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Nuestra historia Un proceso de visión de varios años En el otoño de 2015, un grupo de defensores de padres locales se reunió con el Representante Chris Walsh para compartir sus preocupaciones sobre los desafíos de navegar el proceso de educación especial. El representante Walsh convocó a un grupo de padres y profesionales para comenzar a desarrollar una visión para un nuevo centro que abordaría estas necesidades insatisfechas en la comunidad. El representante Walsh llevó la iniciativa a la Universidad Estatal de Framingham, donde fue recibida por la rectora, la Dra. Linda Vaden-Goad, y se formó un comité para comenzar a establecer una propuesta para el centro. El comité de planificación incluyó a profesores, personal y administradores de FSU, así como defensores de los padres y representantes de organizaciones sin fines de lucro. Este grupo trabajó durante varios años para realizar una evaluación de las necesidades de los educadores y padres / tutores locales, desarrollar la declaración de misión del centro, comunicarse con los distritos escolares locales para explorar asociaciones y buscar financiamiento para el centro. Después de la muerte de Chris Walsh en la primavera de 2018, el comité decidió nombrar el centro propuesto en su memoria. La universidad aprobó la formación oficial del Centro Chris Walsh para Educadores y Familias de MetroWest en la primavera de 2019. Durante el semestre de otoño de 2019, el comité ha estado trabajando arduamente preparándose para el lanzamiento de la programación del centro en enero de 2020. Nuestra misión Brindar información a familias y educadores sobre el continuo apoyo educativo disponible para estudiantes con discapacidades, estudiantes superdotados y estudiantes con necesidades insatisfechas. El centro ofrecerá apoyo, talleres y otros programas para familias, educadores, profesionales de apoyo estudiantil, administradores y defensores en el área MetroWest. El centro también participará en la investigación académica, la preparación de educadores y el desarrollo profesional. Acerca de Chris Walsh Chris Walsh, hijo de un almirante de la Marina, pasó su juventud moviéndose por el país. Arquitecto de formación, se mudó a Framingham en 1989 y encontró una casa donde él y su esposa, Cindy, criarían a sus hijos. Chris sirvió a la comunidad local de innumerables formas a lo largo de los años, como miembro electo de la asamblea municipal, administrador de la biblioteca, miembro de la junta de Amazing Things Arts y presidente de la Sociedad Histórica de Framingham. Más recientemente, Chris fue el representante electo del sexto distrito de Middlesex en la Cámara de Representantes de Massachusetts, que incluía gran parte de Framingham, desde 2011 hasta su muerte en 2018. Chris mostró pasión por apoyar la equidad y el acceso a una educación de alta calidad para todos. . Estuvo involucrado con la Universidad Estatal de Framingham de muchas maneras, apoyando la preservación de la Casa 1812 en la que se encuentra el Centro de Planificación de MetroWest College, así como la fusión de la universidad con el Museo de Arte Danforth. Chris recibió el premio Citizen Laureate Award en la ceremonia de graduación de 2016 de la universidad.

A center at Framingham State University who provide information for families and educators about the continuum of educational support available to students with disabilities, students who are gifted, and students with unmet needs. We will offer support, workshops and other programming for families, educators, student support professionals, administrators, and advocates in the MetroWest area. The center also will engage in scholarly research, educator preparation, and professional development. A center at Framingham State University dedicated to helping families and educators of children with unmet needs. Ver Servicios Ver Servicios Browse by Topic Find a disability by its category. Learn More Donate Our Library Search for a Topic View our resources on a specific topic. Ask the Expert "Ask the Expert" is a series launched by the Chris Walsh Center and headed by Chris Walsh Center Interns. This semester the "Ask the Expert Series" is being produced by Framingham State University student, Amanda Bedard. The aim of the series is to invite an expert to speak on commonly asked questions. Watch Now

Technology Tuesdays LibreOffice LibreOffice is a free and open-source office suite that includes a word processor, spreadsheet software, presentation software, and more. It provides a range of accessibility features such as keyboard shortcuts, screen reader support, and a variety of font options. May 2, 2023 Google Translate It is a free online language translation tool that can translate text, speech, and images in multiple languages. It can be helpful for people with communication difficulties or who speak multiple languages. It also has a feature that allows users to take a picture of a text and translate it on the spot. April 11, 2023 Boston Public Library The Boston Public Library has a computer available with adaptive programs to assist users with disabilities, including a larger screen monitor, a screen reader, a braille translator and printer, as well as Kurzweil 3000. All you need is a library card (which can applied for free online)or a visitors pass. Visit bpl.org to learn more! March 21, 2023 Readermode.io This Chrome Extension is aimed at helping users stay focused on their online reading. The extension will eliminate distractions by hiding advertisements and other pop ups. There are features to highlight text and take notes. There are tools available to help users with dyslexia as well, including text-to-speech. There is also auto-scroll functionality. There is a free version of this extension available, with limited features. Those interested in additional features can check out the Pro and Premium versions. Feb. 14, 2023 Otter.ai Otter is an application and website that enables users to record meetings, lectures, and more with a simple push of a button. During this recording an AI will transcribe the dialogue and keep track of speakers. This transcription is not perfect, but it is helpful when reviewing what was discussed and finding something in need of review. There are features to search the transcript as well as adjust the playback speed in case the user would like to speed it up or slow it down. The free version includes 600 minutes each month with each recording limited to 30 minutes of transcription. There is also the opportunity to share these recordings with others either through their Otter account or simply through a shared link. Jan. 24, 2023 Into the Book Into the Book is a website aimed at teaching reading comprehension strategies such as summarization, visualization, questioning, inferring, evaluating, making connections, synthesizing, prior knowledge, and putting them all together. The website’s tools are available in both English and Spanish. Use interactive books and games to increase reading comprehension. Nov. 15, 2022 Cyberbully Prevention 16% of high School student have experienced cyberbullying. Visit the linked article to learn the signs and tips for teachers on preventative measures. Oct. 25, 2022 Seeing AI Seeing AI is a Microsoft application aimed at providing narration to the world around those who are blind or visually impaired. The application can narrate short text, documents, products, people, a scene, currency, light, color, and handwriting. Oct. 4, 2022 Assistive Technology Module This module walks educators through the process of confronting their perceptions of assistive technology and understanding the value they can have for students with learning disabilities. The module follows consideration, implementation, and evaluation of assistive technology for a given student. The estimated completion time is 2.5 hours. A challenge