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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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strong>Capacity Building for Inclusion [clear filter]
Thursday, December 5
 

9:00am CST

Overcoming Implementation Barriers: UDL for Adults
Thursday December 5, 2024 9:00am - 12:00pm CST
Celestin Ballroom: Celestin C
According to Everett Rogers “Diffusion of Innovations” we know that adults will not all implement change at the same time and in the same way. Instead of feeling frustrated or defeated by this fact, this session is designed to support leaders to plan for the variability of adults through applying and explicitly modeling the Universal Design for Learning. Participants will learn, network, and plan universally designed communication plans, universally design adult learning, and ensuring adults in their systems have multiple entry points for engaging improving and increasing inclusionary practices.
Moderators
CS
Thursday December 5, 2024 9:00am - 12:00pm CST
Celestin Ballroom: Celestin C Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113
  Day One Intensives

1:00pm CST

Emergent Leadership, You are the Leader You’ve Been Waiting For!
Thursday December 5, 2024 1:00pm - 5:00pm CST
Imperial 5A
Who is the leader you are looking for. In this session, we hope to turn that question on its head. “How do we encourage others to be courageous and embrace their leadership” As supportive leaders, we can nurture a culture of kindness and connectedness that creates a fertile ground for people to build relationships and step into their own leadership roles with confidence. Are there ways for us to build up others in ways that empower them to challenge the status quo? Is there way to build a culture where courage isn’t needed? Where people just do “the next right thing”? How does privilege impact leadership? Have we set up a culture that allows for everyone to be able to bring issues to light? How do we make space for relationships that allow marginalized people to be able to grow and exercise leadership? Please join us for a very interactive session with lots of conversation and fun. We will explore what qualities of a leader are and define the kind of leaders we want and need.
Moderators
avatar for Sheldon Schwitek

Sheldon Schwitek

Co-Founder/ Consultant, In the Company of Others
Sheldon Schwitek has been supporting individuals with complex behavioural needs in the United Statesb and in Canada for over decades. He was introduced to the founding members of the Marsha Forest Center in 1990 and became a facilitator of the person-centered processes of MAPS, PATH... Read More →
Presenters
avatar for LyAnn Grogan

LyAnn Grogan

CEO, KFI
After ten years of working in a segregated Mental Health setting as a Music Therapist at New Hampshire Hospital and serving as a member of the National Music Therapy Association’s Training Committee LyAnn found inspiration. She was inspired by KFI's mission to provide supports... Read More →
JB

Jodie Benvie

Support Coordinator, KFI
Thursday December 5, 2024 1:00pm - 5:00pm CST
Imperial 5A Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113
  Day One Intensives

1:00pm CST

Nothing About Us Without Us: Disability-Centered Participatory Action Research
Thursday December 5, 2024 1:00pm - 5:00pm CST
Foster 1
This colloquium centers youth and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and complex support needs as essential research partners within six participatory research projects, including inclusive research, participatory action research, community-based participatory research, and youth participatory action research. Each research team embodies the processes and principles of participatory research by how they center and amplify youth and adult experiences and perspectives to influence the policies, practices, scholarship, and systems that impact them most. Authentic equity, justice, access, and inclusion cannot be actualized without the epistemic agency of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and complex support needs. This session calls for more participatory research controlled by them from theorization to dissemination.  

This proposed four-hour session consists of 6 research paper presentations that will last 25 minutes each. We will reserve 10 minutes total for the session chair’s introduction and closing as well as 10 minutes for discussant remarks. There will also be a 10 minute break. This allows for 10 minutes for questions/discussion, dialogue/resource sharing with attendees after each presentation.

5 minutes: Introduction to the overall session and speakers, Colloquium Chair – Hasan Ko

25 minutes: “What Matters Most to Adults with Disabilities in Their Daily Lives: A Nationwide Project” - Paul Betz, Thomas Caswell, Whitley Daper, David Frye, Jess Kilpeck, Hasan Ko, Mark Utter, Nicole Villemaire, Emily Anderson, and Amanda Miller
10 minutes: Questions and discussion

25 minutes: “Participatory Action Research on the Service Planning Experiences of Massachusetts Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities” – Anne Fracht and Hezzy Smith
10 minutes: Questions and discussion

25 minutes: “Person Centered Planning and Home Community-Based Services on the Move” – David Taylor, Chaquetta Stuckey, and Anne Fracht
10 minutes: Questions and discussion

