Building Equitable Solutions for Black Children in Special Education

Description: This presentation will be centered on the research that suggests significant inequities in special education for Black students, the various recommendations given to dismantle these inequities, and how Black parents can advocate for better opportunities for Black children in special education programs.

Trainer: Toyia Williams is the Program Director for Empowered Parents in Community (EPiC), a Durham-based nonprofit organization. EPiC’s mission is to dismantle systemic inequities in education through collective organizing and intentional engagement of Black parents and communities. After seeing clear alignment with her personal goals and values, Toyia joined the EPiC team in 2022 – following a two-decade career in healthcare management – manifesting her dream to work in a profession that would help empower the Black community. As a parent of three children, two of whom attend Durham Public Schools, Toyia has actively used her voice in local social media groups to speak out against systemic racism in the school system and beyond. Her straightforward, honest, pull-no-punches posts have gained significant traction and spurred valuable conversations within the Durham community. She is thrilled to align her skills, experience and passion to help further propel EPiC’s mission and make a positive impact in the Black community.

Focus on Family and Disability Seminar Series trainings are for students, professionals, and community members interested in therapeutic practices that are anti-oppressive, intersectional, and centered on self-determination. 

Free of charge for UNC School of Social Work students, faculty, staff, and field instructors. 1.5 CE for behavioral health clinicians including social workers, psychiatrists, and counselors.

Scholarships available upon request.

Family members may attend for free.

Register for Focus on Family and Disability Seminar Series events