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Dyslexia Dyslexia DECODING DYSLEXIA Decoding Dyslexia Massachusetts is a grassroots movement dedicated to supporting individuals with dyslexia and their families. Their website provides essential information on dyslexia, early identification, and effective interventions while advocating for policy changes to improve education. A key focus is informing individuals of their legal rights, including access to appropriate accommodations, special education services, and support under state and federal laws. By raising awareness and promoting structured literacy instruction, Decoding Dyslexia Massachusetts empowers students, parents, and educators to push for equitable learning opportunities. I have Dyslexia This resource from Upbility offers a deeper understanding of dyslexia, covering common struggles, early signs, and practical strategies for learning success. It emphasizes the importance of tailored support from educators and families, along with effective tools to help individuals with dyslexia thrive in school and everyday life. Dr. Nadine Gaab: Dyslexia Screening Webinar From the Chris Walsh Centers YouTube Channel: Dr. Nadine Gaab covers the development of the typical and atypical reading brain and the importance of early screening for reading disabilities in young children with a special emphasis on screening and early preventive strategies Dyslexia Basics This resource from the International Dyslexia Association provides a comprehensive overview of dyslexia, a common learning difference affecting reading, writing, and spelling. It explains key characteristics, early signs, and the neurological basis of dyslexia while debunking common myths. The guide also highlights effective interventions, accommodations, and the importance of early diagnosis to support individuals with dyslexia in school and beyond. Whether you're a parent, educator, or individual with dyslexia, this resource offers valuable insights to foster success. Ask The Expert: What are the new dyslexia screening laws in MA? How will they impact families? From the Chris Walsh Centers YouTube Channel: This “Ask the Expert" episode is launched by intern, Amanda Bedard, and expert, Nancy Duggan, to speak on commonly asked questions about dyslexia screening laws in Massachusetts and how will they impact children and families Preparing for College With Dyslexia This guide from Child Mind Institute offers essential tips for students with dyslexia transitioning to college. It covers self-advocacy, accommodations, assistive technology, and strategies for academic success. Learn how to navigate college life with confidence. Ask the Expert: What is Dyslexia & its earliest indicators? What can be done provide support? From the Chris Walsh Centers YouTube Channel: This “Ask the Expert" episode is launched by intern, Amanda Bedard, and professional, Marissa Piligian, to speak on commonly asked questions about dyslexia, it's earliest indicators, and what can teachers and families do to support dyslexic children

Health Impairment Topics: Asthma Epilepsy ADHD Department of Education: Health Impairment Defined This page presents the current legal definition of health impairment according to Massachusetts special education law. Health Impairment Overview This site gives a great overview of what is considered a health impairment, specific health impairments, and how to address them, especially in the context of school. Information about accessing services to help children with health impairments is also provided, which makes this a great introductory source for parents and educators. Back to Topics Page This page was last updated on: 03/18/2025 Have any resource suggestions? Click Here to email us.

Events / Eventos Upcoming Events / Próximos Eventos: Bolstering Students' Resilience with Dr. Sara Whitcomb In this session, participants will build an understanding of the current state of children’s mental health and what teachers can do each day on the front lines of the mental health crisis to support children’s healthy social and emotional development. Participants will have the opportunity to reflect upon the many buzz words that pop up in education (e.g., social-emotional learning, trauma-informed care, restorative practices, positive behavioral interventions and supports) and distill practices into those that build consistency, connection, and compassion in classrooms. Click Here to Register Who is Dr. Sara Whitcomb? Dr. Sara Whitcomb is a licensed psychologist, associate director of research and evaluation with Boston Children's Hospital's Neighborhood Partnerships Program, and member of the faculty at Harvard Medical School. She is also co-director of the BIRCh Center at UMass Boston. Prior to her current role, she was a professor in the UMass Amherst school psychology program and a teacher in general and special education settings in Oregon, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. Dr. Whitcomb's research and practice interests are in behavioral assessment, social-emotional learning, and organizational consultation in schools. She has authored a number of texts and journal articles on these topics and has consulted with over 100 school districts in Massachusetts to build capacity to meet all students' behavioral health needs. Past Events Play Therapy for Caregivers In this session you will learn to increase attachment, attunement, and resiliency in your child: Learn