10 minutes: Break

25 minutes: “Collaborating With And Promoting Youth Voices in Research With Youth With Cerebral Palsy Who Do Not Speak And Who Use AAC” – Ramona Schwartz-Johnston
10 minutes: Questions and discussion

25 minutes: “Applying Inclusive Methods to Shed Light on the COVID-19 Pandemic Experiences of Group Home Residents with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in Massachusetts” – Anne Fracht and Hezzy Smith
10 minutes: Questions and discussion

25 minutes: “Working Together as an Inclusive Team” – Pauline Bosma and Oscar Hughes
10 minutes: Questions and discussion

10 minutes: Remarks, Discussant – Amanda L. Miller

5 minutes: Closing, Colloquium Chair – Hasan Ko
Presenters
AM
Thursday December 5, 2024 1:00pm - 5:00pm CST
Foster 1 Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113
  Research Colloquium

2:00pm CST

Building and Maintaining an Inclusive School Culture
Thursday December 5, 2024 2:00pm - 5:00pm CST
Celestin Ballroom: Celestin F
Inclusion is a practice that comes from the core value of wanting to include all students no matter where they are academically. Many school cultures inherently create barriers for inclusive practices - this workshop will help participants recognize these barriers, reflect on their core values, and rethink their educational goals. We will give participants the resources to change school cultures to promote and support inclusive practices. We seek to model specific tools, strategies, and activities throughout our workshop that participants can easily employ when they go back to “lead change” in their respective contexts and settings. Our 3 hour workshop session will be structured into different segments. Each segment will involve a collaborative activity that participants will complete with those seated around them. Ample movement, snack, and stretching breaks will also be provided throughout the session.
Moderators
KC
Presenters
avatar for Arielle Starkman

Arielle Starkman

Inclusive Education Consultant, ACS Creative LLC
Arielle is an Inclusive Education Consultant in Los Angeles, CA.  Over the past 10+ years, Arielle has been immersed in all things “Special Education"…from teaching, to leadership, to navigating the IEP process from the "parent side" for her 7-year-old stepson.  Her passion... Read More →
Thursday December 5, 2024 2:00pm - 5:00pm CST
Celestin Ballroom: Celestin F Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113
  Day One Intensives
 
Friday, December 6
 

10:00am CST

Building Educator Capacity: Coaching for Inclusion of ALL Learners
Friday December 6, 2024 10:00am - 11:00am CST
Imperial 8
What are the first steps in the journey toward living our courageous commitment to inclusive education? Experience how TrueNorth Educational Cooperative 804 partners with member districts to build capacity in educators to implement equitable inclusive practices for students with disabilities through professional learning and coaching. Coaches will share experiences from their work in several community districts. The presenters will celebrate the growth of students, educators, and systems at many different points in this journey. Participants will leave with collaborative structures, frameworks and processes that are applicable to teams and educational systems at the individual student, classroom, and building levels.
Moderators
MC

Mary-Kelsey Coletto

TrueNorth Educational Cooperative 804
Presenters
DR

Danielle Ritchey

TrueNorth Educational Cooperative 804
avatar for Amanda Barton

Amanda Barton

TrueNorth Educational Cooperative 804
CK

Claire Kelley

TrueNorth Educational Cooperative 804
TJ
Friday December 6, 2024 10:00am - 11:00am CST
Imperial 8 Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113
  Breakout Sessions

10:00am CST

Community-Based Instruction: A Competency-Based Training
Friday December 6, 2024 10:00am - 11:00am CST
Celestin Ballroom: Celestin C
This presentation delves into community-based instruction (CBI) training for direct support professionals engaged in home and community-based services (HCBS). It sheds light on developing and implementing a train-the-trainer (T/T) model designed to enhance the skills of HCBS providers, support compliance with the Settings Rule, and foster meaningful community involvement. Through a collaborative effort, project staff, HCBS providers, and family advocacy organizations have crafted a curriculum that addresses CBI's core needs and objectives. The presenters will discuss the systematic framework and the built-in fidelity measures of the T/T model, encompassing both trainer and learner competencies. Participants will leave with a comprehensive understanding of the projects foundation, its collaborative development process, and the impactful outcomes of the training initiative, thus paving the way for improved service delivery and community participation among HCBS providers.
Moderators
avatar for Aubrey Snyder

