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In partnership with the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA), a national leader in special education advocacy, the Vermont Developmental Disabilities Council jump started a new scholarship program that covered the cost of tuition, a copy of the required text, and a one-year membership in COPAA.
What is the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates?
COPAA is the only nationwide peer-to-peer network that focuses on the civil right to a quality education for students labeled with disabilities. They describe their organization as,
"... an independent, nonprofit, §501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization of attorneys, advocates, parents and related professionals. There are 6.4 million children with disabilities in America. COPAA members work to protect the legal and civil rights of and secure excellence in education on behalf of tens of thousands of students with disabilities and their families each year at the national, state and local levels."
Every year leaders at COPAA host an online training called the Special Education Advocate Training (SEAT). The webinars come in three tiers - SEAT 1.0 (for beginners), SEAT 2.0 (intermediate) and SEAT 3.0 (advanced). The Council prepared a brief summary to explain COPAA, the training, and how to apply for a scholarship.
Let's educate family members and professionals.
Scholarships for SEAT are highly-competitive and awarded on a rolling basis as funding is available. Please review the COPAA website to find out the next registration deadline. Then contact VTDDC to ask if scholarships are available.
Why commit three-months to a webinar?
The training starts January 2023 and goes to March 2023. The classes are live, online (not pre-recorded), and participants have every opportunity to talk to their teachers and their peers, and make strong connections nationwide. Vermonters will have two additional exclusive classes focused on Vermont policies and practices.
To apply, please complete the Special Education Training Scholarship Application and send it to the Vermont Developmental Disabilities Council. Do not send your application to COPAA directly.
- Two versions of the application are available depending on personal preference:
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Print and hand-write
File size: (387 kb) -
Save, type, and print
File size: (881 kb)
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Electronic submission by the deadline will be accepted as a place-holder, but a signed copy must also be sent to:
The Vermont Developmental Disabilities Council
100 State Street, Suite 342
Montpelier, VT 05633-0206
Enrollment in SEAT Training is a serious commitment.
The course includes homework and even a test! The DD Council expects that you will:
- Attend all classes and complete the assigned work.
- Complete all course evaluations.
- Use your training well on behalf of your student(s), your organization, and/or your community.