ways to attend to your child Learn how to encourage your child Learn play techniques with your child These strategies are evidence-based methods used by seasoned practitioners to teach parents how to play effectively with their children. Register today to learn how to use them with your family! When: February, 27th, 2025 at 7:00 PM Who: Rita Vatcher, LMHC Where: Hosted online by the Chris Walsh Center Register for Play Therapy for Caregivers! Who is Rita Vatcher, LMHC? Rita Vatcher is passionate about working with children, and her dream is to help children succeed and achieve their goals. She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in both MA and NY, a Registered Play Therapist™, a Foundational Theraplay® Practitioner, and an EMDR-certified therapist who practices in Wellesley, Massachusetts. She provides effective mental health services for kids, adolescents, and adults by focusing on evidenced-based practices. Rita wants to train new child therapists to be qualified in serving children, adolescents, and families in our communities. Rita Vatcher has a Masters in Mental Health Counseling, a Masters in Pastoral Ministry, and a Bachelors in Psychology from Boston College. She has earned a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy from the Boston Graduate School of Psychoanalysis and is a Certified Clinical Supervisor with the Massachusetts Mental Health Counseling Association. She served on the New England Board of Play Therapy for three years. She is most proud of being a mom of two – a son and daughter, loves playing with her dog, and being outside whenever she can. The Power of Resilience & Social Emotional Learning for Educators Thanks to a generous grant from the Sudbury Foundation to the Chris Walsh Center, The Power of Resilience & Social Emotional Learning for Educators is FREE to attend. Likewise, while these trainings are designed for educators, caregivers are welcome. Importantly, each session counts for 1.5 PDP units. As such, please make sure all the information entered is accurate so we may provide you with your certificate. Click Here to register. The Power of Resilience & SEL for Educators Improving Wellness, Mental Health, and SEL in Schools Activate your superpowers to boost your well-being and create belonging through this experiential workshop. This 3-session workshop offers practical strategies for educators to integrate into their daily routines, helping regulate the nervous system, reduce stress, and increase resilience and creativity. Interactive sessions will connect you with peers to cultivate self-awareness, heart-brain coherence, mindfulness, and embodiment practices that empower you to thrive personally and professionally. You are invited to attend one, two, or all three of the sessions. Who is Dr. Simone Kotraba? Dr. Simone Kotraba is the founder of HeartMind Solutions. She is a transformational coach and wellness facilitator who guides individuals and teams on a journey of growth and expansion, helping them unite their hearts and minds. With her light-hearted wisdom and vibrant energy, Simone creates a welcoming and supportive environment for participants to use their strengths and tap into their highest potential. Simone has spent her entire career working with families, teaching, and leading in K-12 and higher education settings. She holds multiple licenses and certifications and is passionate about alleviating human suffering. Session 1: Thursday, October 10th, 2024 at 4:00 PM Online Personal Resilience and SEL for Educators In this session, you will experience the building personal resilience transformation process developed by HeartMath Institute. These simple on-the-go techniques will empower participants to build emotional, mental, and physical resilience. Participants will learn skills to connect more deeply with the power and intelligence of the heart even in a busy school setting. Adding the qualities of the heart helps create the important shift to change behaviors and achieve positive social-emotional outcomes. Participants will understand the importance of personal resilience to improve well-being and performance. Practice self-awareness by identifying depleting and renewing emotions, learning strategies for building resilience, and the important role the heart and brain play in transforming disempowering thoughts and feelings. Session 2: Thursday, November 21st, 2024 at 4:00 PM Online Mindfulness, Resilience, and SEL for Thriving Educators In this session, participants will develop a general understanding of mindfulness and how it can be utilized to build resilience and decrease chronic stress. Understand how chronic stress can negatively impact work outcomes and how mindfulness can build emotional resilience. Participants will identify and understand the emotional, cognitive, physical, and behavioral benefits of mindfulness in schools. Participants will practice self-awareness by identifying where they feel stress in the body. Understand what the stress response is and how chronic stress affects the body. Examine how mindfulness can increase resilience to support a healthy stress response and practice simple and effective exercises for sustained resilience. Session 3: Thursday, December 12th, 2024 at 4:00 PM Online Resilience and the Embodied Educator In this session, participants will identify and lovingly understand their “Stuck” emotions and thoughts and transform them into resilience using Social Presencing