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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

Inclusive Sex and Relationship Education “Disabled People Are Sexual Citizens Too”: Supporting Sexual Identity, Well-being, and Safety for Disabled Young People This article outlines sexuality within disabled folks and the importance of sex education for disabled folks. It is a great article for caregivers and educators seeking to better understand the sexuality of their disabled students. Because this article is written by an author in the UK, country-specific information should be double checked. Sexuality Education for Students with Disabilities This webpage provides a comprehensive overview and compilation of inclusive sex education for students with disabilities. The page offers disability-specific sex education resources, and it even has a section for parents and their role within sex education for their disabled students. It is an ideal resource for parents and educators alike looking to take a deeper dive into sex education for students with disabilities. Bill S.2459: An Act Relative to Healthy Youth This Massachusetts Senate Bill is the most recent legislation on sex education within the state. It specifically discusses equity within sex education for disabled students. It is an essential resource for caregivers and educators so that they can understand the rights of disabled students in regard to sex education in Massachusetts. Sexuality Education Intervention for Parents of Children with Disabilities: A Pilot Training Program This peer-reviewed journal article discusses the effectiveness of a particular sexuality education intervention for parents. This is a bit of a complex read, and it is ideal for parents familiar with the principles of sex education for disabled children. The article was published in 2016, so date-specific information should be double checked. [citation: Clatos, K., & Asare, M. (2016). Sexuality Education Intervention for Parents of Children with Disabilities: A Pilot Training Program. American journal of health studies, 31(3), 151–162.] Healthy Relationships, Sexuality and Disability This resource guide by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services offers a comprehensive overview of sex education for disabled folks, and it includes Massachusetts-specific resources on the topic. It is an ideal resource for caregivers and educators seeking more information, resources, and support for sex education for disabled students. The guide is from 2014, so date-specific information should be double checked. Oregon Health & Science University Sexual Health Resources - Teaching Tools This compilation of teaching tools offers an overview of access sexual health education and provides numerous free curricula and lesson examples. It’s an excellent resource for educators looking to integrate accessible sex education into their teaching. Back to Topics Page This page was last updated on: 03/18/2025 Have any resource suggestions? Click Here to email us.

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Mental Health Resources This site provides links to the many organizations dealing with mental health in terms of education, intervention, and assistance. Specific resources focusing on particular disorders are included, along with links to general information and mental health services. There’s also a great quick-read fact sheet that dives into the specific disorders here: https://www.parentcenterhub.org/emotionaldisturbance/ . Mental Health and Therapeutic Services This is the home page for Wediko Children’s Services, which works with students who are facing obstacles in their lives due to a broad spectrum of social, behavioral, emotional, and learning challenges. Wediko connects with the students, their families, and their teachers to provide them with empowering opportunities. Its services include a residential treatment center, a summer camp, community- and school-based programs. For Parents and Caregivers: Talking about Mental Health with Children and Adolescents This page is a great read for parents who are concerned about their child and perhaps have questions about their behaviors or how to best help. The page walks through what signs and behaviors to look out for and some particularly difficult situations or events that may be related. This resource offers suggestions for what parents can do if they’re feeling overwhelmed on their own and concerned for their child and how to have a conversation with their child about mental health. Child Mind Institute: Mental Health Resources The Child Mind Institute provides free resources and information about mental health and learning disorders for parents, families, and educators. In an effort to reduce lack of awareness and the stigma surrounding these topics, it offers insights and advice specific to a variety of different concerns or challenges the child may be experiencing. Check out its pages For Families and For Educators . 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. Mental Health Resources for Adolescents and Their Parents This resource is especially helpful because its information is aimed specifically at young adults and their parents. Specific pages are offered for mental health, substance use, sexual and reproductive health, and physical and psychosocial development. Links to online services, resource institutes, medication guides, helplines, and advocacy organizations are included. Back to Topics Page This page was last updated on: 03/18/2025 Have any resource suggestions? Click Here to email us.

