aiming to help parents understand that their children are welcome in a variety of spaces. They utilize social media to inform parents about meetings and events, and the district also shares updates via their social media platforms and ParentSquare. At every event, they give families, teachers and community members access to their membership QR code and have forms readily available.
While the Walking into Acceptance Expo is one of the unit’s more highly publicized events, with a feature in Newsday and sponsorships from several local businesses, the impact of Brentwood SEPTA’s contributions extends far and wide. They also provide scholarships to high school seniors, as well as a bevy of resources for parents to support children at all levels of education. With no plans of slowing down, Brentwood SEPTA continues to celebrate belonging, acceptance, and the power of community.
Website: https://www.bufsd.org/parentsguardians/septa
Facebook:: https://www.facebook.com/BWSEPTA/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bwsepta/
Givebacks: https://brentwoodsepta.givebacks.com/shop
