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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>Inclusive Education [clear filter]
Thursday, December 5
 

1:00pm CST

How Do We Build Equitable and Inclusive Education Systems?
Thursday December 5, 2024 1:00pm - 5:00pm CST
This workshop brings together national experts in creating a sustainable inclusive and equitable education system. This deep work requires a multi-level, multi-year focus on systemic and structural barriers that maintain current practices. While research such as implementation and improvement science offer strong structural guidance, the nuances and context of different states, districts, and schools require some individualization of approaches. Panelists will share research, best practices, and tools related to creating sustainable change while discussing differences in our approaches and options. High-level and practical insight will be shared in this highly interactive session.  

This presentation brings together national leaders in the field of system change. Christine Betchel, Jessica Bowman, Meghan Cosier, Patricia McDaid, Effie McMillian, Michael McSheehan, Diane Ryndak, Kurt Schneider, and Debbie Taub have been engaged with system change work throughout their careers. While there will be prepared materials and shared content, this colloquium allows for opportunities similar to a panel discussion to showcase the range of work, areas of focus, and different approaches to change. This will be an interactive session though there are specific times for audience questions..

Introduction to the topic (30 min)
Mini-case studies by each participant related to their work (1.5 hours total)
Commentary on big-picture levers and areas of agreement (30 min)
Panelist questions and discussion related to contextual differences (1 hour)
Audience questions (20 min)

Panelists will share case studies from their work to highlight contextualized levers and barriers in planning for and implementing sustainable systemic change. Key resources will be shared with participants. The goal of this colloquium is a lively discussion filled with practical guidance, debate, and audience engagement.
Moderators
avatar for Deborah Taub

Deborah Taub

Owner/CEO, OTL Education Solutions, LLC
Presenters
avatar for Diane Ryndak

Diane Ryndak

Professor, University of North Carolina at Greensboro
avatar for Jessica Bowman

Jessica Bowman

Research Associate, TIES Center, University of Minnesota
inclusive education, systems change, mathematics education
avatar for Michael McSheehan

Michael McSheehan

Owner/TA Provider, Evolve & Effect, LLC
Michael McSheehan’s life work has been at the intersection of disability and K-12 education. During his twenty years at the University of New Hampshire, he worked on projects for assistive technology, inclusive education, alternate assessment, RTI & PBIS, and MTSS. Michael helped... Read More →
avatar for Kurt A. Schneider

Kurt A. Schneider

Superintendent, TrueNorth Educational Cooperative 804
Kurt A. Schneider, Ph.D. is in his ninth year as Superintendent of TrueNorth Educational Cooperative 804, in Highland Park, Illinois. Under his direction, the educational cooperative works in partnership with 18 local school districts to meet the needs of diverse learners through... Read More →
CB

Christine Bechtel

Carroll County Public Schools
avatar for Effie McMillian

Effie McMillian

Chief Equity Officer, WSFCS
avatar for Meghan Cosier

Meghan Cosier

Chapman University
Thursday December 5, 2024 1:00pm - 5:00pm CST
3RD Floor - Ballroom: Celestin H Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113
 
Friday, December 6
 

10:00am CST

Creating Inclusive School Communities in An Urban Turnaround District
Friday December 6, 2024 10:00am - 11:00am CST
Attention all urban educators and administrators! Please join us as we present and discuss the systems change process underway in our district , with special emphasis on the challenges of creating inclusive school communities in a struggling urban school district with a large number of segregated special education classrooms. Our district has just completed Year 1 of our work on systems change for inclusive education. We would love to connect with other educators doing similar work to share ideas, strategies, and successes.
Moderators Presenters
DA

Danielle Archambeault

Lawrence Public Schools
SM

Sabrina Merdita

BCBA/School Psychologist, Lawrence Public Schools
AR

Amanda Rivard

Lawrence Public Schools
Friday December 6, 2024 10:00am - 11:00am CST
4TH Floor - Imperial 5C Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113

10:00am CST

The Role of An Inclusive Education Coach During Systemic Change
Friday December 6, 2024 10:00am - 11:00am CST
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.
Moderators
DB

Dale Baker

Assistant Professor, St. Bonaventure University
Presenters
avatar for Diane Ryndak

Diane Ryndak

Professor, University of North Carolina at Greensboro
avatar for Kristin Burnette

Kristin Burnette

Assistant Professor, East Carolina University
Friday December 6, 2024 10:00am - 11:00am CST
4TH Floor - Imperial 5D Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113