Aubrey Snyder

Program Coordinator, Utah State University
Hi! I'm Aubrey Snyder. First and foremost, I am a twin sibling to a brother who has Down syndrome and hearing impairments. As a sister, I am incredibly passionate about working within the disability community to improve the services and supports, systems, and society that we work... Read More →
Presenters
avatar for Tim Reisen

Tim Reisen

Director of Research and Training, Utah State University
Tim is the Director of the Research and Training Division at the Institute for Disability Research, Policy & Practice with an appointment as research associate professor in the Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation at Utah State University. Tim has 30 years of experience... Read More →
avatar for Katie Emmett

Katie Emmett

Utah State University Institute for Disability Research, Policy and Practice
NS
Friday December 6, 2024 10:00am - 11:00am CST
Celestin Ballroom: Celestin C Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113
  Breakout Sessions

10:00am CST

The Role of An Inclusive Education Coach During Systemic Change
Friday December 6, 2024 10:00am - 11:00am CST
Imperial 5D
Using a constructivist grounded theory approach to interpret data collected through interviews, shadowing with field notes, and documents, this study begins to illuminate the role of an inclusive education coach working within an ongoing, successful district-wide systemic change endeavor to include students with extensive support needs (ESN) in regular education classrooms. The findings of this study begin with the experiences and qualities of the coach gleaned from interviews and shadowing experiences. Next, the preliminary theory that emerged from this study illustrates the coach's use of eight concurrent strategies that enable him to understand the context and build capacity at the classroom, school, district, and state levels of the education system to increase the membership, participation, and learning of students with ESN. Finally, additional implications derived from this study are discussed, which might assist districts in considering the use of coaching for systemic change.
Presenters
DB

Dale Baker

St. Bonaventure University
Friday December 6, 2024 10:00am - 11:00am CST
Imperial 5D Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113
  Breakout Sessions

11:15am CST

Benefits of Collaborative, Multidisciplinary Approaches to AAC Training in Schools
Friday December 6, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm CST
Imperial 8
A multidisciplinary approach involving speech-language pathologists, educators, occupational therapists, and other professionals leads to improved communication outcomes for individuals using Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC) systems (McNaughton & Light, 2013). Despite this knowledge, AAC training opportunities for school staff often focus only on SLPs and less frequently on the direct support professionals assisting students on a daily basis. Our session focuses on the benefits of a multidisciplinary training approach, which facilitates the generalization and maintenance of communication skills across different settings and communication partners. This collaboration promotes communication and inclusion in a wider range of contexts (Millar et al., 2019). Multidisciplinary collaboration provides valuable opportunities for professional development and knowledge exchange among team members, enhancing AAC service delivery in educational settings (Beukelman & Mirenda, 2013).
Presenters
avatar for Lisa Mihalich Quinn

Lisa Mihalich Quinn

Executive Director, Reach Every Voice
Lisa Mihalich Quinn, M.A / M.Ed. is a licensed special educator with more than 15 years of experience making academic content accessible for neurodiverse students and learners who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). She is a former Public Schools teacher and the... Read More →
Friday December 6, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm CST
Imperial 8 Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113
  Breakout Sessions

11:15am CST

Leveraging Universal Design for Learning to Improve Student Behavior
Friday December 6, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm CST
Imperial 5B
This workshop is designed to empower educators with the principles and practices of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to foster a positive and inclusive learning environment. Participants will gain an understanding of the updated UDL Guidelines and their role in promoting desirable student behavior across diverse educational settings. By the end of this session, participants will be equipped with the knowledge and practical skills needed to create a more inclusive and behaviorally supportive learning environment for all students.
Presenters
avatar for Kelley Correio

Kelley Correio

Inclusionary Practices Coordinator, Educational Service District 123
I have spent the past 5 years as part of a staewide team committed to supporting educators and school leaders with developing and implementing sustainable systems, structures, and practices that support all students with meaningful access and engagement in inclusive learning envi... Read More →
Friday December 6, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm CST
Imperial 5B Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113
  Breakout Sessions