is posed, initial thoughts are considered, reading and resources are provided on other perspectives, followed by a wrap up and as assessment of what the educator has learned. Sept. 13, 2022 Voice Dream Reader Voice Dream Reader is a reading tool compatible with iOS and Android and allows users to listen to documents or e-books using text to speech in a variety of languages. The app features Dyslexia friendly fonts, audio synchronization, customizable font size and color combinations, a pronunciation dictionary, and voice over support. Users can also add bookmarks, notes, highlights and can control reading speed. April 12, 2022 Be My Eyes The phone application is available for both IOS and Android. The goal of the app is to connect people who are blind or have low vision to sighted volunteers. The volunteers can answer calls and use their sight to help solve problems. The app helps those with visual impairments to live life independently. There are over 5.6 million volunteers and options in over 180 languages. Download the app today to volunteer or to receive assistance! March 22, 2022 Read Aloud Read Aloud is a text-to-speech extension that can be used on Google Chrome to scan almost all websites and read online text aloud. This tool is a Google extension that can be added to your browser. To add this tool to the top right tab of Google Chrome, type Google Chrome extensions into your browser and locate the extension. This tool will then appear for download in your browser. Feb. 22, 2022 Snap and Read Universal If you have a Google Chrome browser, you can use the Google extension Snap&Read to simplify vocabulary, translate text, and read aloud any non-accessible documents. To add this tool to the top right tab of Google Chrome, type Google Chrome extensions into your browser and locate the extension. This tool will then appear for download in your browser. Learn more by following the linked title. Download the chrome extension. Feb. 1, 2022 Google Speech-to-Text If you have a Google Chrome browser, you can use Google’s free speech-to-text feature. Using this feature, you can dictate your work into Google Docs or Google Slides’ speaker notes. You can add punctuation using simple voice commands, including “comma,” “exclamation point,” “question mark,” “new line,” and “new paragraph.” Voice commands allow you to make any changes you need to format and edit your text. For best results, you should work in a quiet room and speak at a normal volume and pace. For complete instructions on using google speech to text, click on the linked title. Therese Ajtum-Roberts, the Center Coordinator demonstrates how to use Googles’ Speech to Text. Check out the video on our YouTube channel. Nov. 16, 2021 SnapType t is a free app that allows students to complete worksheets and other classroom assignments digitally. It can be helpful for students with dysgraphia or other writing difficulties, as it eliminates the need to write by hand and provides a range of tools to support writing and editing. April 25, 2023 MyNoise.net MyNoise is a website designed to provide free audio files to users who prefer to listen to background noise while they work. The website has categories for different sounds, including for ADHD, sleep, focus, and so much more. Once a sound is selected, users have the option to adjust the different parts of the sound. If someone is listening to a storm, they can increase the sound of droplets and decrease the thunder or vice versa. Users can also adjust the volume and set a timer on the audio. This website is available for free and is also an APP on IOS. April 4, 2023 LibriVox LibriVox is a volunteer-based organization that aims to provide access to all books in the public domain. LibriVox offers ebook and audiobook versions of thousands of titles completely free and advertisement free. This organization continues to accept volunteers of all languages and accents. A professional set up in not required to participate. Enjoy LibriVox's content and/or sign up to volunteer today at librivox.org! March 7, 2023 To Do List Tips When completing an important task that requires undivided attention, it can be difficult to forget about all the other tasks that seem just as urgent. Though a pen and paper can make for a simple to do list, this can get lost and may result in further stress. Thankfully, there are a number of tools whether online or in the form of an application that can provide simple ways to keep track of those other tasks so they can be shelved for later. Choose the right to do list for you. Then when the task at hand is complete, you can revisit those shelved tasks and set up an order that best reflects its priority. Check out this article by MondayBlog on “5 strategies for prioritizing tasks.” Feb. 7, 2023 Pomodoro Timer In the 1980s Francesco Cirillo developed a time management method that he coined the “Pomodoro Technique.” The goal of this system is to manage one’s time to increase productivity while including opportunities for rest. This website guides the user through this method. A timer is set for 25 minutes in which the user will aim to complete a task. There is an option to include a list of the desired tasks that the user can then check off once complete. Also on the website, is a time for a short break, 5 minutes, and a long break, 15 minutes. The layout of the website is simple and distraction free to help encourage productivity. Dec. 5, 2022 Khan Academy Khan Academy is an interactive learning platform that includes video lessons, reading material, and activities for students to learn any subject they are interested in or to get extra help on a subject they are struggling with at school. This website offers math, science, arts and humanities, computing, reading and language arts, economics, as well as life skills. All of this content is completely free. Nov. 8, 2022 Online OCR This website allows users to convert images to text or to a PDF using optical character recognition (OCR). Users will get 15 free pages per hour. When registered for the website, users can purchase more pages at a low cost. Once converted, these PDF pages and text can be read aloud. Oct. 18, 2022 Mod Math Mod Math is a free application aimed at helping students with dyslexia and/or dysgraphia or any other disability that makes it difficult for the student to write down a math problem or read their own handwriting. The application helps level the playing field for students with disabilities and allows them to develop their math skills. Users can write out math problems without ever having to lift a pencil. The developers of the application are working to make more complex math available to do as well. Sept. 27, 2022 Grammarly Grammarly is a software that can be installed to Mac or PC. Some functions of Grammarly are identifying errors in writing and word prediction. Word prediction is beneficial for students with disabilities because it reduces the need for handwriting and improves spelling accuracy and writing skills. Grammarly also allows students to form sentences without having to worry too much about spelling and word choice. When a user types into a field, Grammarly underlines potential corrections in red and explains the correction. May 3, 2022 Kurzweil Kurzweil is a literacy software that is designed to run on Windows or Mac. One function of Kurzweil is to provide students who are blind or low vision access to text, comprehensive reading, writing, and test taking tools. Kurzweil can read print, as well as digital documents and offers magnification and lighting functions. The software aligns with common core standards and can be customized for the needs of individual students. April 5, 2022 Volume Master If you have a Google Chrome browser, you can use Google's Volume Master extension. This tool controls the volume for the open tab and can be switched to any other open tab in