Theater (SPT). SPT is a method for exploring the creative potential of social systems such as schools. By connecting to the body using contemplative methods, we become aware of the "social body" of a group in addition to our own body. Social Presencing Theater serves both personal and collective resilience, well-being, self-awareness, and the decision-making process. In this session, we will perform exercises together in a mindful way that combines body, heart, mind, attention, reflection, and silence. Social Presencing Theater is an embodiment practice developed by Arawana Hayashi and Otto Scharmer at the Presencing Institute at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Click Here to Register The Resilient Caregiver Thanks to a generous grand from the Sudbury Foundation, The Resilient Caregiver is free to attend. Click Here to register. The Resilient Caregiver Improving Wellbeing and Mental Health with Families and Community In this experiential session, participants will explore the transformational process of resilience techniques developed by the HeartMath Institute. It includes simple on-the-go tools that empower participants to build emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual resilience. With practice, participants will connect more deeply with the power and intelligence of the heart during their daily routines. Adding the qualities of the heart helps create the important shift to change stressful thoughts and emotions to achieve inner peace and happiness. Participants will understand the importance of resilience to improve wellbeing and increase deep connection with themselves and loved ones. Participants will tune into their hearts, minds, and bodies to identify depleting and renewing emotions and develop emotional awareness skills that lead to greater self-regulation and co-regulation. Who is Dr. Simone Kotraba? Dr. Simone Kotraba is the founder of HeartMind Solutions. She is a parent of 11-year-old twins. Simone is a wellness facilitator and coach who guides families on a journey of growth and expansion, helping them unite their hearts and minds. With her light-hearted wisdom and vibrant energy, Simone creates a welcoming and supportive environment for participants to have courageous conversations, practice using their strengths, and tap into their highest potential. Simone has spent her entire career working with families, teaching, and leading in K-12 and higher education settings. She holds multiple licenses and certifications and is passionate about alleviating human suffering. When: Thursday, October 24th, 2024 at 7:00 PM Who: Dr. Simone Kotraba Where: Hosted online by the Chris Walsh Center Click Here to Register Unlocking Potential: Nurturing Multimodal Learning and Play with Children Our children engage in rich, meaning-making experiences at home and in their communities. Children make sense of the world around them through multiple modes such as linguistic, visual, aural, spatial, and gestural, and the interplay of these modalities. This talk will explore how children navigate their world - online and in-person through these modalities and how we, as educators and caregivers, can cultivate this learning at home and in schools. Join us as we delve into multimodal learning by first learning from our children by drawing upon their knowledge and insights and then providing practical insights into incorporating a more playful and joyful learning experience. Click Here to Watch Recording Nuestros hijos participan en experiencias ricas y significativas en casa y en sus comunidades. Los niños dan sentido al mundo que les rodea a través de múltiples modos como el lingüístico, visual, auditivo, espacial y gestual, y la interacción de estas modalidades. Esta sesión explorará cómo los niños navegan por su mundo -en línea y en persona- a través de estas modalidades y cómo nosotros, como educadores y cuidadores, podemos cultivar este aprendizaje en casa y en la escuela. Acompáñenos mientras profundizamos en el aprendizaje multimodal, primero aprendiendo de nuestros hijos, basándonos en sus conocimientos y perspectivas, y después aportando ideas prácticas para incorporar una experiencia de aprendizaje más lúdica y alegre. Breaking Stereotypes: Understanding Varied ADHD Expressions in Youth Rompiendo Estereotipos: Comprender Las Diversas Expresiones del TDAH en los Jóvenes Becca Gibson is a dynamic presenter who combines lived experience, research, and hands-on therapeutic practice to delve into the often-overlooked realm of youth who present with non-stereotypical ADHD traits. Becca will discuss different profiles of ADHD, the intersection of ADHD with other identities, why ADHD is often misidentified in those socialized as girls, and signs you can look for to reduce disparities in ADHD identification. Along with providing valuable information about both the short and long-term impact of unsupported ADHD traits, Becca will offer practical suggestions for supporting these youth both at home and in the classroom.Bio: Becca Gibson (they/she), LICSW, LCSW-C, is an Autistic and ADHD licensed independent clinical social worker, as well as the founder and owner of Wired Differently Therapy, a private practice serving clients in the states of Maryland and Massachusetts. After spending years working in special education, Becca began a career in social work with a specialization helping neurodiverse couples, families, and neurodivergent individuals through