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Developmental Delay Department of Education: Developmental Delay Defined This page holds the current legal definition for this disability category from the special education law of Massachusetts. Developmental Disabilities Basics Easy to digest information for parents about its causes and risk factors, who is affected, and the difference between developmental monitoring and screening. Basics on Developmental Delays This resource contains general and useful information for parents and caregivers who are concerned about a child’s development, as well as when/how to inquire with a pediatrician about a developmental evaluation. Reading Rockets: Classroom Strategies for Reading Delays Reading delays are one of the most common forms of developmental delays. This resource for parents and educators comes from the Reading Rockets project, which is guided by an advisory panel of special education experts and received the top honor in the Library of Congress Literacy Awards Program in 2016. The page explains when and how to use its research-based classroom strategies for building literacy skills. It also addresses key skill areas, including phonics, comprehension, fluency, phonological awareness, writing, and vocabulary. Check out the rest of the website and explore more reading resources at https://www.readingrockets.org . Developmental Delays: What You Need to Know This site briefly explains the five main areas of development, risk factors for developmental delays, and the difference between developmental delays and developmental disabilities (which children don’t outgrow or catch up from). The information is provided by an experienced classroom teacher and early intervention specialist and reviewed by a developmental behavioral pediatrician. Back to Topics Page This page was last updated on: 03/18/2025 Have any resource suggestions? Click Here to email us.

Navigating the MA Special Education System The following resources were provided to caregiver support group participants by Facilitators Courtney Edman, an MS, PT, and CEIS, and Carol Cohen, a M.Ed. and CAGS, throughout March 2023. Week One: Laws, Identification, and Referral Week Four: Proposed 504s and IEPs, What’s Next? Ask the expert: How do STEM teachers think about accommodations & inclusion for students with IEPs? Week Two: Eligibility and Accommodations Week Five: Transition Planning Week Three: All About Developing The IEP Resource List Back to Topics Page This page was last updated on: 03/18/2025 Have any resource suggestions? Click Here to email us.

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Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) Introduction to Multi-Tiered Framework Here the Center on Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports outlines key introductory concepts of MTSS. This easy to understand article is a great starting point for anyone looking to learn the basics of MTSS. Massachusetts MTSS Blueprint This document by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education highlights the updated plan for Massachusetts to implement MTSS throughout its schools. Written in 2018, the document should be up-to-date, but date-sensitive information should be confirmed. Please visit https://matoolsforschools.com/mtss-overview for more information about Massachusetts’ plan for MTSS with additional resources. Massachusetts MTSS Blueprint Massachusetts Tool for Schools provides a resource page explaining the benefits of MTSS. Linked is the 2018 blueprint for implementing MTSS in Massachusetts schools that is based on the most updated to date research that "focuses on equitable access and universal design for learning (UDL) and fully integrates social emotional, behavioral, and academic learning." Family Guide to MTSS This article provides an introduction to MTSS for parents and caregivers, including questions to ask educators and what to expect. It is a great starting point for parents and caregivers whose student is entering a school system that uses an MTSS approach. Massachusetts MTSS Academies This is a list of the MTSS Academies, which support schools in MTSS implementation, sponsored by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. This resource is best for Massachusetts educators seeking to improve their schools’ MTSS infrastructure to better support their students. MTSS in the Classroom This resource outlines research-backed benefits of MTSS as well as state and federal policy requirements for MTSS. It is an ideal resource for an educator or school administrator looking to take a deeper dive into the laws and regulations behind MTSS implementation, as the article contains external links. The American Institutes for Research use and reference numerous evidence-based, outside sources to corroborate its article. Exploring Types of MTSS Structures This peer-reviewed journal article reviews existing research on MTSS frameworks to highlight structures that have been shown to be effective and brings attention to existing needs. It is an excellent article for educators looking for a deeper dive into MTSS structures. [Citation: Miller, B., Taylor, K., & Ryder, R. E. (2019). Introduction to Special Topic: Serving Children With Disabilities Within Multitiered Systems of Support. AERA Open. https://doi.org/10.1177/2332858419853796 ] Back to Topics Page This page was last updated on: 03/18/2025 Have any resource suggestions? Click Here to email us.

