(Columbia, SC)— Lexington County School District One’s Special Education Parent Advisory Council and Family Connection of South Carolina are collaborating to host a free, informational event at White Knoll High School on Saturday, June 14, 2025. Parent Connections is open to parents of students with disabilities of all ages, as well as caregivers and professionals of these students.  

“As South Carolina’s Parent Training and Information Center, we applaud Lexington One School District for recognizing the power of the parent voice!” said Amy Holbert, CEO of Family Connection of South Carolina. We have worked closely with District leadership to co-design and train parent leaders for their first ever Special Education Parent Advisory Council. We are delighted to be supporting this event that will bring together parents of students with disabilities across the district for a day of learning and connecting. 

“Planning and launching Parent Connections has been a truly rewarding experience!” says Amy Roberson, Chair of Lexington One Special Education Parent Advisory Council. “SEPAC was created by Lexington One as part of Dr. Nicole Adams’ grant initiative, bringing together parents who want what is best for all special needs children, not just their own. Our goal is for attendees to learn about valuable resources that can support their unique journey, while also growing their village of support. Parent Connections represents one of the first steps in building a strong, lasting foundation for special needs families in our school district.”  

“This event is a reflection of our commitment to elevating parent voices and fostering meaningful partnerships between families and schools,” said Dr. Nicole Adams, Lexington One’s Special Services Executive Director. “At Lexington One, our mission is to guide every student to learn, grow, and excel, and we know that informed, supported families are essential partners in that journey. We’re proud to partner with Family Connection of South Carolina to bring this event to life and provide meaningful resources and support to our community.” 

In addition to a keynote session with Marley Costin, a local speech-language pathologist, attendees will have the opportunity to attend small group sessions on a variety of topics, including applying for TEFRA Medicaid, navigating high school to college, and collaborating with their student’s IEP or 504 team. Breakfast and lunch will be provided for attendees at no cost.  

Registration is required: http://tiny.cc/pp5l001  

Event Schedule: 

8:30–9:00 a.m.: Event Check In & Breakfast 

9–9:30 am.: Welcome & Opening Remarks 

9:35–10:05 a.m.: Opening Session: Joy in the Journey, featuring Marley Costin, SLP 

10:10-10:15 a.m.: Special Performance by Goins Dancing  

10:15–11 a.m.: School & Community Resources at Every Age Panel Discussion 

11–11:15 a.m.: Break and Exhibitor Visits 

11:15–11:45 a.m.: Q & A Info Sessions  

11:45 a.m.–12:00 p.m.: Break and Exhibitor Visits 

12:00–12:30 p.m.: Q & A Info Sessions  

12:30-12:45pm: Grab & Go Lunch, Return Event Evaluations