10:00am CST

Using the SDLMI to Enhance Teacher Teacher Goal Setting for Inclusive Education
Friday December 6, 2024 10:00am - 11:00am CST
The current study describes how two teacher preparation programs used the Self-Determined Learning Model of Instruction (SDLMI) with 57 teachers to empower them to set goals, take action, and evaluate and adjust their goals and action plans to enhance their practices and supports provided to students. We analyzed the goals set by teachers to improve their inclusive teaching skills and practices, the quality of teacher goals, teacher goal attainment, and whether goal quality predicted goal attainment. We found that most teachers set goals that required a team approach. Teachers generally created high-quality goals, with teachers making expected or better-than expected progress on their goals. Teacher goal quality was predictive of goal attainment. We discuss how teacher preparation programs can use the SDLMI to support teachers in creating their own goals, measuring their goal progress, and improving their implementation of essential and best practices to advance inclusive education.
Presenters
avatar for Jennifer Kurth

Jennifer Kurth

Professor, University of Kansas
Inclusive Education
avatar for Alison Zagona

Alison Zagona

Assistant Professor, University of Kansas - Department of Special Education
I am a researcher and special education teacher educator, and I am passionate about advocating for inclusive educational experiences for students with extensive support needs.
Friday December 6, 2024 10:00am - 11:00am CST
4TH Floor - Imperial 5B Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113

11:15am CST

Preparing Preservice Teachers for Inclusion Through Introductory Special Education Course
Friday December 6, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm CST
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.
Moderators
avatar for Geonhwa Kim

Geonhwa Kim

Doctoral Student, University of Kansas
Presenters
avatar for Jennifer Kurth

Jennifer Kurth

Professor, University of Kansas
Inclusive Education
Friday December 6, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm CST
4TH Floor - Imperial 5C Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113

11:15am CST

The Unique Attributes of Parents Who Advocate For Inclusive Education
Friday December 6, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm CST
This study aims to investigate the unique qualities that create opportunities for parents of students with multiple support needs to advocate for inclusive education settings. All humans need to connect and feel that they belong, and their unique human capital is used to attain a desired outcome. When a parent is part of an IEP team, these needs are not any different; belonging is needed to feel part of that team truly and for collaboration to occur. As this study investigates the phenomenon of parental qualities, the theoretical frameworks of the 10 Dimensions of Belonging by Carter (2021 & 2020) and Yosso's Community Cultural Capital (2005) will be used. What are the distinctive attributes of parents of children with multiple support needs that equip them to be advocates for inclusive education settings?
a) How do parents acquire these distinctive attributes?
b) How does possessing these qualities impact advocacy in the IEP process?
Moderators Presenters
avatar for Robin Dodds

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 →
Friday December 6, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm CST
3RD Floor - Ballroom: Celestin G Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113

2:15pm CST

Patterns and Predictors of Special Education Program Placement For Students with Disabilities in Ontario, Canada
Friday December 6, 2024 2:15pm - 3:10pm CST
Placement in the general education classroom is critical for ensuring the inclusion of students with disabilities in schools. However, several variables (e.g., student age, school district type) have been implicated as potentially influencing classroom placement decisions despite established protocols guiding the process. Due to the non-public nature of disability-related data in Canada, little is known about the patterns and trends characterizing classroom placement in this context. This study analyzed special education program placement data provided by the Ontario Ministry of Education to describe the extent to which students with 13 disability types have accessed their education in general education classroom placements over time. Discussion focuses on implications for both policy and practice.
Moderators
AM

Alexandra Minuk

Queen's University
Presenters
avatar for Jordan Shurr

Jordan Shurr

Associate Professor of Special Education, Queen's University
avatar for Haley Clark

Haley Clark

Queen's University
HC

Holly Crump

Queen's University
Friday December 6, 2024 2:15pm - 3:10pm CST
3RD Floor - Ballroom: Celestin G Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113

2:15pm CST

Transforming Kindergarten: Inclusive Education For Students with Extensive Support Needs
Friday December 6, 2024 2:15pm - 3:10pm CST
This presentation explores a school district's systemic efforts to implement inclusive education practices for students with Extensive Support Needs (ESN) starting from kindergarten. The research highlights the strategic use of natural transitions, such as the entry into kindergarten, as pivotal moments for initiating systemic change. The study is framed by the Quality Implementation Framework (QIF) and implementation science, offering a structured approach to examining and enacting systemic changes. Data collection involved semi-structured interviews with district administrators, teachers, and parents; observations of kindergarten classrooms; and analysis of district policy documents and meeting minutes. This comprehensive approach allowed for an in-depth examination of the systemic changes implemented and their impact on the inclusion of students with ESN. Attendees will gain practical strategies and insights to promote inclusive practices within their own contexts.
Presenters
avatar for Diane Ryndak