Asthma Attack Asthma, Learn More. The NoAttacks.org website provides resources and information about asthma and asthma attacks, common triggers in the home and classroom, and how to prevent attacks and manage a child’s care. This site is a great first step for anyone concerned for a loved one or looking to support a student because it presents the information clearly with beginners in mind. American Lung Association’s Education Programs The American Lung Association is committed to providing education and training resources with up-to-date information to meet the needs of parents, families, coworkers, etc. They offer a variety of health education courses, including Asthma Basics , a free one hour online learning module for learners of any background, and Breathe Well, Live Well: The Guide to Managing Asthma at Home and Work for individuals navigating their experience with asthma and anyone looking to learn about providing a safe and supportive environment to meet their needs. Back to Topics Page This page was last updated on: 03/10/2025 Have any resource suggestions? Click Here to email us.

Early Intervention About Massachusetts Early Intervention Program This site holds up to date information regarding the Massachusetts Early Intervention Program along with its goals, eligibility requirements, and details about the services offered. This is a great first step for families looking to understand the basics about early intervention and home visits. Early Intervention: FAQ Answered This document from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health introduces parents and caregivers to the process of receiving Early Intervention’s family-centered services, including details about infant and toddlers’ eligibility, how to make referrals, the steps involved in evaluations, and the basic breakdown of who, where, and how the EI services are offered. Back to Topics Page This page was last updated on: 03/18/2025 Have any resource suggestions? Click Here to email us.

Intellectual Impairment Department of Education: Intellectual Impairment Defined This page holds the current legal definition of intellectual impairment according to Massachusetts special education law. Types of Intellectual Disabilities This resource, coming from Australia, provides a great overview of the different types of intellectual disabilities. Signs and characteristics, common myths and misconceptions, and links to other resources are included. Please note that some terms may be different in the Australian special education laws and professional language. The Arc of Massachusetts: Representing Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities The Arc of Massachusetts represents the interests of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and it provides information and education to individuals, families, and legislatures. It engages in advocacy for community support and services fostering equity and inclusion, and its page includes resources by age, disability type, and topic. Intellectual Disabilities: Definition, Causes, Signs, and Tips This resource provides general information about intellectual disabilities, including their known causes, some common signs to look for, how they’re diagnosed, and educational considerations. This is a great site for both parents and educators because it explains the options available to help babies and toddlers and school-aged children. It also offers tips for those just starting to learn about intellectual impairment and how they can best support their children and students. Intellectual Disabilities: Difficulties Children May Experience and Strategies for Support Children with intellectual disabilities learn more slowly than their peers and experience difficulties in a variety of skills, such as self-regulation, attention, organization, and communication. This resource lays out many of the different characteristics children with intellectual disabilities may exhibit and offers a few recommendations for how parents and educators can practice teaching in a way that promotes learning. Department of Developmental Services The Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services provides supports for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to enhance their opportunities to become fully engaged members of their community. Understood: The Difference Between Learning Disabilities and Intellectual Disabilities This page gives a brief explanation of the difference between learning disabilities and intellectual disabilities. Both affect learning, and both are covered under special education law in the United States. Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress (MDSC) MDSC’s mission is to ensure individuals with Down Syndrome are valued, included, and given opportunities to pursue fulfilling lives. They are a great organization to explore for information, networking, and advocacy. They provide resources for parents with children of all ages, and they connect parents and their children to programming and support groups. Back to Topics Page This page was last updated on: 03/18/2025 Have any resource suggestions? Click Here to email us.