preview. It increases the volume up to 600% and allows easy tab access to other desired sound-enhancing websites. To add this extension to the top right tab of Google Chrome, type Google Chrome extensions into your browser and locate the extension. This tool will then appear for download in your browser. For a video tutorial on how to download and use this tool, find the link in our bio. March 8, 2022 Dark Mode Dark Mode is a Google extension that enables dark chrome mode for all websites. The extension allows users to easily switch back and forth between light and dark browsing themes. Feb. 15, 2022 Apple Speech-to-Text You can Control your Mac and apps using Voice Control! When you turn on Voice Control on your Mac, you can dictate text and speak commands to edit text, navigate the desktop and apps, and control your Mac -performing tasks such as scrolling in a document or pressing a button. Voice Control is always listening for commands so there’s no need to get its attention - just say a command. Just say “command mode” and your apple device will respond to commands such as ““Open Mail”, “Click Done”, “Scroll down”, and “Move cursor right 5 pixels”. All you have to do is say “Dictation Mode” to switch back to voice to text. Jan. 25, 2022 Bookshare: A Benetech Initiative Technology Tuesday: Bookshare is a great resource for anyone with a disability that impacts their ability to read. It provides free, unlimited access to ebooks for U.S. schools and qualified students. Qualifying disabilities include dyslexia, blindness, low vision, retinitis pigmentosa, cerebral palsy, and more. Books are accessible in a variety of formats, including audio, braille, follow-along text with karaoke-style highlighting, and the ability to change font size, color, and background. Therese Ajtum-Roberts, the Center Coordinator shares her experience setting up a Book Share account in an informative YouTube video . Nov. 9, 2021 Color Analyzer It is a free color contrast checker tool that helps to ensure that web content meets accessibility standards. It can be helpful for people with visual impairments or color blindness, as it ensures that text is legible and easy to read. April 19, 2023 MindNode MindNode free mind-mapping app allows users to organize their thoughts and ideas visually. It can be helpful for people with learning disabilities or cognitive impairments, as it helps to break down complex ideas into simpler, more manageable pieces. It is available on IOS & MAC devices for download. March 28, 2023 BARD Mobile Braille and Audio Reading Download, or “BARD,” is an application available on both IOS and Android devices for free. This application has a selection of audiobooks for those who may be blind, visually impaired, have disabilities that affect reading, or those who are unable to hold a physical book. In order to use the application, the user has to be a patron of the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled. In order to become a patron, the user must fill out an application available on the National Library Service website. Feb. 21, 2023 Assistive Technology Webinar The goal of Technology Tuesday is to share assistive technology that is easy to use as well as free or at a low cost for those who may need it. Understanding the importance of assistive technology and how to implement it in the classroom is vital for both families and educators. This webinar by Parents Helping Parents addresses what assistive technology is and how it can be helpful, provides an overview of what types of assistive technology exists, and how to effectively consider which ones are best for the student in need. Jan. 31, 2023 Starfall Education Starfall Education hosts a number of free and interactive games and songs for children learning reading and math skills. There are options for Pre-K through Kindergarten as well as for grades one through three. Though there is an option to buy a membership to this website, there are multiple free options still available for your child to learn from. Nov. 29, 2022 Rewordify This website allows users to paste text or a URL to a web page of text. The website will then translate the text into language that is easier for the user to understand. The user can select their reading level as well to get a version that is easiest for them to read. Nov. 1, 2022 Natural Reader Natural Reader is a free, online Text-to-Speech website that allows users to copy and paste text to be read aloud. The website also offers a number of free ebooks for users to listen to and read along with. The voice used in the website can be sped up or slowed down to suit the needs of any user. Oct. 11, 2022 Do2Learn This website provides resources to families, educators, and children to help promote communication, education, and life skills in a way that works best for the child. There are hundreds of worksheets available from resources for going to the doctors office to educational charts to planning to try new things. There are also songs and games to promote critical thinking and encourage children to engage in important conversations. Sept. 20, 2022 Smart Pens Smart pens allow students to take notes while simultaneously recording classroom discussions. The pen takes pictures of the notes as they are written. Smart pens save digital copies of notes that can be transferred to a computer. From the computer, you can review, search, and listen to your notes. Also, by simply tapping anywhere in your notes, the smart pen will play back what was said at that moment. Smart pens can help minimize the stress of processing multiple modes of information at the same time. They can be particularly beneficial to students who have dyslexia, ADD, and ADHD. April 26, 2022 Learning Ally The Learning Ally Audiobook Solution is a multi-sensory reading accommodation that assists students who struggle to read due to reading deficit. It is designed for students who learn through listening, such as students who have dyslexia or a vision impairment. The application offers over 80,00 narrated audiobooks and highlights words and sentences as they are read, allowing students to follow along. Learning Ally also allows educators to track students reading and provide progress reports using data dashboards and progress monitoring tools. It is available on PCs, Macs, Chromebooks, Android, and iOS devices. March 29, 2022 AEM Navigator The AEM Navigator facilitates the process of decision-making around accessible formats of educational materials for individual students. It assists teams in making informed, accurate, and multi-step decisions related to determining a student’s need for accessible formats, selecting the format(s) needed, acquiring materials, and determining the supports needed by the student, family, and school staff. March 1, 2022 TechMatrix TechMatrix is a database of hundreds of assistive and educational tools and resources to support learning for students with disabilities and their classmates. This database allows users to search for tools and resources using extensive criteria tailored to assistive and educational technologies. Feb. 8, 2022 Microsoft Word Dictate If you have Microsoft 365 with Windows 10 or 11, you can use the "Dictate" feature, which lets you write using a microphone and your own voice! Users can dictate in 13 different languages, including: Chinese, English, French, Portuguese, Spanish and Russian. In order to get started dictating using Microsoft Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint, all you need is to be connected to the internet, have a working microphone, and have your cursor in a text box in Microsoft Support You can find complete instructions to use this feature by clicking the linked title. Microsoft also has an accompanying video . Nov. 30, 2021 Back to Topics Page This page was last updated on: 12/13/2022 Have any resource suggestions? Click Here to email us.