a neurodiversity affirming lens. Becca’s clinical work focuses on Autistics and ADHDers – especially those who are considered “gifted”, or “twice-exceptional” – and the intersection of LGBTQIA+ identities and neurodivergence. In addition to their work as a therapist, Becca provides professional development training, clinical consultation, and clinical supervision. Click Here to Watch Recording Becca Gibson es una presentadora dinámica que combina la experiencia vivida, la investigación y la práctica terapéutica para profundizar en el ámbito, a menudo pasado por alto, de los jóvenes que presentan rasgos de TDAH no estereotipados. Becca hablará sobre los diferentes perfiles del TDAH, la intersección del TDAH con otras identidades, por qué el TDAH a menudo se identifica erróneamente en quienes han sido socializados como niñas, y las señales que se pueden buscar para reducir las disparidades en la identificación del TDAH. Además de proporcionar información valiosa sobre el impacto a corto y largo plazo de los rasgos de TDAH sin apoyo, Becca ofrecerá sugerencias prácticas para apoyar a estos jóvenes tanto en casa como en el aula. Bio: Becca Gibson (ellos / ella), LICSW, LCSW-C, es un autista y el TDAH con licencia de trabajador social clínico independiente, así como el fundador y propietario de Wired Differently Terapia, una práctica privada que atiende a clientes en los estados de Maryland y Massachusetts. Después de pasar años trabajando en educación especial, Becca comenzó una carrera en trabajo social con una especialización en ayudar a parejas neurodiversas, familias e individuos neurodivergentes a través de una lente de afirmación de la neurodiversidad. El trabajo clínico de Becca se centra en autistas y ADHDers - especialmente aquellos que son considerados "superdotados", o "dos veces excepcional" - y la intersección de las identidades LGBTQIA + y neurodivergencia. Además de su trabajo como terapeuta, Becca ofrece formación para el desarrollo profesional, consulta clínica y supervisión clínica. Teaching Happiness: Practices to Support Our Wellbeing Enseñando Felicidad: Prácticas Para Apoyar Nuestro Bienestar In this webinar we will briefly overview the study of Positive Psychology and a definition of happiness. We will then understand the specific behaviors, thoughts, and feelings that we can practice to impact our happiness. Bio: I am a School Adjustment Counselor at a local public high school where I provide mental health support to students and co-teach a class titled “Psychology and the Good Life.”. After starting my career in human resources at a financial services company, I quickly realized I did not feel a sense of purpose and fulfillment in my work. Ultimately, I went to graduate school where I majored in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a focus on School and Community Counseling. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and have a small private practice providing young adults with therapeutic support. As of 2024, I am also an instructor in the Counseling Psychology Graduate Program at Framingham State University. Click Here to Watch Recording En este webinario revisaremos brevemente el estudio de la Psicología Positiva y una definición de felicidad. Luego comprenderemos los comportamientos, pensamientos y sentimientos específicos que podemos practicar para influir en nuestra felicidad. Biografía: Soy Consejera de Adaptación Escolar en una escuela secundaria pública local donde proporciono apoyo de salud mental a los estudiantes y co-enseño una clase titulada "Psicología y la Buena Vida". Después de comenzar mi carrera en recursos humanos en una empresa de servicios financieros, me di cuenta rápidamente de que no sentía un sentido de propósito y realización en mi trabajo. Finalmente, fui a la escuela de posgrado donde me especialicé en Consejería Clínica de Salud Mental con un enfoque en Consejería Escolar y Comunitaria. Soy un consejero de salud mental con licencia y tengo una pequeña práctica privada que proporciona a los adultos jóvenes con el apoyo terapéutico. A partir de 2024, también soy un instructor en el Programa de Posgrado de Psicología de asesoramiento en la Universidad Estatal de Framingham. Autism & Intersectionality Autismo e Interseccionalidad Autism is a neurodevelopmental phenomenon that anyone can be born with. However, there are observable differences in which autistic individuals are identified as autistic, and when. Autism is often identified later, if at all, in folks who are marginalized when it comes to factors such as gender, sex assigned at birth, and/or race. This presentation will discuss why this happens, why it matters, and what we can do about it. We will explore signs to look out for, particularly in those socialized as girls. We will also discuss ways of supporting autistic folks at home and at school, regardless of whether they have been officially diagnosed. Click Here to Watch Recording / Haga Click Aquí para Ver la Grabación El autismo es un fenómeno del neurodesarrollo con el que puede nacer cualquier persona. Sin embargo, existen diferencias observables en cuanto a qué individuos autistas son identificados como tales y cuándo. A menudo, el autismo se identifica más tarde, si es que se identifica, en personas marginadas por factores como el género, el sexo asignado al nacer y/o la raza. En esta presentación se discutirá por qué ocurre esto, por qué es importante y qué podemos hacer al respecto. Exploraremos