11:15am CST

Preparing Preservice Teachers for Inclusion Through Introductory Special Education Course
Friday December 6, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm CST
Imperial 5C
As more students with disabilities are included in general education settings, there is a growing need for enhanced preservice teacher training for inclusive practices. Especially, an introductory special education course is given greater emphasis due to the mandatory enrollment requirements for preservice teachers in most teacher preparation programs. To inform the development of this course that prepares teachers to provide inclusive education, a Delphi study will be completed to query experts on critical elements of the course syllabus (i.e., purpose, course contents, assignments) considered important by them to facilitate inclusion. The content analysis of 22 syllabi was conducted to develop the initial survey items. Consensus will be reached through multiple rounds of surveys. Results and implications for future research and practice will be discussed.
Presenters
avatar for Geonhwa Kim

Geonhwa Kim

Doctoral Student, University of Kansas
Friday December 6, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm CST
Imperial 5C Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113
  Breakout Sessions

2:15pm CST

Preservice Teachers: Dissonant Beliefs About Including Students with ESN
Friday December 6, 2024 2:15pm - 3:10pm CST
Imperial 5A
While inclusion in the general education classroom for students with extensive support needs (ESN) leads to significantly better academic, social, and behavioral outcomes, rates of full inclusion for this population remain low. Pre- and in-service teachers’ beliefs affect the placement in–and ultimately the efficacy of–inclusion for students with ESN. This systematic literature review synthesizes extant empirical studies that explore preservice general education teachers’ belief systems towards the inclusion of students with ESN. Findings highlight the dissonance that many preservice general education teachers feel, the interpretability of the least restrictive environment mandate, and the need for term stabilization (e.g., beliefs; ESN) in research questions about this topic. Implications for teacher education and systems change are discussed.
Presenters
avatar for Katie Baulier

Katie Baulier

Boston University
Friday December 6, 2024 2:15pm - 3:10pm CST
Imperial 5A Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113
  Breakout Sessions

2:15pm CST

WE ARE! Our Stories Inclusion Thru Oral Histories
Friday December 6, 2024 2:15pm - 3:10pm CST
Imperial 9
Everyone has a story! Oral histories help to identify our uniqueness and our commonalities. Through introspection, we all, individuals with and without disabilities can find, form and share our story. In sharing oral histories, we facilitate inclusion as the line between different and disability is diminished, perspectives and experiences of our community are broaden and enriched. The mutual sharing of oral histories contributes to understanding, valuing and inclusion, our common-unity. Rationale, strategies, low cost technologies to collect, share and archive oral histories are provided to help advocates, families and practitioners elicit, collect, share and archive oral histories.
Friday December 6, 2024 2:15pm - 3:10pm CST
Imperial 9 Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113
  Breakout Sessions

2:30pm CST

Building A Health Education Website Together
Friday December 6, 2024 2:30pm - 4:30pm CST
Celestin Ballroom E
Indiana Complex Care Coordination Collaborative (IC4) at Indiana University School of Medicine is creating a patient-facing website for adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities (AIDD) to promote health and wellness and build confidence in interacting with the medical community. Components include webpages, videos and worksheets which address healthy habits, engaging in healthcare, and self-management of chronic illnesses. In collaboration with health messengers from Special Olympics Indiana (SOI), we are creating videos and social stories to help AIDD prepare for specific medical exams (belly, chest, ear-nose-throat, genitalia, etc.) and procedures (mammogram, dental, colonoscopy, EEG, radiology, sleep study, audiology, etc.) Initial scripts and ideas are created by IC4 medical professionals then vetted by SOI health messengers who are employed part-time to contribute to this work. All components are significantly redirected and modified based on feedback.
Presenters
KW
Friday December 6, 2024 2:30pm - 4:30pm CST
Celestin Ballroom E Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113
  TASH Talks

3:25pm CST

The Judith Campaign: Amplifying Voices, Honoring Truth
Friday December 6, 2024 3:25pm - 4:20pm CST
Imperial 8
This session allows the attendees to have the opportunity to watch several Judith Campaign videos as they dive into the presenter's world perspective relating to justice, advocacy, equity, and pride for who they are. From there, the presenters will have the chance to discuss their thoughts on the campaign while being open to sharing their world perspective and its importance. The DC Developmental Disabilities Council’s mission is to create change that removes barriers to achieve full inclusion, diversity, and equity through our advocacy. The Judith Campaign's end goal is to celebrate the accomplishments of the individuals we support for their justice, the uncomfortable conversations they share, the direct support they do, finding ways to be included in their community despite their disability/sexual orientation or diverse group, their world perspective through their eyes, and finding solutions to make the world how we want.
Friday December 6, 2024 3:25pm - 4:20pm CST
Imperial 8 Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113
  Breakout Sessions

