About

Opportunities Collaborative for Students with Special Needs, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in 2019.
The focus of our work is to enhance the capacity of charter schools, non-public schools, communities, parents and students across Western New York to assure that high quality support and services are being provided to those in need. We believe working together can achieve greater results.

Our Mission

Opportunities Collaborative provides high quality professional development to empower Western New York charter, private and parochial schools and to ensure that children access all the special educational resources they need.

Our Vision

Opportunities Collaborative seeks a just, equitable, and inclusive educational environment where all schools have the knowledge, skills, and resources they need for all children to succeed.

I have completed the IMSE training that was offered to me through the Opportunities Collaborative and all I have to say is WOW! It was an amazing two weeks! I have learned so much and I am so excited to use this method of teaching with my kids this year. I think the multi-sensory way of learning is a wonderful way to engage my students while setting them up for success. The materials I was sent are all wonderful, very comprehensive, and ready to use! We are off to do great things this Fall!"

L. DuFour, Special Education Teacher, Niagara Charter School

Executive Director

Dr. Michael C. LaFever is the Interim Executive Director

Dr. LaFever is a retired administrator with over fifty years of professional educational experience in K-12 public, private, schools as well as in higher education.

Our Mission