Attendee Registration: Western MA School Fair and Panel

About this event

The MAAPS School Fair is coming to Western Massachusetts!

Monday, November 16, 2026

10:00AM-12:00PM

The Log Cabin | 500 Easthampton Road, Holyoke

The Massachusetts Association of Approved Special Education Schools (MAAPS) represents approved out-of-district special education schools that partner with Local Education Agencies (LEAs) as part of Massachusetts’ continuum of placement options.

This November, MAAPS is bringing its annual School Fair to Western Massachusetts giving special education professionals and educational advocates throughout Western and Central Massachusetts a convenient opportunity to connect directly with approved special education schools.

Join us for a morning of information-sharing and relationship-building, with opportunities to:

• Meet admissions representatives from approved special education schools across Massachusetts, including schools serving students from Western and Central Massachusetts

• Ask questions, learn about available programs and services, and build relationships that can help make the referral process more efficient

• Hear a panel discussion addressing special education topics impacting Massachusetts school districts. Current confirmed panelists include Anne Gobi, Director of Rural Affairs, Massachusetts Executive Office of Economic Development, Healey–Driscoll Administration and Senator John Velis , Hampden and Hampshire District

• Receive a complimentary copy of the 2026 MAAPS Directory of Approved Special Education Schools

• Connect with colleagues over coffee and a continental breakfast

There is no cost to attend, but advance registration is required and space is limited.

Who should attend?

Special education administrators and staff involved in the out-of-district placement process, educational advocates and consultants, and clinicians involved in evaluating students and recommending alternative settings.

List of Exhibiting Schools and Programs

Baker Center (Manville School)

Branches School of the Berkshires

Campus School at Boston College

Cardinal Cushing Centers

Cotting School

Crystal Springs, Inc.

Cutchins Programs (New Directions School)

Evergreen Centers

Farr Academy

Guild for Human Services (Guild School)

Hillcrest Educational Centers

Home for Little Wanderers (Wediko School)

J.S. Bryant School

Judge Rotenberg Center

Justice Resource Institute

Ivy Street School

Latham Centers

League School for Autism

Learning Prep School

May Institute (May Center Schools)

McAuley Nazareth

Helix Human Services (Mill Pond School)

NEARI School

New England Center for Children

Perkins School for the Blind

Positive Regard Network (Springdale Education Center)

Seven Hills Foundation (Stetson School)

St. Ann’s Home & School

Valley West School

White Oak School

Willie Ross School for the Deaf

Please note:

• The MAAPS School Fair is a professional networking and informational event and is not intended for students or families. Referrals should continue to be submitted through conventional channels, with students evaluated through each school’s individual admissions screening process.

• This focused regional fair is an additional MAAPS event and does not replace our annual statewide School Fair, which will be held April 9, 2027, in Waltham, MA. Stay tuned for registration information for this event.