The WASA Special Education Component Group has developed this resource to serve as a guide for Special Education Leaders across Washington State. This resource is designed to connect leaders with key organizations and agencies that provide support, tools, and expertise to enhance special education services. Together, these resources aim to provide leaders with the connections and information needed to support students, staff, and families effectively. You can view the PDF version here.

The OSPI Special Education Department ensures FAPE for students with disabilities, offering guidance, resources, and support to districts, focusing on IDEA compliance, policy, monitoring, dispute resolution, data, and professional development.
Contact: speced@k12.wa.us | 360.725.6075

RESOURCES:

The State Needs Projects, funded by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) Special Education Department, aims to build statewide capacity through professional development, technical assistance, and training for educators, families, and constituents.
Contact: speced@k12.wa.us | 360.725.6075

RESOURCES:

Center for Change in Transition Services (CCTS): Provides secondary transition training and technical support for students requiring post-school transition services.
Enhancing Capacity for Special Education Leadership (ECSEL): A collaborative program for special education administrators, administered through the University of Washington Bothell.
Special Education Technology Center (SETC): Provides training, consultation, technology loans, and resources to assist in implementing assistive technology interventions.
Washington Sensory Disabilities Services (WSDS): Supports individuals aged birth to 21 who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind, visually impaired, or deaf-blind by providing training and resources to service providers and families.

Inclusionary Practices Technical Assistance Network (IPTN) is a collaboration between the OSPI, WestEd, and education partners across Washington state. It is more than a network; it’s a transformative force shaping the future of inclusive education. The IPTN is designed to provide high-quality guidance, technical assistance (TA), and professional development resources to districts to disrupt segregated systems of disproportionality and reduce exclusionary practices in Washington schools. This will result in improved student outcomes, with an additional focus on the outcomes and the inclusion of students with disabilities having Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities (IDD) and for Black students with disabilities.

Contact: iptn@k12.wa.us

RESOURCES:

Educational Service Districts (ESDs)

ESDs are a primary point of contact and support for special education directors, offering technical assistance and aligning their efforts with Washington State priorities. ESDs hold regular meetings with regional special education directors and may also provide additional services based on the specific needs of their regions, such as special education specialists, instructional coaching, and behavioral programs. For more details, districts are encouraged to contact their ESD director. Learn more: WAESD, OSPI

Find Your ESD

ESD 101 (NE WA)

ESD 101 provides direct services, professional development, and technical assistance to support special education programs.
Contact: Connie Kliewer, Director for Special Education Services

ESD 113 (Capital Region)

ESD 113 offers a Special Education Cooperative, delivering services and support to districts to meet diverse student needs.
Contact: Dr. Rebecca Kassan, Director of Special Programs | Steve Bigelow, Executive Director, Integrated Student Support.

ESD 123 (SE WA)

ESD 123 provides special education support services, including professional development and technical assistance, to local districts.
Contact: Dr. Craig Bailey, Executive Director of Special Services

ESD 105 (Yakima Valley)

ESD 105 offers training, consultation, and resources to enhance special education services in local districts.
Contact: Dana Floyd, Executive Director of Special Services 

ESD 114 (Olympic)

OESD 114 provides special education services, including professional development and program support, to enhance student outcomes.
Contact: Jennifer Acuña, Executive Director Special Services

ESD 171 (N Central)

ESD 171 offers itinerant services, professional development, and support programs to assist districts in special education.
Contact: Darcy Johnson, Executive Director

ESD 112 (SW WA)

ESD 112 provides a Special Education ESA, pooling resources to deliver comprehensive services across member districts.
Contact: Jeffrey Niess, Executive Director Specialized Student Services

ESD 121 (Puget Sound)

ESD 121 offers comprehensive special education services, including training, consultation, and direct support to districts.
Contact: Erin Stewart, Co-Director, Special Services

ESD 189 (NW WA)

ESD 189 provides special education services, including training, consultation, and program support, to enhance district capabilities.
Contact: Dr. Michelle Roper, Director, Special Programs & Services

WASA supports Washington educational leaders with professional development, advocacy, and resources, offering special education-focused learning, legislative advocacy, and a collaborative network to share best practices and address challenges.

Contact: sbatstone@wasa-oly.org

RESOURCES:

Washington Council of Administrators of Special Education, or WA-CASE, a chapter of CASE, supports special education administrators through leadership, professional development, resources, legislative updates, and networking to enhance education quality and advocate for students with disabilities.

Contact: Dr. Sue Ann Bube, Vice President

The WEA Special Education Support Center advances inclusive education in Washington by providing resources, training, and professional development for educators, families, and stakeholders on special education practices and regulations.

Contact: Phyllis Campano, Special Populations Program Coordinator

RESOURCES:

PAVE is a Washington State nonprofit organization dedicated to providing support, training, information, and resources to empower individuals, youth, and families impacted by disabilities.

Contact: pave@wapave.org

Sound Options Group serves as the Administrative Agent for the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) and the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) in Washington State, providing mediation and facilitation services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). These services are offered at no cost to families, educators, and service providers, aiming to resolve conflicts and enhance collaboration in special education.

Contact: 800.692.2540

THEIR OFFERINGS INCLUDE:

Special Education Mediation: Facilitating discussions to resolve disputes related to the identification, evaluation, placement, and provision of Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) for students with disabilities.
IEP Meeting Facilitation: Assisting Individualized Education Program (IEP) teams in effective communication and decision-making to develop appropriate educational plans for students.

The Washington Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Youth (CDHY) provides statewide leadership for the coordination and delivery of educational services to children who are deaf or hard of hearing. CDHY offers outreach and professional development support to help school districts improve services to children who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Contact: 360.696.6525

Washington State School for the Blind (WSSB) empowers blind and low vision individuals across Washington State to reach their full potential by providing comprehensive educational programs, specialized services, and statewide outreach. Services include on-campus education for grades 6–12, residential transition programs, assistive technology support, braille production, early intervention, and professional development for educators and families. Through its Outreach Program, WSSB collaborates with school districts and agencies to ensure students aged birth to 21 receive the support they need to succeed.

Contact: Pam Parker | Director of Outreach, State Vision Consultant

RESOURCES:

Washington School for the Deaf (WSD) Established in 1886, WSD is Washington State’s only ASL-English bilingual school, serving deaf and hard of hearing students from preschool through 12th grade. The school offers a comprehensive academic curriculum aligned with Common Core State Standards, emphasizing both American Sign Language and English literacy. WSD provides a range of support services, including speech and language pathology, audiology, counseling, and career/transition services, to meet the diverse needs of its students. Additionally, the school offers a residential program for students who live beyond commuting distance, fostering a supportive and inclusive community.

Contact: Dawn Smith | Admissions/Special Education

RESOURCES:

Upcoming Conferences

Interested in attending an upcoming conference? Check out the WASA Conference Calendar.

View Upcoming Conferences