Conocer al equipo James Cressey Coordinador del centro El Dr. Cressey es profesor asociado y presidente del Departamento de Educación de la Universidad Estatal de Framingham. Su erudición y enseñanza se centran en la inclusión y la equidad a través de prácticas inclusivas basadas en evidencia, como el diseño universal para el aprendizaje, el aprendizaje socioemocional, las prácticas culturalmente receptivas, las intervenciones y apoyos conductuales positivos y los sistemas de apoyo de varios niveles. Antes de llegar a FSU, la Dra. Cressey trabajó directamente con niños y familias durante varios años como educadora especial con licencia y psicóloga escolar certificada a nivel nacional en Wediko Children's Services y en las Escuelas Públicas de Boston. Vive en Framingham con su esposo e hija y disfruta pasar tiempo con su familia y amigos, cantando y tocando instrumentos musicales, cocinando y tejiendo. Ellen Rose Asistente graduado Ellen se desempeñará como la primera asistente de posgrado del Chris Walsh Center para el año académico 2020-21. Este año completará su primer año del Programa de Maestría en Artes en Psicología de Consejería en la Universidad Estatal de Framingham. Tiene una licenciatura en economía de Stonehill College y trabajó como reclutadora de admisiones en Mass Bay Community College durante 8 años. Vive en Ashland con su esposo y sus dos hijos, a quienes había estado educando en el hogar durante los últimos 8 años. Este año, sus dos hijos están matriculados en la universidad. Es miembro de la coalición de Ashland, Decisions At Every Turn, que trabaja con los padres y las familias para prevenir, reducir y resolver los problemas que pueden llevar al abuso de sustancias en los jóvenes. Ella también es voluntaria como receptora de llamadas en Call2Talk, un programa de salud mental, apoyo emocional y prevención del suicidio dirigido por Mass211. En el Chris Walsh Center, Ellen espera trabajar con otros padres mientras ayudan a sus hijos a ser estudiantes felices, saludables y exitosos. Le gusta pasar su tiempo libre con su familia en un lago de New Hampshire, nadar, andar en kayak y sacar a pasear a su perro. Ellen Rose Asistente graduado Ellen se desempeñará como la primera asistente de posgrado del Chris Walsh Center para el año académico 2020-21. Este año completará su primer año del Programa de Maestría en Artes en Psicología de Consejería en la Universidad Estatal de Framingham. Tiene una licenciatura en economía de Stonehill College y trabajó como reclutadora de admisiones en Mass Bay Community College durante 8 años. Vive en Ashland con su esposo y sus dos hijos, a quienes había estado educando en el hogar durante los últimos 8 años. Este año, sus dos hijos están matriculados en la universidad. Es miembro de la coalición de Ashland, Decisions At Every Turn, que trabaja con los padres y las familias para prevenir, reducir y resolver los problemas que pueden llevar al abuso de sustancias en los jóvenes. Ella también es voluntaria como receptora de llamadas en Call2Talk, un programa de salud mental, apoyo emocional y prevención del suicidio dirigido por Mass211. En el Chris Walsh Center, Ellen espera trabajar con otros padres mientras ayudan a sus hijos a ser estudiantes felices, saludables y exitosos. Le gusta pasar su tiempo libre con su familia en un lago de New Hampshire, nadar, andar en kayak y sacar a pasear a su perro. Leighah Beausoleil Asistente de centro Leighah se desempeña como el primer asistente del centro del Chris Walsh Center, contratado para ayudar a lanzar el centro durante el semestre de primavera de 2020. Ella es una estudiante de segundo año en la Universidad Estatal de Framingham con especialización en inglés con especialización en periodismo, y especialización en chino y ciencias políticas. Leighah es el editor de noticias del periódico de la escuela, The Gatepost. Leighah está interesado en el aspecto comunitario del periodismo y espera trabajar con la comunidad como Asistente del Centro. Cuando no está en la escuela, Leighah viaja a Carolina del Sur para pasar tiempo con su madre. Leighah también disfruta leyendo y estudiando el idioma chino. Leighah Beausoleil Asistente de centro Leighah se desempeña como el primer asistente del centro del Chris Walsh Center, contratado para ayudar a lanzar el centro durante el semestre de primavera de 2020. Ella es una estudiante de segundo año en la Universidad Estatal de Framingham con especialización en inglés con especialización en periodismo, y especialización en chino y ciencias políticas. Leighah es el editor de noticias del periódico de la escuela, The Gatepost. Leighah está interesado en el aspecto comunitario del periodismo y espera trabajar con la comunidad como Asistente del Centro. Cuando no está en la escuela, Leighah viaja a Carolina del Sur para pasar tiempo con su madre. Leighah también disfruta leyendo y estudiando el idioma chino. Leighah Beausoleil Asistente de centro Leighah se desempeña como el primer asistente del centro del Chris Walsh Center, contratado para ayudar a lanzar el centro durante el semestre de primavera de 2020. Ella es una estudiante de segundo año en la Universidad Estatal de Framingham con especialización en inglés con especialización en periodismo, y especialización en chino y ciencias políticas. Leighah es el editor de noticias del periódico de la escuela, The Gatepost. Leighah está interesado en el aspecto comunitario del periodismo y espera trabajar con la comunidad como Asistente del Centro. Cuando no está en la escuela, Leighah viaja a Carolina del Sur para pasar tiempo con su madre. Leighah también disfruta leyendo y estudiando el idioma chino. Leighah Beausoleil Asistente de centro Leighah se desempeña como el primer asistente del centro del Chris Walsh Center, contratado para ayudar a lanzar el centro durante el semestre de primavera de 2020. Ella es una estudiante de segundo año en la Universidad Estatal de Framingham con especialización en inglés con especialización en periodismo, y especialización en chino y ciencias políticas. Leighah es el editor de noticias del periódico de la escuela, The Gatepost. Leighah está interesado en el aspecto comunitario del periodismo y espera trabajar con la comunidad como Asistente del Centro. Cuando no está en la escuela, Leighah viaja a Carolina del Sur para pasar tiempo con su madre. Leighah también disfruta leyendo y estudiando el idioma chino. Former Staff Hannah Ricci Interno Hannah fue la primera pasante del centro, y ayudó a poner en marcha el centro en la primavera de 2020. Su pasantía en psicología se centró en investigar y facilitar una serie de grupos de apoyo para padres / cuidadores. También ayudó con cuatro eventos: la celebración de apertura del centro, dos eventos de conferencias / seminarios web y una sesión de información sobre la carrera de especialista en vida infantil. Hannah Ricci Interno Hannah fue la primera pasante del centro, y ayudó a poner en marcha el centro en la primavera de 2020. Su pasantía en psicología se centró en investigar y facilitar una serie de grupos de apoyo para padres / cuidadores. También ayudó con cuatro eventos: la celebración de apertura del centro, dos eventos de conferencias / seminarios web y una sesión de información sobre la carrera de especialista en vida infantil. Hannah Ricci Interno Hannah fue la primera pasante del centro, y ayudó a poner en marcha el centro en la primavera de 2020. Su pasantía en psicología se centró en investigar y facilitar una serie de grupos de apoyo para padres / cuidadores. También ayudó con cuatro eventos: la celebración de apertura del centro, dos eventos de conferencias / seminarios web y una sesión de información sobre la carrera de especialista en vida infantil. Hannah Ricci Interno Hannah fue la primera pasante del centro, y ayudó a poner en marcha el centro en la primavera de 2020. Su pasantía en psicología se centró en investigar y facilitar una serie de grupos de apoyo para padres / cuidadores. También ayudó con cuatro eventos: la celebración de apertura del centro, dos eventos de conferencias / seminarios web y una sesión de información sobre la carrera de especialista en vida infantil. Hannah Ricci Interno Hannah fue la primera pasante del centro, y ayudó a poner en marcha el centro en la primavera de 2020. Su pasantía en psicología se centró en investigar y facilitar una serie de grupos de apoyo para padres / cuidadores. También ayudó con cuatro eventos: la celebración de apertura del centro, dos eventos de conferencias / seminarios