Diane Ryndak

Professor, University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Friday December 6, 2024 2:15pm - 3:10pm CST
3RD Floor - Ballroom: Celestin C Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113

2:30pm CST

The Sound of Inclusion: Using Podcasts to Shift Perceptions About Inclusive
Friday December 6, 2024 2:30pm - 4:30pm CST
As a medium of storytelling and information dissemination, podcasts hold immense power in shaping public discourse and perceptions. When it comes to inclusive education, they offer a unique platform to highlight diverse voices and experiences, fostering a deeper understanding of inclusivity in learning environments. Through engaging narratives and expert interviews, podcasts can dismantle preconceived notions and play a pivotal role in advocating for educational reforms that accommodate all learners. They serve as a beacon of awareness and a catalyst for change, inspiring communities to embrace and support inclusive practices. In this TASH talk, I will underscore the transformative potential of podcasts in promoting positive attitudes toward inclusive education, thereby contributing to a more equitable society.
Moderators
Friday December 6, 2024 2:30pm - 4:30pm CST
3RD Floor - Ballroom: Celestin E Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113

3:25pm CST

Inclusive Education Partnerships: Collaborating to Create Curriculum Access
Friday December 6, 2024 3:25pm - 4:20pm CST
This presentation will explore the development and implementation of a partnership between UNLV’s Office of General Curriculum Access (OGCA) and the Nevada Department of Education’s Office of Inclusive Education (OIE). The collaboration aims to promote inclusive education by providing access to the general curriculum and a continuum of needed supports and services for students with extensive support needs. The OIE works to raise expectations and improve educational and employment outcomes for all students with disabilities through collaborative efforts with state and local partners. Through a partnership with the OIE, the OGCA provides educators with grade-aligned and standards-based curriculum materials, academic and behavioral support resources, and effective professional development. This session will share the challenges, strategies, and successes of the partnership and will provide attendees with actionable insights into creating similar collaborations in their own contexts.
Presenters
JB

Joshua Baker

Professor/Researcher, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Department of Educational and Clinical Studies
CB

Catherine Bacos

Associate Director and Curriculum Specialist, UNLV Office of General Curriculum Access, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Friday December 6, 2024 3:25pm - 4:20pm CST
3RD Floor - Ballroom: Celestin C Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113

3:25pm CST

Special Needs Vouchers Silence the Right to Inclusive Education
Friday December 6, 2024 3:25pm - 4:20pm CST
The right to education in the least restrictive environment is at the foundation of IDEA. This research-based presentation examines how students with disabilities are losing this right and segregated through voucher programs. The study focused on three of the largest special needs voucher programs in the United States: those in Florida, Georgia and Ohio. These programs and the largest private special education schools within these states were found to be silent on the right to education in the LRE. Descriptions and analysis of how this occurs will show that special needs vouchers are manipulatively framed to undermine inclusive education. Neighborhood schooling and inclusion are rendered invisible and invalid through the “manipulative silences” of “choice” policy. This analysis draws connections between historical segregation, neoliberal ideology and the rhetoric of market choice. Implications regarding segregation, equity, and education policy will be discussed.
Presenters
KH

Kathy Hulgin

University of Cincinnati Clermont College
Friday December 6, 2024 3:25pm - 4:20pm CST
4TH Floor - Imperial 5B Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113

4:35pm CST

Evaluating Impact of AA-AAAS 1% Cap Pursuit on Inclusive Education
Friday December 6, 2024 4:35pm - 5:30pm CST
The Every Student Succeeds Act indicated alternate assessments (AA) are for students with significant cognitive disabilities. Given the federal government actions to enforce the 1% state cap for AA participation, many students who previously took the alternate assessment are now taking the general state assessment. That means these students must be placed in the general classroom to learn the state standard curriculum. This presents a challenge to educators in educating students who may have been instructed according to modified curriculum and alternate achievement standards. This presentation will discuss results from a mixed methods study including a secondary data analysis, classroom observation, and teacher interview group to determine student characteristics and successes and challenges educators face when teaching students who have moved from the AA to the general assessment. Implications for policy and practice will be discussed. Related tools and resources will be shared.
Moderators
YW

