Board approves $4,000 for Aug. 29 IEP/advocacy workshop and finalizes speakers

The Special Needs Advisory Board confirmed an IEP and advocacy workshop scheduled for Aug. 29 and approved allocating $4,000 from training funds to cover catering, snacks and event supplies.

Board members described the program as an IEP preparedness and advocacy workshop featuring Ivan from CARD on IEPs and a Parent to Parent representative on how to communicate with a child's school. A member asked about room capacity; another member checked the venue and reported a capacity of 153. The board discussed registration via Eventbrite and the need for a flyer and promotional materials.

At the meeting, a motion to allocate $4,000 for food and decorations was made (Speaker 4), seconded, discussed and approved by voice vote. One member raised a budget question after the vote, noting that only $1,300 remained in the training bucket, but the board recorded the motion as passed and directed staff to reconcile budget lines and the source of funds before council or administrative steps if necessary.

Members also discussed program logistics, vendor tables and potential involvement by FIU Embrace for a table or presence at the workshop.