ACESD Membership

Member Eligibility

Advisory Council members are individuals involved in, or concerned with, the education of students with disabilities who represent one or more of the below populations:

  • Parents of students with disabilities (ages birth through 26).
  • Individuals with disabilities.
  • Teachers.
  • Institutions of higher education that prepare special education and related services personnel.
  • State and local education officials.
  • Administrators of programs for students with disabilities.
  • Other state agencies involved in the financing or delivery of related services to students with disabilities.
  • Private and public charter schools.
  • Vocational, community, or business organizations concerned with the provision of transition services to students with disabilities.
  • State juvenile and adult corrections agencies.
  • Child welfare/foster care agencies; and
  • Agencies providing services under the McKinney-Vento Act for children who are homeless. 

Membership effectiveness is enhanced by:

  • Personal and or professional experience with special education programs.
  • A knowledge and understanding of special education regulations.
  • The capacity to gather information from and report back to organizations and constituencies involved in the provision of special education services.
  • The willingness to commit time to actively participate in all Advisory Council meetings. 
  • Active participation on committees or work groups.
  • A general understanding of the SPP and APR.

No person shall be excluded or discriminated against in serving as a member of the Advisory Council by reason of race, creed, color, gender, age, natural origin, or disability. Interpreters and other necessary services will be provided at all Advisory Council meetings for members and/or participants upon advanced notification to the Office of Special Education Services. 

Membership Information

Members serve in the form of terms; terms are three-year intervals that expire on June 30th of the third year of each member.

Advisory Council members representing state agencies may continue in their representation without regard to the number of terms served as long as they continue to actively participate.  

Member Duties and Responsibilities

Advisory Council member duties and responsibilities shall include the following:

  • Actively participate in decision making during Advisory Council meetings.
  • Actively participate in committee activities.
  • Be prepared to share information from Advisory Council meetings with constituencies.
  • Actively research information and issues in preparation of Advisory Council meetings.

Membership Application

ACESD Membership Application

Note: The 2026 ACESD membership application window will be open February 1, 2026, to March 1, 2026.