Yi-Chen Wu

Research Associate, National Center on Educational Outcomes / University of Minnesota
Dr. Wu is an experienced psychometrician and the statistical expert for the National Center on Educational Outcomes. She has been working with large-scale assessment data since 2000. She has also had experience on analyzing state-wide assessment datasets and different types of da... Read More →
Friday December 6, 2024 4:35pm - 5:30pm CST
4TH Floor - Imperial 5A Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113

5:45pm CST

Communication Opportunities For Preschoolers with Disabilities and Complex Communication Needs
Friday December 6, 2024 5:45pm - 7:15pm CST
For children, social interaction plays a critical role in overall social, emotional, and cognitive development, however, not every child has equal opportunity to engage socially with their peers. Specifically, children with disabilities and complex communication needs (CCN) have limited meaningful opportunities to interact with their peers in inclusive educational spaces. To better support young children with CCN in early childhood educational settings, it is imperative to understand what opportunities exist naturally for social interaction and communication. This observational study investigates these naturally occurring communication opportunities for students with disabilities and CCN as well as other contextual factors that may impact social communication in inclusive classroom settings.
Presenters
JH

Jenna Hurlburt

The Ohio State University
Friday December 6, 2024 5:45pm - 7:15pm CST
3RD Floor - Storyville Hall Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113

5:45pm CST

Year Two: Pre-Service Teachers' Reflections on A Variety of Placement Settings
Friday December 6, 2024 5:45pm - 7:15pm CST
Last year, I had the privilege of presenting with a group of students who had never seen inclusive practices, this year my university extended my grant funding to continue this line of research. Through university support, we are taking students on a study abroad trip to the Czech Republic, where inclusive opportunities are minimal. The purpose of this research is to allow undergraduate pre-service teachers to experience a variety of placement settings both in the United States and the Czech Republic.  Additionally, data will be analyzed across two cohorts of students who are visiting inclusive placements for the first time. Pre-service teachers will complete a pre- and post- reflection on their experiences. Additionally students will record their initial reaction to a variety of placement sites to see differences and changes their perceptions during the semester. These video and written reflections will be analyzed qualitatively for themes.
Moderators
avatar for Kristin Burnette

Kristin Burnette

Assistant Professor, East Carolina University
Friday December 6, 2024 5:45pm - 7:15pm CST
3RD Floor - Storyville Hall Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113
 
Saturday, December 7
 

8:45am CST

"Listen to My Typing": Centering Non-Speaking Autistic Experience in Education
Saturday December 7, 2024 8:45am - 9:45am CST
Too often, the experience of disability has been narrated and mediated by the non-disabled. Online platforms have created space for autistic individuals that type to communicate to participate in the discourse community to share perspectives, comment on schooling experiences, and provide guidance -- narrating their own experience of autism. For the purpose of this consideration of discursive and ideological trends, we analyze blogs written by autistic individuals that type to communicate. What can analyzing online materials by autistic typers teach us about their experiences? And what are implications for a reimagined inclusive education that seeks not to reify ableism, but create space for neurodivergent communicators?
Presenters
avatar for Nikkia Borowski

Nikkia Borowski

PhD Candidate, Syracuse University
Saturday December 7, 2024 8:45am - 9:45am CST
4TH Floor - Imperial 9 Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113

8:45am CST

Empowering Diverse Families and Students Through Interdisciplinary Collaboration for Inclusion
Saturday December 7, 2024 8:45am - 9:45am CST
Promoting inclusion for students with extensive support needs, particularly those with disabilities from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds, is crucial. Successful inclusion involves effective interdisciplinary collaboration among professionals and families. We interviewed professionals from diverse fields such as family advocacy, education, psychology, and speech-language pathology. These individuals participated in the Northern California LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities) program, which aims to train leaders, educate community providers, and conduct research to promote systemic change. Participants have experience supporting a wide range of families and students as a collaborative team. Our goal was to identify factors contributing to successful inclusion for these families and students. We will focus on identifying facilitators and barriers to inclusion, and additional supports and training that professionals believe are necessary.
Presenters
avatar for Jean Gonsier-Gerdin

Jean Gonsier-Gerdin

Professor, Teaching Credentials-Special Education, California State University, Sacramento
GK

