September 2026 Newsletter Back to School • Know Your Rights
Happy September from SharonKingWorldWide!
School is officially back in session for many of our children across the United States. A new school year can bring excitement, new opportunities, new teachers, new friendships, and new beginnings but it can also bring questions, concerns, schedule changes, and challenges for our special needs families.
This month, I want every parent and caregiver to remember three things:
Stay informed. Stay involved. Stay encouraged.
You do not have to know everything overnight. Advocacy is a learning process. Ask questions, learn the system, document important communication, and continue educating yourself about the resources available to your child.
🇺🇸 A SPECIAL MESSAGE TO FAMILIES ACROSS AMERICA
SharonKingWorldWide proudly supports special needs families throughout the United States of America.
Because special education procedures, after-school programs, tutoring, sports, recreation programs, disability services, and community resources can vary by state, county, city, and school district, please research the resources available specifically where you live.
If we highlight a program located in California or another particular state, please don’t stop reading because you live somewhere else. Use that information as a starting point to locate a similar resource in your own community.
Visit your:
• State Department of Education
• Local school district
• City and county government websites
• Parks & Recreation Department
• Public library
• Parent Training and Information Center
• Disability and family resource organizations
• Community centers
• Local colleges and universities
Ask about free or low-cost programs, scholarships, tutoring, adaptive recreation, youth sports, mentoring, transportation assistance, after-school programs, and family support.
Resources are availablebut sometimes we have to go looking for them.
💙 SEPTEMBER AWARENESS SPOTLIGHT
September gives us several opportunities to educate, support, and uplift families.
🦻 D/deaf Awareness Month
September is recognized as D/deaf Awareness Month in many communities.
It is an opportunity to recognize Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind individuals and to increase awareness about communication access, inclusion, accessibility, and Deaf culture.
Parents of children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing should ask about the services and accommodations available to their child, including appropriate communication support, assistive technology, interpreters, educational services, and accessibility.
Every child deserves meaningful access to their education and community.