web y una sesión de información sobre la carrera de especialista en vida infantil. Hannah Ricci Interno Hannah fue la primera pasante del centro, y ayudó a poner en marcha el centro en la primavera de 2020. Su pasantía en psicología se centró en investigar y facilitar una serie de grupos de apoyo para padres / cuidadores. También ayudó con cuatro eventos: la celebración de apertura del centro, dos eventos de conferencias / seminarios web y una sesión de información sobre la carrera de especialista en vida infantil. Hannah Ricci Interno Hannah fue la primera pasante del centro, y ayudó a poner en marcha el centro en la primavera de 2020. Su pasantía en psicología se centró en investigar y facilitar una serie de grupos de apoyo para padres / cuidadores. También ayudó con cuatro eventos: la celebración de apertura del centro, dos eventos de conferencias / seminarios web y una sesión de información sobre la carrera de especialista en vida infantil. Hannah Ricci Interno Hannah fue la primera pasante del centro, y ayudó a poner en marcha el centro en la primavera de 2020. Su pasantía en psicología se centró en investigar y facilitar una serie de grupos de apoyo para padres / cuidadores. También ayudó con cuatro eventos: la celebración de apertura del centro, dos eventos de conferencias / seminarios web y una sesión de información sobre la carrera de especialista en vida infantil. Hannah Ricci Interno Hannah fue la primera pasante del centro, y ayudó a poner en marcha el centro en la primavera de 2020. Su pasantía en psicología se centró en investigar y facilitar una serie de grupos de apoyo para padres / cuidadores. También ayudó con cuatro eventos: la celebración de apertura del centro, dos eventos de conferencias / seminarios web y una sesión de información sobre la carrera de especialista en vida infantil. Hannah Ricci Interno Hannah fue la primera pasante del centro, y ayudó a poner en marcha el centro en la primavera de 2020. Su pasantía en psicología se centró en investigar y facilitar una serie de grupos de apoyo para padres / cuidadores. También ayudó con cuatro eventos: la celebración de apertura del centro, dos eventos de conferencias / seminarios web y una sesión de información sobre la carrera de especialista en vida infantil. Hannah Ricci Interno Hannah fue la primera pasante del centro, y ayudó a poner en marcha el centro en la primavera de 2020. Su pasantía en psicología se centró en investigar y facilitar una serie de grupos de apoyo para padres / cuidadores. También ayudó con cuatro eventos: la celebración de apertura del centro, dos eventos de conferencias / seminarios web y una sesión de información sobre la carrera de especialista en vida infantil. Hannah Ricci Interno Hannah fue la primera pasante del centro, y ayudó a poner en marcha el centro en la primavera de 2020. Su pasantía en psicología se centró en investigar y facilitar una serie de grupos de apoyo para padres / cuidadores. También ayudó con cuatro eventos: la celebración de apertura del centro, dos eventos de conferencias / seminarios web y una sesión de información sobre la carrera de especialista en vida infantil. Kate Whitaker Interno Kate Whitaker es estudiante de último año en la Universidad Estatal de Framingham y estudia Educación Primaria con especialización en Ciencias de la Tierra y Geografía. Ha trabajado en otros dos centros en la Universidad Estatal de Framingham antes de unirse al equipo del Centro Chris Walsh: el Centro Christa McAuliffe para el Aprendizaje Integrado de Ciencias y CASA (el Centro para el Éxito y el Logro Académicos). Kate también tiene experiencia como coordinadora para adolescentes en riesgo en Natick, MA. Su mayor objetivo como educadora es difundir su amor por STEM a través de prácticas de enseñanza atractivas e inclusivas. Kate Whitaker Intern Kate Whitaker is a graduate of Framingham State University, where she studied Elementary Education with a Specialization in Earth Science and Geography. She has worked in two other centers at Framingham State University prior to joining the Chris Walsh Center team: the Christa McAuliffe Center for Integrated Science Learning, and CASA (the Center for Academic Success and Achievement). Kate also has experience as a coordinator for at risk teenagers in Natick, MA. Her biggest goal as an educator is to spread her love of STEM through engaging and inclusive teaching practices. Anni Xie Interno Anni Xie es estudiante de último año en la Universidad Estatal de Framingham, con especialización en Administración. Anni completó recientemente una pasantía con el representante Jack Lewis, trabajando con él en la legislación relacionada con la epilepsia. Anni es una apasionada de la concientización sobre la epilepsia y planificará una campaña de concientización como parte de su pasantía en el Chris Walsh Center. Anni tiene experiencia previa como voluntaria en un hospital y habla mandarín con fluidez. Actualmente está aprendiendo francés y planea estudiar en el extranjero virtualmente en París el próximo semestre. El sueño más salvaje de Anni es viajar y explorar el mundo, mientras conoce a diferentes personas. Kate Whitaker Interno Kate Whitaker es estudiante de último año en la Universidad Estatal de Framingham y estudia Educación Primaria con especialización en Ciencias de la Tierra y Geografía. Ha trabajado en otros dos centros en la Universidad Estatal de Framingham antes de unirse al equipo del Centro Chris Walsh: el Centro Christa McAuliffe para el Aprendizaje Integrado de Ciencias y CASA (el Centro para el Éxito y el Logro Académicos). Kate también tiene experiencia como coordinadora para adolescentes en riesgo en Natick, MA. Su mayor objetivo como educadora es difundir su amor por STEM a través de prácticas de enseñanza atractivas e inclusivas. Join the Team The Chris Walsh Center is seeking undergraduate interns for the fall 2025 semester. Learn more about how you can join our team. Please contact us at chriswalshcenter@framingham.edu to submit your application.

Online / Remote Teaching and Learning Virtually Alone: Remote Learning for Students with Special Needs This article highlights the problems that have arisen for disabled students in the remote learning environment. It is a helpful resource for caregivers and educators seeking to understand how remote learning is impacting students and how they can help alleviate these burdens. The article was written specifically considering the COVID-19 pandemic, so pandemic-specific information should be double checked. Special Education Remote Resources This webpage provides a compilation of remote learning resources broken down by discipline and disability. It is an excellent resource for educators seeking to improve the remote learning environment for disabled students. Remote Learning for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder This resource sponsored by the Illinois State Board of Education discusses how autistic students can be better supported during remote learning. It is an ideal resource for caregivers seeking to provide more structure at home while their autistic student engages in remote learning. The guide is from 2020 and highlights problems exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, so date-sensitive and pandemic-specific information should be double-checked. For Anxious Students, Remote School Year Has Been a Bit of Relief This article highlights how remote learning could have been beneficial for students with disabilities, including anxiety. It is a particularly helpful read for parents of students with similar disabilities or educators seeking to better support their students with such disabilities. This article outlines one perspective and should not be conflated to cover all experiences of disabled students in remote learning. Supporting Students’ Mental Health During Remote or Hybrid Learning This resource offers educators a variety of tips for how to support their students’ mental health, especially when they aren’t seeing them face-to-face every day. Though learning has been returning to an in-person setting as the pandemic evolves, these strategies remain relevant as students face their emotional and social challenges. Teachers are encouraged to emphasize social emotional learning, strengthen students’ relationships with each other, incorporate hands-on activities, and introduce mindfulness and relaxation techniques in the classroom. Back to Topics Page This page was last updated on: 03/18/2025 Have any resource suggestions? Click Here to email us.

