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.

1:00pm CST

I Want to But I Don't Know How: Cultivating A Good Time!

Thursday December 5, 2024 1:00pm - 4:00pm CST

3RD Floor - Ballroom: Celestin A

During this presentation, attendees will participate in discussions about the importance of social skills and successful social interactions. A large part of the human experience is sharing space and interacting with others. We spend significant amounts of time working on functional skills but tend to forget that social skills are just as important. We will discuss navigating social situations to cultivate a sense of belonging and togetherness. Through interactive group activities, attendees will share and exchange views on barriers to effective social interactions, communication and relationship building. Attendees will also discuss solutions for navigating social situations and creating opportunities to develop social skills that are important when accessing shared spaces and maintaining relationships. We will also explore what it means to be in a valued role and the significance of meaningful social experiences.

Moderators

Robin Dodds

Associate Professor of Early Childhood Special Education, California State University LA

My primary research interests focus on supporting families of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and related Developmental Disabilities in two ways; through Parent to Parent social support and through parent-mediated interventions for social communication. Additionally... Read More →

Presenters

Randy Seevers

Associate Professor, University of Houston-Clear Lake

Randy Seevers received his B.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Special Education from The Ohio State University. His experience includes working with a wide range of learners across the life span. He is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Counseling, Special Education, and... Read More →

Shay Bernard

Support Coordination Supervisor, Progressive Community Services

Shahariah "Shay" Bernard has worked for Progressive Community Services for a total of 13 years. 2 years as a direct support staff, and 11 years in support coordination. She is passionate about advocating for the people she supports, finding creative solutions to everyday problems... Read More →

Thursday December 5, 2024 1:00pm - 4:00pm CST
3RD Floor - Ballroom: Celestin A Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113

Day 1 Intensive Workshops

Primary Topic Diversity and Social Impact
Themes of Interest Relationships & Sexuality
Key Words Social Interactions, Belonging, Togetherness, Relationships, Quality of life

11:15am CST

Leveraging Universal Design for Learning to Improve Student Behavior

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

4TH Floor - 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.

Moderators

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 →

Presenters

Lindsay Hicks-Frazer

Inclusionary Practices Coordinator, NEWESD101

Over the past 5 years, I have collaborated closely with 8 other Inclusionary Practices coordinators from various regions across the state of Washington. Through our work, we have partnered extensively with schools and educational leaders to support the implementation of Universal... Read More →

Friday December 6, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm CST
4TH Floor - Imperial 5B Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113

Breakout Sessions

Primary Topic Inclusive Education
Themes of Interest Capacity Building for Inclusion
Key Words Behavior, Inclusion, Teaching, Belonging
Presentation Type General

3:25pm CST

Empowering My Voice: Self-Advocacy and Transition Triumphs

Friday December 6, 2024 3:25pm - 4:20pm CST

4TH Floor - Imperial 10

In this presentation, Gage Perryman talks about his life and how he learned to stand up for himself and make big decisions. Gage has disabilities, but that doesnâ€™t stop him from going to college and getting involved in activities that help his community and other individuals with disabilities across the state of Minnesota and beyond. He has navigated the complexities of transitioning into adulthood, leveraging self-advocacy skills, participating in inclusive higher education and state-wide community advocacy initiatives, and presenting at national conferences. In this talk, he will dive into the strategies, challenges, and successes he has encountered along the way, sharing useful tips and inspirational stories so that listeners feel able to make their own communities better and more welcoming for everyone. It's a talk about finding your voice, overcoming challenges, and making a difference within your community.

Presenters

Jennifer Sommerness

Researcher, TIES Center, UMN, Minneapolis, MN

Jennifer Sommerness is a distinguished educator and researcher at the TIES Center, at the University of Minnesota. She is known for her dedication to inclusive education and student success, with a profound commitment to educational equity. Jennifer has played a role in shaping the... Read More →

Gage Perryman

Gage Gives Back

Friday December 6, 2024 3:25pm - 4:20pm CST
4TH Floor - Imperial 10 Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113

Breakout Sessions

Primary Topic Self-Advocacy
Themes of Interest Self-Determination
Key Words Transition, Inclusive, Higher Education, Post-Secondary Outcomes, Person-Centered, Planning, Supported Decision-Making, Belonging, Inclusion
Presentation Type General