las señales a las que hay que prestar atención, especialmente en las personas socializadas como niñas. También discutiremos formas de apoyar a los autistas en casa y en la escuela, independientemente de si han sido diagnosticados oficialmente. Supporting Our Children’s Social-Emotional Development: An Introduction to Social-Emotional Learning & Resources to Support Children’s Development Apoyando el Desarrollo Socio-Emocional de Nuestros Hijos: Una Introducción al Aprendizaje Socio-Emocional y Recursos para Apoyar el Desarrollo de los Niños Social-emotional learning (SEL) is a lifelong process that develops over time, through daily interactions, and in a broad array of settings. Supporting Our Children’s Social-Emotional Development: An Introduction to Social-Emotional Learning & Resources to Support Children’s Development will provide an introduction to the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (2020) framework and explore the five core competencies of social-emotional development: self-awareness, self-management, responsible decision-making, relationship skills, and social awareness. In addition, this presentation will introduce opportunities for families to support the development of competencies at home and beyond through daily routines and practices. Resources to assist with children’s development of the competencies, such as children’s literature selections and activities, will be introduced through audience engagement and participation. Join us as we explore SEL and resources to support our children’s development! Click Here to Watch Recording El Aprendizaje Socioemocional (SEL) es un proceso que dura toda la vida y que se desarrolla a lo largo del tiempo, a través de interacciones diarias y en una amplia gama de entornos. Cómo Apoyar el Desarrollo Socioemocional de Nuestros Hijos: Una Introducción al Aprendizaje Socioemocional y Recursos para Apoyar el Desarrollo de los Niños proporcionará una introducción al marco de la Colaboración para el Aprendizaje Académico, Social y Emocional (2020) y explorará las cinco competencias básicas del desarrollo socioemocional: autoconciencia, autogestión, toma de decisiones responsable, habilidades de relación y conciencia social. Además, esta presentación introducirá oportunidades para que las familias apoyen el desarrollo de competencias en casa y fuera de ella a través de rutinas y prácticas diarias. Se presentarán recursos para ayudar a los niños en el desarrollo de las competencias, como selecciones de literatura infantil y actividades, a través del compromiso y la participación del público. Únase a nosotros para explorar SEL y los recursos para apoyar el desarrollo de nuestros hijos. Sibling Support Webinar: Building Resiliency Among Siblings with Disabilities Webinario de Apoyo Entre Hermanos: Fomentar la Resiliencia Entre Hermanos con Discapacidades Siblings of children with disabilities have unique needs and challenges. This presentation provides an overview of the sibling experience, as well as practical strategies that parents, caregivers and providers can utilize, to help increase sibling resiliency. There will be time for the presenting clinician to answer questions from the audience about how to best support siblings, including recommendations that are applicable to a wide range of families. Los hermanos de niños con discapacidad tienen necesidades y retos únicos. Esta presentación ofrece una visión general de la experiencia de los hermanos, así como estrategias prácticas que los padres, cuidadores y proveedores pueden utilizar, para ayudar a aumentar la resiliencia de los hermanos. Habrá tiempo para que el clínico presentador responda a las preguntas del público sobre la mejor manera de apoyar a los hermanos, incluidas las recomendaciones que son aplicables a una amplia gama de familias. Click Here to Watch Recording Online Webinar: Supporting Your Child's Mental Health As They Transition to College / Webinar en Línea: Apoyando la Salud Mental de sus Hijos en la Transición a la Universidad College is an exciting time! However, it can also come with unique challenges that can affect students' mental wealth and overall wellbeing. This webinar will review what we know about who contemporary U.S. college students are, and the rates with which they are experiencing mental health difficulties in this post-pandemic era. It will also discuss what students can expect during their first semester of college and what can be done to support students academically, socially and psychologically. La universidad es un momento emocionante. Sin embargo, también puede conllevar retos únicos que pueden afectar a la riqueza mental y al bienestar general de los estudiantes. Este seminario web repasará lo que sabemos sobre quiénes son los estudiantes universitarios estadounidenses contemporáneos y las tasas con las que experimentan dificultades de salud mental en esta era pospandémica. También se discutirá lo que los estudiantes pueden esperar durante su primer semestre de universidad y lo que se puede hacer para apoyar a los estudiantes académica, social y psicológicamente. Click Here to Watch Recording Let's Talk About it: Overcoming Roadblocks in Caregiver-Child Relationships / Hablemos De Eso: Cómo Superar Los Bloqueos En Las Relaciones Entre Cuidadores y Niños As a caregiver, your role as coach in your child’s ever-changing world can be idyllic, as well as challenging. At this 75 minute webinar for caregivers, Jessica