4:35pm CST

Unleashing Potential: Is a Service Dog Right for You?
Friday December 6, 2024 4:35pm - 5:30pm CST
Celestin Ballroom: Celestin H
I'd love to bring my dog everywhere with me! We'd love another pet; let's get a service dog! Does my dog need special training to be a service dog? Can I train my own dog to be a service dog? There are many misconceptions about service dogs and how to obtain one. A service dog trainer and user discuss factors involved in determining if a service dog is right for you. These factors include eligibility and knowledge of ADA; physical factors involved in handling a dog; and financial aspects such as veterinary care, food, medication, and grooming. Housing issues such as space and relief areas, and family issues involving allergies or acquiring a dog exclusively for one family member must be considered as well. Perspective service dog users must also understand the dog training industry and how to select a qualified trainer or organization, and dog training principles if self training a service dog.
Presenters
avatar for Anne Papalia

Anne Papalia

Shippensburg University
Friday December 6, 2024 4:35pm - 5:30pm CST
Celestin Ballroom: Celestin H Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113
  Breakout Sessions

5:45pm CST

Celebrating Authentic Experiences that Enhance Appreciation of Diversity
Friday December 6, 2024 5:45pm - 7:15pm CST
Storyville Hall
This session presents information on a pilot program for undergraduates enrolled in a teacher education program. Teaching candidates have the opportunity to participate with faculty mentors and peers in a very engaging format. This project is designed to supplement learning and broaden one’s perspective of teaching students who have disabilities and to enhance one’s understanding and appreciation for different cultures, attitudes, beliefs, and perspectives. It is a culmination of what teacher candidates learned in terms of accessibility and inclusion as well as reflecting upon the themes of cultural humility and knowledge. A major part of cultural humility is understanding and analyzing your own reactions in a thoughtful and intentional way, which includes being tolerant, respectful, curious, and empathetic towards other cultures. Thus, teacher candidates self-reflect upon a series of related experiences by examining all aspects of events and experiences from different perspectives.
Presenters
RS
Friday December 6, 2024 5:45pm - 7:15pm CST
Storyville Hall Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113
  Poster Presentations

5:45pm CST

How Inclusive is AAC Research? A Scoping Review
Friday December 6, 2024 5:45pm - 7:15pm CST
Storyville Hall
Traditionally, AAC researchers have defined topics for investigation. However, it is important to include AAC users in research to ensure that it addresses their needs and priorities and that it results in increased awareness and uptake to improve outcomes. This scoping review aimed to identify whether AAC users have been involved in the research conducted to address issues related to adults with cerebral palsy who use AAC, and, if so, in what types of studies. Through a systematic search, only 34 data-based studies from the last twenty years were identified that focused on adults with CP who used AAC. Nine of those studies involved an AAC user in at least one research process (conceptualization of the problem, determining research methods, collecting study data, analyzing study data, and disseminating study findings). To improve the outcomes of research, there is an urgent need to involve AAC users in studies conducted to understand and support their needs.
Moderators
KS
Friday December 6, 2024 5:45pm - 7:15pm CST
Storyville Hall Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113
  Poster Presentations
 
Saturday, December 7
 

8:45am CST

Identification with Disability: Narrative Imagination and Disability Identity
Saturday December 7, 2024 8:45am - 9:45am CST
Imperial 5B
Whether they have a disability or not, a person must identify with disability in order to fully engage with the movement for a more equitable and inclusive society. This presentations shares a grounded theory of educators’ conceptions of disability based on interviews with preservice general educators and teacher education instructors. The theory, identification with disability, is a bridge between narrative imagination (Nussbaum, 1997) and disability identity (Darling & Heckert, 2010; Forber-Pratt & Zape, 2017). Narrative imagination is the ability to understand and share the feelings and experiences of others, and a strong disability identity requires disability acceptance, alignment with the social model of disability, and involvement with collective social change. Educators and family members who identify with disability are most equipped to empower individuals with complex support needs and collaborate to create a more socially just, democratic, and inclusive society.
Presenters
CP

Charles Pittack

University of Kansas
Saturday December 7, 2024 8:45am - 9:45am CST
Imperial 5B Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113
  Breakout Sessions