Supporting Literacy Mass Literacy The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Educations explains how Mass Literacy is a state-wide effort to advocate for evidence-based practices that promote literacy for all students. The website provides a literacy guide with helpful resources for educators. Back to Topics Page This page was last updated on: 03/18/2025 Have any resource suggestions? Click Here to email us.

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Universal Design for Learning: Theory and Practice This is a free, online textbook that provides a good introduction to UDL for educators and professionals. Be ready to create your free account and activate your e-book. Then, you are able to read, highlight, add notes, and watch embedded videos. The book is also available for purchase in hard copy. [Citation: Meyer, A., Rose, D. H., & Gordon, D. (2014). Universal design for learning: Theory and practice. Wakefield, MA: CAST.] Understood: UDL vs. Traditional Classroom Learning This is a brief, digestible article on the differences between UDL and the traditional classroom learning approach. It provides side-by-side examples, and it is a fantastic resource for new teachers or teachers looking to implement more UDL into their classroom. The Three-Block Model The Three-Block Model is a UDL technique intended to increase collaborative and inclusive learning by focusing on self-worth, belonging, cognitive challenge, and social learning. Peer-reviewed research has supported the efficacy of increasing engagement and inclusivity in the classroom through this model. Advocacy Institute: A Parent’s Guide to Universal Design for Learning “A Parent’s Guide to UDL” outlines the principles of UDL, how UDL is applied in the classroom, and how parents can best support their student with a learning disability. This resource effectively lays the foundation of UDL and is useful for parents to better understand how UDL functions in the classroom through various assessments with case study examples. Understood: 5 Conversation Starters for Parents to Discuss Teaching Approaches with Teachers Here you can find five conversation starters that parents and caregivers can use to discuss teaching approaches and UDL with their children’s teachers. This resource is great for parents and caregivers wanting to know more about their child’s classroom environment and how to be an advocate for their child. Digital Writing Tool Supporting Students with Learning Disabilities This resource is a peer-reviewed journal article investigating how to better support middle school students with learning disabilities in the writing process using digital writing tools like Writer’s Key. This is a great resource for teachers looking to implement new tools in their writing lessons. The article does require institutional access or rental to view it. [Citation: Vue G, Hall TE, Robinson K, Ganley P, Elizalde E, Graham S. Informing Understanding of Young Students’ Writing Challenges and Opportunities: Insights From the Development of a Digital Writing Tool That Supports Students With Learning Disabilities. Learning Disability Quarterly. 2016;39(2):83-94. doi:10.1177/0731948715604571 ] Prodigy Math Game This interactive math game is a free resource (with paid options) intended to increase student engagement with math and provide alternative learning methods. It is a unique tool for teachers to use in their classroom and parents to use at home to help children improve their math skills, and it is an example of UDL in the classroom. The tool has been independently reviewed by Johns Hopkins’ Center for Research and Reform in Education, which reported that increased use of the program was linked to significant improvements in math performance on standardized mathematics tests. The main critique of the program was that there is no time limit on customizations on the game. Back to Topics Page This page was last updated on: 03/18/2025 Have any resource suggestions? Click Here to email us.

Ask the Expert The “Ask the Expert Series” is a project inspired by our advisory board and developed by Chris Walsh Center Interns. Our interns will be working to build a library of 7–10-minute videos that provide a personalized and detailed explanation of topics of concern for families of children with disabilities, gifted children and children with unmet needs. The experts in these videos are professionals with expertise in fields such as education, law and social services who have agreed to answer some of the questions that we receive most often. Marissa Piligian, a professor of education at FSU and a former early childhood and elementary special educator in MA public schools What is Dyslexia and what are the earliest indicators? What can teachers and families do to support Dyslexic children? Megan Jacobs, Education Professor at FSU How do STEM teachers think about accommodations and inclusion for students with IEP's? View the transcript . Kathryn Welby, director of K-12 Teacher Preparation Program and associate professor of practice – Special Education at Merrimack College What is the difference between a 504 and an IEP? View the transcript . View the slides . Leslie Leslie, project director at the Federation for Children What is the Federation for Children with Special needs and how does it help children who have special needs? View the transcript . Ellen Scult, attorney What is guardianship? View the transcript . Back to Topics Page This page was last updated on: 06/16/2022 Have any resource suggestions? Click Here to email us.

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Preparing Teachers to Implement Culturally Responsive SEL and PBIS A webinar presented by Dr. James Cressey that offers a theoretical framework, followed by case study examples from the work of educators and related professionals in PreK, elementary, middle, and high school settings. Classroom-Specific SEL Activities Here readers can find 75 free SEL activities for elementary and middle school students. This site is helpful for educators who are interested in implementing new SEL activities in their classroom. “Developing culturally responsive social, emotional, and behavioral supports” This peer-reviewed journal article explores how to improve student supports through social and emotional learning, culturally responsive practices, and PBIS. It is most helpful for educators seeking to use innovative approaches to better support their students in the classroom and parents wanting to understand how educators can better support their students. Dr. James Cressey also presented on this topic via a webinar through the Chris Walsh Center for Educators and Families of MetroWest at Framingham State University on October 29, 2019. [citation: Cressey, J. (2019). Developing culturally responsive social, emotional, and behavioral supports. Journal of Research in Innovative Teaching & Learning, 12(1), 53–67. https://doi.org/10.1108/JRIT-01-2019-0015 ] What is SEL? Here you can find a basic introduction to what SEL is and how it benefits students in the classroom. SEL Activities for Families and Educators This resource includes SEL activities for families and educators. It breaks down which activities are appropriate for each setting. This is an excellent resource for families wanting to engage in SEL activities with their children at home. The site includes many external links, which may not all be up to date. Culturally Responsive Social-Emotional Learning: Reframing Classroom and Behavior Management for Equity This book chapter, written by Dr. James Cressey, FSU Education Department chair, has been made open access as a result of a grant from the Center for Excellence in Learning, Teaching, Scholarship, and Service (CELTSS). The chapter becomes available following the completion of a short survey. Cressey, J. M. (2020). Culturally Responsive Social-Emotional Learning: Reframing Classroom and Behavior Management for Equity . In A. Singh, M. Viner, & R. Yeh (Eds.), Special Education Design and Development Tools for School Rehabilitation Professionals. Hershey, PA: IGI Global. “Why SEL is Essential for Students” This article offers a digestible overview of the benefits of SEL for students and how SEL can be implemented within the classroom via school, family, and community partnerships. It is a great starting point for educators and parents interested in knowing more about SEL and how they can be involved in it. The article is from 2016, so date-sensitive information should be double-checked. “Transformative Social-Emotional Learning: Toward SEL in Service of Educational Equity and Excellence” This peer-reviewed research article explores the impact of transformative SEL, a new framework to increase equity in the classroom. The article is relatively dense, and it is ideal for a teacher familiar with SEL and its use in the classroom. [citation: Jagers, R., Rivas-Drake, D., & Williams, B. (2019). Transformative Social and Emotional Learning (SEL): Toward SEL in Service of Educational Equity and Excellence. Educational Psychologist, 54, 162 - 184.] Back to Topics Page This page was last updated on: 03/18/2025 Have any resource suggestions? Click Here to email us.