Gospel Kim

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

10:00am CST

Impact of Inclusive Education Focused Short-Term Technical Assistance
Saturday December 7, 2024 10:00am - 11:00am CST
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

Cristin Montalbano

All In For Inclusive Education
Presenters
avatar for Jessica McQueston

Jessica McQueston

Assistant Professor, Sam Houston State University
Saturday December 7, 2024 10:00am - 11:00am CST
3RD Floor - Ballroom: Celestin C Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113

10:00am CST

Including Neurodiverse Learners: A DisCrit Examination
Saturday December 7, 2024 10:00am - 11:00am CST
This study aimed to understand the experiences of teachers with neurodiverse learners in their classrooms. Using a critical qualitative methodology and a DisCrit theoretical framework, practicing educators were interviewed to consider how they define neurodiversity, how they support neurodiverse students in the classroom, and challenges they experience including neurodiverse learners. Across the study, educators were asked about their perceptions and experiences with neurodiverse learners. Three significant themes were constructed using a DisCrit framework for analysis: 1) discussion of teachers’ general understanding of neurodiversity; 2) the learning strategies developed and implemented by teachers to include neurodiverse learners; and, 3) the challenges teachers articulated around inclusion for neurodiverse students. Within their descriptions and discussions, it was clear that educators still have implicit bias that impacts how they view neurodiverse students and their potential.
Presenters
avatar for Sara Scribner

Sara Scribner

Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator: Special Education, Plymouth State University
Saturday December 7, 2024 10:00am - 11:00am CST
4TH Floor - Imperial 5C Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113

10:00am CST

Let's Collaborate: Strategies For Authentic Partnerships in Inclusive Education
Saturday December 7, 2024 10:00am - 11:00am CST
When students with extensive support needs are included in general education, it is essential that educators engage in authentic and ongoing collaboration. In this session, two general educators and their special educator co-teaching partner will share the benefits and components of authentic collaboration, key strategies and tools they utilize to support collaboration, how they find joy and have fun in their partnerships, and how to advocate for administrative support and accountability to promote shared ownership. Let the good times roll!
Moderators
avatar for Amy Hanreddy

Amy Hanreddy

Associate Professor, Special Education, California State University, Northridge
Amy Hanreddy is an associate professor in the Department of Special Education at California State University, Northridge. She teaches about inclusive and collaborative practices, with an emphasis on strategies that provide students with disabilities access to meaningful instruction... Read More →
Presenters
Saturday December 7, 2024 10:00am - 11:00am CST
3RD Floor - Ballroom: Celestin B Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113

10:00am CST

Overcoming Challenges and Resistance: Advancing Inclusion in Schools
Saturday December 7, 2024 10:00am - 11:00am CST
This presentation explores the critical importance of overcoming challenges and resistance to systemic change in schools to advance inclusion. It delves into common barriers hindering progress towards inclusive education, such as lack of awareness, fear of change, and resource constraints. Through a combination of strategies, including education, collaboration, resource management, leadership, and advocacy, this presentation provides insights into how educators and administrators can effectively navigate these challenges. By examining case studies, engaging in interactive discussions, and outlining action plans, participants will leave with practical tools and knowledge to drive positive change and foster inclusive school environments.
Presenters
avatar for Kelli Petrone

Kelli Petrone

Program Director, All In For Inclusive Education
Saturday December 7, 2024 10:00am - 11:00am CST
4TH Floor - Imperial 11 Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113

11:15am CST

Caught in the Continuum: How Special Educators Provide Access for Students with Extensive Support Needs
Saturday December 7, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm CST
Despite the preponderance of scholarly literature advocating the benefits of including students with disabilities in general education, students with ESN continue to be educated in restrictive settings. Limited research exists on how to facilitate access to inclusive opportunities in these segregated self-contained settings, yet this is primarily where these students are educated. Additionally, educators of these students are often caught in the continuum; teaching in a system that is set to exclude their students while attempting to facilitate access. This qualitative research study used collective case study methodology to analyze this gap in the literature. Through semistructured interviews and related documentation, findings highlight the perspectives of special education teachers, including the supports, educational practices, and barriers they experience when providing access for their students with ESN. These findings lead to recommendations for future research & practice.
Presenters
avatar for Megan Doty

Megan Doty

Program Specialist
Saturday December 7, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm CST
4TH Floor - Imperial 8 Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113

