Philadelphia Parent Receives Prestigious Honor to Support Families of Children with Disabilities
Cecelia Thompson describes herself as an advocate, mother, mentor, and advisor. Her son, who attends Martin Luther King High School, lives with autism, and her experience parenting a child with a different learning style has defined her adult life.
Ms. Thompson’s career and civic activities reflect her passion for educating people with different learning styles and abilities. She worked as the Director of Special Education for PARENT POWER, was a consultant for Pennsylvania Education for All Coalition (PEAC), and is a member of the Philadelphia Right to Education Task Force (IU 26). She was also recently chosen to be the School Advisory Council Facilitator at Martin Luther King High School.
Most recently, Governor Tom Wolf appointed Ms. Thompson to the Pennsylvania Special Education Advisory Panel (SEAP), which works to improve special education in the state. SEAP advises the Secretary of Education and the Department of Education on the unmet educational needs of students with disabilities, on corrective action plans, and on developing and implementing policies to improve coordination of services to these students.
Members also review and comment on Pennsylvania’s Annual Performance Report, provide input on proposed special education regulations and funding procedures, and help the Department of Education develop and report information that is required by law to the U.S. Secretary of Education.
Ms. Thompson represents the parent and family voice for those who have children receiving special education services at the state level. As a member of SEAP, she will provide resources to District staff and families and will also facilitate workshops and trainings.
For more information about SEAP, please visit: http://www.pattan.net/category/About/Partners/Single/?id=14.