Previous Staff Sam Boval Sociology Intern - Fall 2024 Sam Boval is a senior at Framingham State University majoring in sociology. She currently works as a pharmacy technician and prides herself on her strong interpersonal and organizational skills. Likewise, Sam is completing her internship at the Chris Walsh Center located at Framingham State University, where she is eager to learn and develop new skills throughout the term. Long term, Sam aims to become a licensed clinical social worker. In her free time Sam loves to hang out with her dog Kemi, is a Security Desk Attendant on campus and in the process of starting a new club (GEMS), a immigration club to have an open space for immigrants to express their feelings and connect with one another. Emily Farnhill Graduate Assistant - Fall 2023 & Spring 2024 Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology program Emily serves as the Chris Walsh Center’s graduate intern for the Fall 2023 & Spring 2024 academic year. She is currently undergoing the Master of Arts Program in Counseling Psychology at Framingham State University to become a LMHC. She has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Marketing and has worked as a full-time Events & Logistics Director for the past 8 years. At the Chris Walsh Center, Emily runs the center’s social media accounts and parent support groups in hopes to learn the unique needs and struggles of students and the community to better serve this population. She enjoys spending her downtime practicing yoga, playing with her niece and nephew, and walking her dog, Franklin. Alana Gardner Psychology Intern - Spring 2024 Alana is a senior at Framingham State University, majoring in Psychology and minoring in Neuroscience, Statistics, and STEM. She is interning at the Chris Walsh Center for the Spring 2024 semester. During the academic year, Alana works as a Security Desk Attendant on campus. After graduation, Alana plans to enroll in a direct-entry nursing program to become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). During her internship at the Chris Walsh Center, Alana plans to utilize her research skills to contribute to the center's efforts in providing resources for the community. Denarie Rawlins Criminology Intern - Spring 2024 Denarie is a senior at Framingham State University majoring in Criminology with a Sociology minor. He is a student who loves to workout and also has connections to understand his career goal. Denarie looks forward to gaining a deeper understanding of how to better serve children and families in the community, while also creating new opportunities related to education. With a focus on therapy and criminal profiling, he is excited to strengthen his skills as a therapist with experience in criminology to create something different for himself. McKaylee Salazar Student Spanish Translator - Spring 2024 Fashion Design Major McKaylee is a senior at Framingham State University majoring in fashion design with a concentration in apparel design. She plans to launch her own brand where she makes custom garments for her future clients. Mckaylee is serving as a Student Spanish Translator at the Chris Walsh Center for the Spring 2024 semester. During the academic year, McKaylee works as a Security Desk Attendant on campus, where she greets the residents and helps maintain the safety of the building. When she is not working or studying she enjoys sewing, painting, and going to concerts with friends. Julia Taliaferro Political Science Intern - Fall 2023 Julia is a senior at Framingham State University, majoring in Political Science. Julia works with disabled adults and the elderly at work as a nursing assistant, and looks forward to carrying that care into work as an educator in the coming years. Julia’s internship with the Chris Walsh Center will strengthen her knowledge on creating equitable and safe spaces for her future students to pursue knowledge that will serve them in their later lives and careers. Mackenzie Boyle Criminology Intern - Fall 2023 Mackenzie is a senior at Framingham State University majoring in Criminology and minoring in sociology. During the school year, she works at PetSmart offering animal care services. Mackenzie is pursuing a career in victim advocacy. Growing up, she lived in Agawam, in the western part of Massachusetts. Her favorite fall activity is going to the Big E in West Springfield to try the various eccentric foods they serve. Outside of school, she enjoys taking care of her freshwater fish aquariums, and going to sporting events with her friends on the weekends. By interning at The Chris Walsh Center, Mackenzie will practice the advocacy skills she'll use in her future career, on behalf of the families we serve. Amanda Bedard Early Childhood Education Intern Fall 2022 - Spring 2023 Amanda is a junior at Framingham State University majoring in Early Childhood Education with an English minor. She is on the women’s cross country and track teams and enjoys spending time outdoors. Amanda looks forward to gaining a deeper understanding of how to better serve children and families in the community. With a focus on inclusive teaching and equitable practices in the classroom she is excited to strengthen her skills as a future educator through her work at the center. Leighah Beausoleil Center Assistant- Spring 2020 - Spring 2023 English Major Leighah is serving as the Chris Walsh Center’s first Center Assistant, hired to help launch the center during the spring 2020 semester. She is a senior at Framingham State University majoring in English with a concentration in Journalism, and minors in both Chinese and Political Science. Leighah is Editor-in-Chief of the school’s newspaper, The Gatepost. Leighah is interested in the community aspect of journalism and is looking forward to working with the community as the Center Assistant. Leighah also works as a Peer Mentor in the University's First-Year Foundations Program in addition to being this semester's Publications intern for the University and freelancing for The Woonsocket Call and Pawtucket Times. Catherine Ashe Psychology Intern Spring 2022 Catie served as an intern for the Chris Walsh Center during the Spring 2022 Semester. She is a graduate of Framingham State and majored in Psychology with a minor in Sociology. She hopes to one day pursue a career as a school psychologist or counselor. Throughout her internship at the Chris Walsh Center, Catie learned more about the unique needs of students and the community resources that are available to assist them. As an intern, Catie launched the "Ask the Expert" series. Megan Chute Diverse Scholars Program Intern Spring 2022 Megan interned at the Chris Walsh Center for the Spring 2022 Semester. She was in the Diverse Scholars Program at Framingham State University and it was her first semester in this program. When she graduates, she would love to work at the library to clean the DVDs and books. As an intern, Megan create a catalogue for the Center's library in preparation for future loaning opportunities. Megan also created the bulletin board in Dwight Hall that is aimed at informing people of the work the Center does. Gaeun Lee Psychology Intern Summer 2022 Gaeun Lee attends Georgetown University majoring Psychology and minoring in Education, Inquiry, and Justice and Disability Studies. She is from New York. At Georgetown University, Gaeun is an organizer for Georgetown Mutual Aid, a student-led fund dedicated to redistributing community-collected monetary and non-monetary funds to students in need. Gaeun’s studies have strengthened her passion for equity in education and access to education for all, including students with disabilities. Chandler Farley Science in Business and Information Technology Intern