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Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) 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. Family Involvement in PBIS This resource describes families’ roles in PBIS, and it provides tools to help foster involvement. It is an ideal resource for caregivers seeking to understand their role in PBIS and for educators wanting to improve parent engagement in PBIS. Culturally Responsive PBIS Learning Lab This resource outlines an innovative approach to culturally responsive PBIS by using problem-solving and collaboration. It is an ideal site for educators looking to take a deeper dive into culturally responsive PBIS and how to implement it in their schools. Explore the rest of the site at http://www.crpbis.org/index.html for specific learning labs, resources, and publications. The project is sponsored by the Wisconsin Center for Education Research at University of Wisconsin-Madison’s School of Education. Some information on the site is from as early as 2012, so date-sensitive information should be double-checked. What is PBIS? This article offers a comprehensive introduction to PBIS with opportunities for readers to dive deeper into topics of their choice. It is a great starting point for caregivers and educators new to PBIS. “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] Videos on PBIS This site offers tons of free speaker videos from experts in the field sharing insight into specific parts of PBIS. Topics range from PBIS Implementation in Rural Settings to sitting in on teams as they discuss PBIS implementation. This site is ideal for educators who are familiar with PBIS and want to learn more about niche topics of interest. Massachusetts-specific PBIS Guide Here you can find a 2 page, easy-to-read guide from Massachusetts on PBIS within the state. This is a great read for those looking to get more acquainted with PBIS within the Massachusetts school system. “Including Students With Disabilities in Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports: Experiences and Perspectives of Special Educators” This peer-reviewed journal article investigates how students with disabilities are included (or not) within PBIS in schools. It is a great resource for an educator familiar with PBIS to investigate how it functions within special education and what improvements can be implemented. The article can be rented with a free trial or purchased for a one time fee. [citation: Shuster BC, Gustafson JR, Jenkins AB, Lloyd BP, Carter EW, Bernstein CF. Including Students With Disabilities in Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports: Experiences and Perspectives of Special Educators. Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions. 2017;19(3):143-157. doi:10.1177/1098300716675734 ] 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. Back to Topics Page This page was last updated on: 03/18/2025 Have any resource suggestions? Click Here to email us.

Transition Process (14-22) Council for Learning Disabilities: Transition Planning Overview This resource provides an overview of what transition planning is and what individuals’ responsibilities are within transition planning for students with learning disabilities. This is a great resource for parents and teachers of students getting ready to transition from school to young adulthood. Massachusetts Adult Services Resources This resource compilation by the Massachusetts Autism Commission is designed mainly for autistic individuals and those with other disabilities. Resources encompass facets of adult life including employment, housing, and insurance. This is ideal for parents guiding their adult (or nearly adult) children as they transition to adulthood. Job-seeking Guide for High School and College Students with Disabilities This guide gives numerous resources for job-seeking students, including job hunting sites and scholarship opportunities. It is an excellent resource for parents and teachers looking to help support their transitioning students. The site is run by the U.S. Office of Disability Employment Policy and the U.S. Department of Labor. Panel Presentation Panelist Contact Information Amanda Green , Statewide Secretary Transition Supervisor 781-338-3368 amanda.c.green@mass.gov Office of Special Education Planning & Policy 75 Pleasant Street, Malden, MA 02148 Lore Andrescavage , Executive Functioning/College Transition Coach at Effective Consulting 1-888-389-8650 lore.andrescavage@effectiveeffortconsulting.com Vikky Angelico , Disability Coordinator at Framingham State disabilityservices@framingham.edu Massachusetts Department of Education School to Adult Life Transition Resources This site offers a compilation of considerations that families and students phasing out of the school system should keep in mind during this transition. The guidance is coupled with Massachusetts-specific resources to support families and their children with the transition. This is a great resource for parents and caregivers looking for a deeper dive into laws and policies surrounding the transition process. Massachusetts-specific Resources for the Transition from High School to College/Work This site hosts many external resources compiled by the MetroWest Center for Independent Living . These resources are most helpful to parents and caregivers looking to support their children with disabilities navigate entering adulthood. Given the extensive list of external resources, one should take caution when navigating these external sites. Comparing Supplemental Security Income Program (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance Program (SSDI) This article compares the two social security programs individuals with disabilities may be eligible for as they enter adulthood. This article is ideal for a parent or caregiver looking to learn the basics between the two programs and what their child might qualify for. Panel Presentation, Panelist Shared Resources During the panel presentation, panelists shared a number of valuable resources on the transition process. Follow the link to find the pdf of all these resources. Rights and Responsibilities of Students with Disabilities for Postsecondary Education This guide by the U.S. Department of Education offers advice for frequently asked questions when it comes to postsecondary education for students with disabilities. This resource is excellent for parents wanting to support their students as they explore postsecondary education options such as vocational schools, career schools, community colleges, and 4-year colleges and universities. STEPS Intervention for Transition to Adulthood for Autistic Students This journal article provides a review of the STEPS intervention for transition to adulthood for autistic students. It is an excellent resource for parents and educators looking to implement more effective transition models for their autistic students, particularly for those entering postsecondary education. To access the free full pdf of the article, click “request full-text PDF.” Guide to Supplemental Security Income Program (SSI) for Young Adults with Disabilities This U.S. government sponsored guide walks readers through the basics of enrolling in SSI. It’s a great resource for parents and caregivers who have identified that their child qualifies for SSI and are looking for next steps. The article was last updated in 2021 and is maintained by the U.S. Social Security Administration, indicating that the information is reliable and up to date at this time. Support Group Shared Resources A list of resources shared in our Transition Support Group. The resources are organized by category. 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.