3:25pm CST

The Role of Safety and Accessibility: Stories Shared By Adults with IDD in A Research Space

Friday December 6, 2024 3:25pm - 4:20pm CST

2ND Floor - Foster 2

Experiences of belonging are a basic human need and the accessibility of belonging might look different for individuals labeled with IDD due to historic and ongoing exclusion. This qualitative, participatory study explored how adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities defined belonging, reflected on experiences of belonging, and co-constructed a conceptualization of belonging together. With a focus on presumptions of competence and epistemic agency, this project includes those with lived experiences in â€œthe process of scienceâ€ (Shogren, 2023).This presentation seeks to share critical implications (for schools, families, and communities) about the issues of safety and accessibility as taken up by co-researchers during our conversations.

Presenters

Bailey Allred

University of Kansas

Friday December 6, 2024 3:25pm - 4:20pm CST
2ND Floor - Foster 2 Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113

Breakout Sessions

Primary Topic Human Rights
Themes of Interest Research to Practice
Key Words Belonging, Participatory, Choice, Adults, Reflections, Accessibility
Presentation Type Research

8:45am CST

Family Perspectives of Belonging in An Inclusive School

Saturday December 7, 2024 8:45am - 9:45am CST

3RD Floor - Ballroom: Celestin F

This presentation discusses results of a qualitative study conducted with parents of children with disabilities enrolled in schools within an inclusive charter system. The purpose was to gain a better understanding of parent perspectives around how schools support a culture of belonging for families of students with disabilities, and to determine school practices which facilitate belonging. Data was collected from focus group interviews conducted with parents of elementary and middle school aged children with disabilities. Analysis was conducted using grounded theory methods. Implications of familial belonging and how schools can support family belonging will be discussed. By the end of the session, participants will be able to (a) understand the importance of familial belonging for families of students with disabilities and (b) identify key ways schools can promote familial belonging.

Presenters

Melanie Good

Department of Special Education, University of Kansas

Saturday December 7, 2024 8:45am - 9:45am CST
3RD Floor - Ballroom: Celestin F Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113

Breakout Sessions

Primary Topic Inclusive Education
Themes of Interest K-12 Education
Key Words Families, Belonging, Family-School Partnership
Presentation Type Research

11:15am CST

The Value of Cherishing: A Mother and Daughter Who Do For the Sake of Doing

Saturday December 7, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm CST

4TH Floor - Imperial 5B

Parenting, or the act of caring for a very young child, is a social occupation that, initially is a survival mechanism for the child. Parent and child are interdependent in a way unlike any other relationship. Parenting a child with extensive support needs adds an extensive layer to this relationship with the adult taking on multiple additional roles in a day. Because of this, the majority of time spent together is working towards a goal leaving little time for the parent to engage with their child just for the sake of doing together. Through examples from a case study, I argue that there is value in non-goal oriented doing for children with extensive support needs and their caregivers. Cherishing children with extensive support needs as their whole complete human selves is important and leads to stronger relationships, communication and meaningful engagement. By doing together for the sake of doing, structures and spaces allow for opportunities to grow belong and do.

Presenters

Susie Agostine

Western New England University

Saturday December 7, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm CST
4TH Floor - Imperial 5B Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113

Breakout Sessions

Primary Topic Recreation and Leisure
Themes of Interest Autonomy
Key Words Cherishing, Doing, Belonging, Relationship, Parenting
Presentation Type Research

11:15am CST

Where I Belong: Cora's Story

Saturday December 7, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm CST

4TH Floor - Imperial 5C

This presentation will present the methods and findings from a case study that explored the phenomenon of belonging from the perspective of Cora, a school-aged child with an intellectual disability and significant support needs. Findings from the study illuminated how Cora's microsystem influence her sense of belonging in the school, neighborhood, and her community.

Presenters

Alexandra Raines

Grace Francis

Assistant Professor, Special Education, George Mason University

Saturday December 7, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm CST
4TH Floor - Imperial 5C Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113

Breakout Sessions

Primary Topic Inclusive Education
Themes of Interest K-12 Education
Key Words Belonging, Inclusion, School-Aged, Community
Presentation Type Research