2024 TASH Conference: Full Schedule

Welcome to the official website for the 2024 TASH Conference!

Each year, the TASH Conference brings together our constituents to share resources and success stories, learn about field-driven best practices, and network within a community engaged in shared values. The Conference is attended by passionate leaders, experts, and advocates from every corner of the disability community. Conference attendees are influential in their fields and communities, and play an important role in the provision of services and supports for individuals and organizations around the world; and include professors and researchers from leading institutions; those involved in local, state, and federal governments and public policy; special and general educators, and school administrators; self-advocates, adult service providers; students, family members, and many others. This year’s conference theme is Celebrate Together: Let the Good Times Roll!

Click on the "Registration and More" tab for additional information about our Conference location, registration, reserving a guest room, sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities, and more! The full Conference schedule is now available for viewing. Registered attendees will receive an invitation to log in and create a personalized schedule.

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11:15am CST

Understanding Family Experiences with Section 504 For Their Autistic Children

Friday December 6, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm CST

4TH Floor - Imperial 9

Extant literature has focused mainly on access to Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) without addressing Section 504 of the American Rehabilitation Act. Over 1.38 million students are served by Section 504 in schools, yet little is known about their experiences. The purpose of the study was to explore the experiences of families of autistic children with Section 504 in schools. Altogether, 21 families participated in individual interviews about their initial experiences accessing Section 504, their input into the Section 504 plan, and the implementation of the Section 504 plan. The few families who reported positive experiences with Section 504 reported having supportive school professionals. Unfortunately, most participants reported negative experiences including the school being unwilling to provide accommodations. Implications include the need to develop and test an advocacy program for families and youth with disabilities to improve access to Section 504.

Moderators

RaeAnne Lindsay

Coordinator for Section 504 project, Vanderbilt University, Peabody College

I am a Licensed Social Worker in the state of Illinois. I received a Masters Degree from the School of Social Work at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. I am a Disability Advocate and the reining Ms. Wheelchair USA 2024-2025. I currently work at Vanderbilt University in... Read More →

Presenters

Meghan Burke

Vanderbilt University

Friday December 6, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm CST
4TH Floor - Imperial 9 Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113

Breakout Sessions

Primary Topic Inclusive Education
Themes of Interest Other
Key Words Family/Caregivers, Autism, Section 504, Education System
Presentation Type Research