11:15am CST

Embracing Intersectionality and Advocating for Asset-Based Pedagogies in Special Education
Saturday December 7, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm CST
Intersectionality is defined as the ways in which multiple systems of oppression interact to impact individuals who have been marginalized across their multiple identity markers (Crenshaw, 1989). DisCrit (Annamma et al., 2013) centers the intersection of race and dis/ability, but this has only been minimally explored relative to individuals with IDD (Kover et al., in press), as research often equates the experiences of all individuals with IDD (Goethals et al., 2015). Similarly, many clinicians and practitioners overemphasize intellectual ability and underestimate how intersectionality shapes an individual's experiences across health, educational, and social domains (Kover et al., in press). This structured discussion will explore how integrating frameworks of asset-based framings (López, 2017), community cultural wealth (Yosso, 2005), and presumptions of competence into educational settings can be used to disrupt barriers and reimagine opportunities for students with IDD.
Presenters
avatar for Alison Wilhelm

Alison Wilhelm

Doctoral Student, University of Washington
Hello! I am a current doctoral student at the University of Washington in Special Education. I was previously a teacher in a variety of placements in Nashville, Tennessee. My interest areas include reading development, instruction, and family literacy practices. I am currently working... Read More →
Saturday December 7, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm CST
4TH Floor - Imperial 5A Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113

11:15am CST

Making it Happen! Writing Inclusive IEPs
Saturday December 7, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm CST
Inclusive education is a fundamental right of all students, including those with the most significant support needs. Creating Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) that effectively support these students is crucial for their academic, social, and emotional development. This presentation aims to explore strategies for developing comprehensive IEPs tailored to the unique needs of students with significant support needs. Through a combination of research insights, practical examples, and collaborative discussions, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how to create inclusive learning environments that empower every student to thrive.
Moderators
avatar for Kara Halley

Kara Halley

Associate Professor, Metropolitan State University of Denver
Dr. Halley has over twenty years of experience as a teacher in the public school system and university settiings. Dr. Halley is also a consultant with the Colorado Department of Education. Her research interests include inclusive education, transition and post-secondary services... Read More →
Presenters
avatar for Rebecca Canges

Rebecca Canges

Associate Professor, Metropolitan State University of Denver
Rebecca Dennis-Canges received her doctorate in Educational Leadership with an emphasis in Teacher Education in Multicultural Societies from the University of Southern California (USC). She completed her undergraduate work in Psychology at California State University, Long Beach where... Read More →
Saturday December 7, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm CST
4TH Floor - Imperial 11 Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113

3:00pm CST

Bridging Beliefs and Guidelines: Exploring Educators' Views on Paraprofessional Implementation
Saturday December 7, 2024 3:00pm - 4:00pm CST
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
4TH Floor - Imperial 11 Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113

3:00pm CST

Language... Does it Matter in Teacher Prep?
Saturday December 7, 2024 3:00pm - 4:00pm CST
The words we use and allow our students to use matter. As teacher educators, we are preparing the next generation of educators, and they will impact thousands of K-12 students every year. This presentation will explore the nuanced role of language in shaping perceptions of students with disabilities and strategies for integrating disability representation into teacher preparation curricula. The presentation will review what two colleagues, including a disabled professor, at one Texas university are doing to change language and the perception of students with disabilities in coursework and with colleagues. Participants will gain actionable insights, learn updated disability-centered language, and examples of ways to cultivate a more inclusive and supportive environment where all students thrive.  
Presenters
avatar for Jessica McQueston

Jessica McQueston

Assistant Professor, Sam Houston State University
Saturday December 7, 2024 3:00pm - 4:00pm CST
3RD Floor - Ballroom: Celestin G Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113

4:15pm CST

Impacts of A First Year Inclusive Post-Secondary Education Program
Saturday December 7, 2024 4:15pm - 5:15pm CST
This presentation will provide an overview of the first year of a new inclusive post-secondary education (IPSE) program on a university campus, including the experiences of IPSE students, peer mentors, university instructors, and program directors.
Moderators
avatar for Kelli Sanderson

Kelli Sanderson

Assistant Professor of Special Education, California State University Long Beach
Hello! My name is Kelli Sanderson. I am an Assistant Professor of Special Education at California State University, Long Beach. I am also coordinator of the Special Education graduate program and the Applied Disability Studies certificate. I am focused on advocacy and collaboration... Read More →
Presenters
MR

Mia Real

California State University Long Beach
LV

Lizeth Valentin

California State University Long Beach
Saturday December 7, 2024 4:15pm - 5:15pm CST
4TH Floor - Imperial 12 Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113
 

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