Fore River Bridge to light up yellow Tuesday for special education families, students

WEYMOUTH – Danielle Graziano knows first-hand that navigating the school system as a parent of a special needs child can be daunting and, at times, lonely.

"It's a lot to learn. You're not just navigating a medical diagnosis, but navigating what your child needs in schools, and when I was navigating it, I didn't have a lot of guidance," she said. "I don't want someone else to feel like that and feel lost in what special education is."

Graziano said she and other parents of special education students want neighbors, friends and strangers to know they're not alone, and there's support within local school districts and within a network of parents going through something similar.

A 'remarkable partnership': Quincy looks to sign Granite Links Golf Club to 100-year lease

Ghost stories: A trio of eerie tales for a chilly October evening

November is SEPAC ‒ Special Education Parent Advisory Council – Awareness Month statewide. Each school district is mandated to have a townwide advisory council made up of parents and caregivers of students in special education. The goal is to promote and advocate for equal access to education, exchange ideas and help educate each other and the public.

On Tuesday, Nov. 1, the Fore River Bridge will light up yellow in acknowledgement of the work of the Special Education Parent Advisory Council in Weymouth. Leaders and families will gather at 5 p.m. at Lovells Grove Park to see the bridge light up and show their support.

Graziano, co-chair of Weymouth's advisory council, said the group meets monthly and supports caregivers of children from ages 3 to 22 who are navigating special education. The council often hosts speakers who explain everything from supporting students with dyslexia to coping with behavioral concerns.

Weymouth: Group pushes to stop new development for 18 months, cites water capacity concerns

Hingham: Here's how a new school, public safety building would impact taxpayers

Graziano said she hopes families who could use support learn that it's available.

"There are people who are willing to sit down and look at an (individualized educational plan) You don't have to do this alone," she said. "It's about empowering families and giving them the information and support they need."

Jessica Trufant be reached at jtrufant@patriotledger.com.

This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Fore River Bridge to light up yellow for special education families