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.

Physical Impairment Department of Education: Physical Impairment Definition This page houses the current legal definition of physical impairment according to Massachusetts special education law. Teaching Students with Physical Disabilities This page provides a variety of strategies for teachers to assist them in meeting the needs of the greatest number of learners. Suggestions are offered specifically for different settings or school activities, such as exams or field trips, as well as for different points during the school year (before the class starts, the first few days, while in session, etc.). Types of Physical Disabilities This resource provides an overview of common types of physical disabilities with myths about each of them. The information is presented in a beginner-friendly format with easy-to-digest descriptions of their physical characteristics, causes, and signs and symptoms to look out for. Information for Parents on Cerebral Palsy This resource provides an overview of cerebral palsy, the types and causes, and treatment options and organizations. This is a great place to start for parents starting their information gathering or teachers looking to understand their students’ needs. Implications for Learning and Common Accommodations This page lists a variety of difficulties students with physical impairments may experience in the classroom, along with an appropriate accommodation. This resource comes from a team of postsecondary institutions based in Canada, so its recommendations are geared towards older students and the professional language may be a bit difficult. Older students and their families can use these suggestions when advocating for accommodations in the classroom, and teachers can use the suggestions for how to develop a classroom environment meeting all students’ needs. Cystic Fibrosis Foundation: About Cystic Fibrosis The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s website offers information regarding the disorder, treatment options, and current research. Its Compass service helps individuals living with cystic fibrosis and their families navigate insurance options, find financial resources, and tackle other life issues. Parents and families can learn more at https://www.cff.org/Assistance-Services/About-Compass/What-Is-Compass/ . Back to Topics Page This page was last updated on: 03/18/2025 Have any resource suggestions? Click Here to email us.

Gifted and Advanced Learners Gifted and Talented Education Advisory Council This page contains information from the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Gifted and Talented Education Advisory Council. Links to its meeting schedules, current reports, and further resources to check out are included. Davidson Young Scholars Program The Young Scholars Program is free for gifted students and their families, and it provides an opportunity to connect and engage with others with similar needs. The program offers consultants, summer events and conferences, and an online community of more resources and support. Massachusetts Association for Gifted Education: Resources The goal of the Massachusetts Association for Gifted Education (MAGE) is to support the needs of gifted children and promote the establishment of programs and opportunities for their enrichment and success. It provide resources pages with general information, programs, competitions, counselors, books and organizations, and advice and support. Check out its pages specific For Parents and For Educators . What It Means to Teach Gifted Learners Well This page from the National Association of Gifted Children outlines examples of how to approach the education of gifted learners and explains the difference between good and inappropriate instruction for gifted learners. These tips and best practices can be very useful for educators curious how to best accommodate the needs of their gifted students and for parents looking to advocate for their child. 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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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.