10:00am CST

Impact of Inclusive Education Focused Short-Term Technical Assistance
Saturday December 7, 2024 10:00am - 11:00am CST
Celestin Ballroom: Celestin C
New Jersey continues to be the most segregated state, as only 44% of students with disabilities are included in general education 80% of the day or more. The New Jersey Coalition for Inclusive Education (NJCIE) has partnered with the New Jersey Department of Education Office of Special Education (NJDOE OSE) to improve inclusion rates and overall quality of inclusive education in New Jersey schools. Through the New Jersey Inclusion Project (NJIP), NJCIE and NJDOE OSE offered short-term technical assistance support to schools around critical topics, including building an inclusive culture, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), differentiation, co-teaching, and accommodations and modifications. Using results from pre- and post-assessments of content knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and self-efficacy, our mixed-methods study provides insight into the impacts of a feasible and sustainable short-term technical assistance model geared toward improving inclusive attitudes, beliefs, and practices.
Moderators
CM
Presenters
avatar for Jessica McQueston

Jessica McQueston

Assistant Professor, Sam Houston State University
Saturday December 7, 2024 10:00am - 11:00am CST
Celestin Ballroom: Celestin C Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113
  Breakout Sessions

10:00am CST

We Do Pretty Well With Inclusion: Beliefs About Supporting Students with Complex Support Needs in Rural Settings
Saturday December 7, 2024 10:00am - 11:00am CST
Imperial 12
This research investigates inclusive practices for rural students with complex support needs (CSN) and examines staff perceptions about their roles in facilitating an inclusive service delivery model. This study addresses concerns about inconsistent inclusive practices within one rural school district. Data collection included content analysis of IEPs, classroom observations, and interviews with special educators and administrators. Findings reveal that students with CSN lacked inclusive placements, highlighting a culture of low expectations and insufficient individualized support in general education settings. Additionally, special education spaces often perpetuated ableist structures, undermining inclusive opportunities. This research underscores the importance of targeted training and resources to promote inclusive practices in rural schools, contributing to the broader understanding of how rural contexts impact inclusive education for students with CSN.
Presenters
avatar for Katie McCabe

Katie McCabe

Assistant Professor, Buffalo State University
Katie McCabe is an Assistant Professor in the Exceptional Education Department at Buffalo State University, with a Ph.D. in Special Education and a minor in Qualitative Research Methods from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. A former special education teacher in rural Upstate New... Read More →
Saturday December 7, 2024 10:00am - 11:00am CST
Imperial 12 Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113
  Breakout Sessions

11:15am CST

Deciding What to Teach: Prioritizing Outcomes for Students with CSN
Saturday December 7, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm CST
Celestin Ballroom: Celestin A
To help teachers identify priority grade-aligned learning goals to be taught in general education settings for students with complex support needs, we developed a priority planning intervention and tested it with 41 teachers. We determined if the priority planning intervention changed teacher planning for inclusive academic instruction, identified the general education content teachers prioritized, assessed the social validity of the priority planning intervention, and measured the extent to which students learned prioritized goals when taught entirely in general education classrooms. Our findings revealed that teachers were more likely to develop instruction based on the general education curriculum after the intervention. Teachers developed primarily math, communication, and academic vocabulary goals. Students were successful in learning those prioritized goals when taught entirely in general education settings, and teachers reported the intervention was helpful and efficient.
Moderators
avatar for Jennifer Kurth

Jennifer Kurth

Professor, University of Kansas
Inclusive Education
Saturday December 7, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm CST
Celestin Ballroom: Celestin A Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113
  Breakout Sessions

3:00pm CST

Bridging Beliefs and Guidelines: Exploring Educators' Views on Paraprofessional Implementation
Saturday December 7, 2024 3:00pm - 4:00pm CST
Imperial 11
This study investigated the alignment between special education teachers' beliefs and professional guidelines regarding the roles and responsibilities of paraprofessionals. Paraprofessionals, essential in providing support to students with disabilities, often receive inconsistent training and are assigned varied tasks across educational settings. Through a national survey of certified special education teachers, this research explored how educators' beliefs align with the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) guidelines and explores differences in these beliefs across various educational placements (general education, resource, self-contained, and separate schools). The findings reveal significant variations in alignment, with higher agreement observed in inclusive settings. This study underscores the need for tailored professional development to enhance paraprofessional support and highlights the impact of educational context on teachers' perceptions and expectations.
Presenters
avatar for Mary Mansouri