Spring 2021 Chandler Farley is a graduate of Framingham State University, where she studied in the Commonwealth Honors Program while earning her Bachelor of Science in Business and Information Technology with dual minors in Computer Science and Marketing. While striving to complete her degree in three years, Chandler has also worked as an IT Help Desk Technician, an Admissions Representative, and has had an internship at a local technology company preforming Inside Sales. At the Chris Walsh Center in Spring 2021, Chandler managed the center’s social media, marketing, and website. Breanna Huntley Psychology Intern Fall 2021 Breanna Huntley served as a Psychology Intern at the Chris Walsh Center during the Fall 2021 Semester. She is a graduate of Framingham State University where she majored in Psychology with a minor in Neuroscience. She plans to get her master's degree in Clinical Psychology. Huntley’s semester project was to research and evaluate information on the topic of Down Syndrome. She used her research to add resources to the CWC website and to bring awareness to the subject through a series of social media posts. Ella Kohler Health Care Management and Policy Intern Spring 2022 Ella is served as an intern at the Chris Walsh Center during the Spring 2022 Semester. She is attending Georgetown University and majoring in Health Care Management and Policy. At school, she works as a research assistant contributing to childhood cancer survivorship research. She also serves as a deputy editor for her school’s newspaper, The Hoya. As an intern at the Chris Walsh Center, Ella used her interest in communications and research to support the Center’s work and helped connect students and families with meaningful resources. Much of this work was done through her creation of social media posts that doubled as resources. Krysta Padellaro Elementary Education Intern Fall 2021 Krysta is served as an intern at the Chris Walsh Center during the Fall 2021 Semester. She is a graduate of Framingham State University where she majored in Elementary Education with a coordinate in Psychology as well as member of the Honors College. She plans to get her master’s degree in Special Education or Elementary Education. Padellaro’s semester project was to research and evaluate information on the topic of Body Dysmorphia Disorder. She used her research to add resources to the CWC website and to bring awareness to the subject through a series of social media posts. Hannah Ricci Psychology Intern Spring 2020 Hannah was the center's first intern, helping to launch the center in Spring 2020. Her psychology internship focused on researching and co-facilitating a series of parent/caregiver support groups. She also assisted with four events: the center's opening celebration, two lecture/webinar events, and an info session about the child life specialist career. Philippe Raphael Sociology Intern Fall 2022 Philippe Raphael was a sociology major who graduated in December 2022. Philippe volunteered and interned at the Framingham Housing Authority after school program, where he played board games as well as sports, and helped the students with homework. Following graduation he hopes to do work that involves human service, sales, or a career that is focused on social and human works. Kate Whitaker Elementary Education Intern Kate Whitaker is a graduate of Framingham State University, where she studied Elementary Education with a Specialization in Earth Science and Geography. She has worked in two other centers at Framingham State University prior to joining the Chris Walsh Center team: the Christa McAuliffe Center for Integrated Science Learning, and CASA (the Center for Academic Success and Achievement). Kate also has experience as a coordinator for at risk teenagers in Natick, MA. Her biggest goal as an educator is to spread her love of STEM through engaging and inclusive teaching practices. Anni Xie Management Intern Fall 2020 Anni Xie is a graduate of Framingham State University, where she majored in Management. Anni previously completed an internship with Rep. Jack Lewis, working with him on legislation related to epilepsy. Anni is passionate about epilepsy awareness and created multiple events for the Center to host regarding epilepsy awareness during the Fall 2020 Semester. Anni has previous experience as a hospital volunteer, and is fluent in Mandarin. Ellen Rose Graduate Assistant 2020 Ellen served as the the Chris Walsh Center’s first Graduate Assistant for the 2020-21 academic year. She completed her first year of the Masters of Arts Program in Counseling Psychology at Framingham State University. She has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics from Stonehill College, and worked as an Admissions Recruiter at Mass Bay Community College for 8 years. She lives in Ashland with her husband and her two children, who she had been homeschooling for the last 8 years. She is a member of the Ashland coalition, Decisions At Every Turn, working with parents and families to prevent, reduce, and solve the problems that can lead to youth substance abuse. She also volunteers as a call taker at Call2Talk, a mental health, emotional support, and suicide prevention program run by Mass211. At the Chris Walsh Center, Ellen worked with other parents as they help their children to be happy, healthy, successful learners. She enjoys spending her free time with family on a lake in New Hampshire, swimming, kayaking and taking her dog for walks

Communication Impairment Department of Education: Communication Impairment Defined This page contains the current legal definition of communication impairment according to the special education law in Massachusetts. Links are included to organizations affiliated with each of the different categories (e.g., expressive and/or receptive language). Language and Speech Disorders: What You Need to Know This quick read from the CDC provides parents with tips for teaching language along with what to look out for to detect whether their child is having real difficulties with language and/or speech. Need-to-know facts about Early Intervention programs, special education services, and educational accommodations are addressed. Speech and Language Impairment: Information and Resources for Parents This is a great resource for parents in search of details about the four main areas in which speech and language impairments occur. Though the page is 6 years old, it provides quick facts regarding how speech and language impairments present themselves, tips for parents learning to pay attention to their children displaying the signs, and options for extra help for babies, toddlers, and school age children. FAQ Regarding Communication Disorders in the Classroom This resource for parents and teachers answers questions about the importance of treatment for speech and language disorders in school, how speech pathology can support children beyond addressing their communication disorders, and the connection between teachers and speech pathologists within schools. How Parents Can Help Children, Both in Virtual and In-Person Classroom Settings This site offers advice to parents whose children are receiving school-based treatment for speech and/or language disorders in both a virtual and in-person environment. A variety of challenges are presented along with specific recommendations for how to support the child in that setting. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (AHSA) is the leading professional organization in the field of speech, language, and hearing. Parents and educators can check out all their news and resources at https://www.asha.org/ . Back to Topics Page This page was last updated on: 03/18/2025 Have any resource suggestions? Click Here to email us.