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.

Down Syndrome About Down Syndrome The National Down Syndrome Society is a human rights organization for all individuals with Down syndrome. NDSS focuses on engaging in activities, events and programs on topics within three primary areas of programming: Resources and Support, Policy and Advocacy, and Community Engagement. NDSS also creates resources to support individuals with Down syndrome, along with their families and caregivers. Back to Topics Page This page was last updated on: 03/18/2025 Have any resource suggestions? Click Here to email us.

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. Time To Celebrate This is not just another anniversary—it’s a milestone moment! The Chris Walsh Center for Educators and Families at Framingham State University is turning five, and we’re inviting YOU to join us in celebrating the lives touched, the futures brightened, and the impact made across Massachusetts Event Details Since opening in 2020, we’ve empowered educators, families, and caregivers with free programs, training, and resources, all while keeping our mission focused on every learner—especially children with disabilities, gifted learners, and those with unmet needs. In the past two years alone, we’ve reached more than 14,500 children, making waves of change that ripple far beyond classrooms. This unforgettable evening will blend inspiration, recognition, and celebration. Don’t miss the chance to be part of history. Date: Thursday, October 23, 2025 Time: 5:30 – 7:30 pm (Doors open at 5:15 pm) Location: Forum Room, McCarthy Center, Framingham State University 100 State Street, Framingham, MA 01702 Register VIP Ticket $60 Includes one drink ticket and two raffle tickets FSU VIP Ticket $30 Exclusive for FSU Faculty, Staff and honor guests. Includes one drink ticket and two raffle tickets Ticket $30 Includes one drink ticket and two raffle tickets Evening Program Honoring 30 outstanding educators and caregivers whose dedication reflects the heart of the Center Appetizers and drinks with friends, colleagues, and community leaders Inspiring stories of impact from five years of transformation Silent auction and raffle to fuel our mission and add excitement to the evening Sponsorship Opportunites In honor of our 5th Anniversary, we’ve launched a special fundraising campaign with a bold goal: to raise $25,000 in support of the Chris Walsh Center’s mission to empower families, caregivers, educators, and learners across Massachusetts. We’re excited to share that thanks to the generosity of our early supporters, we’ve already raised $1,500—a strong start toward our goal. But we can’t do it without you. Every gift brings us closer to providing even more free programs, resources, and opportunities for students and the adults who support them. Why Your Support Matters Keeps our programs free for families and caregivers. Expands professional development for educators. Creates opportunities for students to intern, learn, and grow. Ensures children with disabilities, gifted learners, and those with unmet needs are never left behind. Ways to Help Us Reach $25,000 Make a Donation Today – Every dollar counts! Double Your Impact – Ask your employer about matching gifts. Attend the Anniversary Celebration – on October 23, 2025, to honor this milestone together. Register as a sponsor or donor by October 16, 2025, to be recognized in our printed program. Together, we can reach our $25,000 goal and ensure that the next five years are filled with even greater opportunities for learners, families, and educators. Sponsorships Defy Gravity Champion – $5,000 Premier recognition, 8 VIP tickets, logo in program & website, year-long features Magic Maker – $1,000 Logo in program & website, 3 VIP tickets, social media highlight, newsletter feature Yellow Brick Advocate – $250 Name in program & website, 1 VIP ticket, newsletter mention Emerald City Leader – $2,500 Prominent recognition, 6 VIP tickets, logo in program & website, year-long features Spellbinder Sponsor – $750 Logo in program & website, 2 VIP tickets, social media features Emerald Circle – $150 Name in program & website, 1 VIP ticket Wizard’s Circle – $1,500 Logo in program & website, 4 VIP tickets, social media highlight, newsletter feature Friends of Oz-$500 Logo in program & website, 1 VIP ticket, social media features Flying Star – $100 Name in program & website, 1 ticket Donation Under $100