Mary Mansouri

Doctoral Student, University of Kansas, Department of Special Education
Mary Curran Mansouri is a doctoral student at the University of Kansas in the Department of Special Education. Her research focuses on inclusive education and understanding interactions that enhance learning and socialization for students with complex support needs.
Saturday December 7, 2024 3:00pm - 4:00pm CST
Imperial 11 Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113
  Breakout Sessions

3:00pm CST

Using Instructional Rounds to Build a Community of Inclusive Practitioners
Saturday December 7, 2024 3:00pm - 4:00pm CST
Celestin Ballroom: Celestin F
This presentation describes effective professional development in Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to better support inclusive teaching practices for K-8 teachers. Specifically, the presentation will describe the successful design and implementation of a two-year instructional rounds model of professional development. Instructional rounds engage participants in a collaborative inquiry process that results in discussion and examination of instruction. I will detail how this evidence-based approach helped teachers in a K-8 school district build a common language and understanding of effective, inclusive teaching and learning; engage in critical reflection to improve inclusive practices; and increase individual and collective self-efficacy.
Presenters
avatar for Francesca Ciotoli

Francesca Ciotoli

Assistant Professor, St. Thomas Aquinas College
I have 20 years of experience inside New York City and New Jersey classrooms teaching diverse children and working with Pre-K -12 pre-service teachers, in-service teachers, and administrators. I specialize in the preparation and ongoing learning of teachers for inclusive classrooms... Read More →
Saturday December 7, 2024 3:00pm - 4:00pm CST
Celestin Ballroom: Celestin F Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113
  Breakout Sessions

4:15pm CST

Securing The Future: Visions, Decisions, and Advocacy
Saturday December 7, 2024 4:15pm - 5:15pm CST
Imperial 8
An essential tool to bring about a full, meaningful, inclusive life is having a well-defined, articulated vision to focus, guide, and inspire action. Join us to explore the critical role of holding a positive vision for the future, understand how to use Supported Decision-Making, and how to increase self-advocacy and self-determination skills. We will discuss typical pathways toward adulthood, the necessary supports to stay on these paths; using vision, courage, and consciousness to help young adults achieve a full, meaningful, autonomous life. We will delve into the legal protections provided by IDEA in transition planning and how to maximize these to support successful outcomes. We will discuss tips and techniques to support people to increase decision-making skills to become competent, confident advocates directing their own lives. Additionally, we will emphasize the importance of belonging, community participation, and valued roles as strategies to to bring forth a good life.
Presenters
avatar for Katie Chandler

Katie Chandler

Consultant, Sangha Unity Network
Katie Chandler, a Project Consultant with Sangha Unity Network, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has worked in the intellectual and developmental disabilities field as a direct support professional, advocate, supervisor, and consultant. In each role, Katie worked to ensure... Read More →
Saturday December 7, 2024 4:15pm - 5:15pm CST
Imperial 8 Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113
  Breakout Sessions

4:15pm CST

Unleashing Neurodivergence in Education Work and Society
Saturday December 7, 2024 4:15pm - 5:15pm CST
Imperial 5B
Neurodiversity is a concept that acknowledges and celebrates the natural variations in human neurological functioning. Neurodivergence is the term for when someone's brain processes, learns, and/or behaves differently from what is considered "typical." Within this spectrum lies many conditions often misunderstood and stigmatized in society. This presentation advocates for a paradigm shift in how we perceive and approach neurodivergence, emphasizing the importance of embracing neurodiversity in education, work, and society at large. Attendees will leave this session with a comprehensive understanding of neurodiversity; ability to assess and challenge the traditional view of neurodivergence as a deficit; demonstrate tailored support and accommodations for neurodiverse students; explain the benefits of leveraging Neurodiversity in the workplace; and empowerment to challenge stereotypes, break down barriers, and advocate for policy changes that promote acceptance and inclusion.
Presenters
avatar for Dr. Jessica Hicksted

Dr. Jessica Hicksted

Software Developer/ Research Advocate / Volunteer Director, CACI / ND Outloud! / Invisible Disabilities Association
Saturday December 7, 2024 4:15pm - 5:15pm CST
Imperial 5B Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113
  Breakout Sessions
 
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