Ames will use her expertise as a child therapist, meditation and parent coach to teach you ways to enhance open dialogue with your child(ren). When a caregiver is able to create more openness and acceptance around the day to day challenges of child-rearing, as well as larger environmental and situational challenges, they positively impact the people around them and experience more joy. Jessica will discuss skills and strategies to help you connect in the moment with your child(ren). She will also present ways to increase your energy and personal satisfaction as a caregiver. This webinar will be an opportunity for you to enhance your relationships and connectedness. Jessica will also set aside time to answer caregiver's questions at the end of the presentation. Click Here to Watch Recording Como cuidador, su papel de entrenador en el mundo siempre cambiante de su hijo puede ser idílico, pero también difícil. En este webinario de 75 minutos para cuidadores, Jessica Ames utilizará su experiencia como terapeuta infantil, meditadora y entrenadora de padres para enseñarle formas de mejorar el diálogo abierto con su(s) hijo(s). Cuando un cuidador es capaz de crear más apertura y aceptación en torno a los retos cotidianos de la crianza de los hijos, así como los retos ambientales y situacionales más grandes, impactan positivamente en las personas que les rodean y experimentan más alegría. Jessica hablará de habilidades y estrategias que le ayudarán a conectar en el momento con su(s) hijo(s). También presentará formas de aumentar su energía y satisfacción personal como cuidador. Este seminario web será una oportunidad para mejorar sus relaciones y su conexión. Jessica también reservará tiempo para responder a las preguntas de los cuidadores al final de la presentación. How to Advocate for Your Child: Online Workshop Cómo Abogar Por Su Hijo: Taller en Línea Join the Chris Walsh Center to for the opportunity to learn the skills necessary to advocate on behalf of your child from Leslie Leslie of The Federation for Children with Special Needs. This event is free and open to the public, however, registration is required. Unfortunately, getting your child's needs met can be challenging. Thankfully, effective advocacy is a learned art. At this workshop you will learn soft skills, such as how to prioritize and collaborate, to best advocate for your child. The workshop will also address conflict and barriers to effective communication. With these skills you'll be better able to work with others to support your child. Click Here to watch Recording Únase al Centro Chris Walsh para la oportunidad de aprender las habilidades necesarias para abogar en nombre de su hijo de Leslie Leslie de la Federación para Niños con Necesidades Especiales. Este evento es gratuito y abierto al público, sin embargo, se requiere inscripción. Desafortunadamente, conseguir que se satisfagan las necesidades de su hijo puede ser un reto. Afortunadamente, la defensa eficaz es un arte que se aprende. En este taller usted aprenderá habilidades blandas, tales como la forma de priorizar y colaborar, para defender mejor a su hijo. En el taller también se abordarán los conflictos y los obstáculos para una comunicación eficaz. Con estas habilidades estará mejor preparado para trabajar con otros para apoyar a su hijo. Ongoing: Building Resiliency: A Group for Caregivers of Neurodivergent Children Thursday October 19th - November 16th 7:00-8:15PM Our first caregiver support group for fall 2023: Building Resiliency: A Group for Caregivers of Neurodivergent Children. The support group was hosted by two mental health clinicians, Deborah McMakin, Ed.D., M.A., LICSW and Jessica Ames, a Licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW). We engaged in family resilience building activities and time for with caregivers on a similar journey. Caregivers will the opportunity to learn from and support each other over the course of the 5 weeks spent together. Caring for a neurodivergent child is a journey with unexpected joys and challenges. While caregivers often enjoy their child's strengths, unique personalities and accomplishments, they may also face unique challenges, such as how and when to communicate their child’s learning and emotional needs to others, how to advocate for their child and teach them to advocate for themselves, and how to focus on their child’s unique abilities rather than labels or misconceptions. Group topics included strengthening relationships (with your child and their supporters), increasing your child’s self confidence and self advocacy skills (helping them define their own goals and build their resiliency), as well as managing and reframing unwanted labels in your community. Dr. Liza Talusan presents: The Identity-Conscious Educator: Building Habits and Skills for More Inclusive Schools Tuesday, March 21, 2023 from 7-8:30 pm Based on Dr. Talusan’s recent book of the same title, this 90-minute workshop is focused on building knowledge, engaging in reflection, and moving to action. Identity very much informs our daily work, even if we have not built the habits and skills for seeing its impact. Building an identity-conscious practice means realizing that who we are informed and impacts how we act, interact, and how we see the world around us. To do this, we need tools to explore what our identities are, how they shape our views, and how we might work towards greater inclusion and equity. Film Screening: Autism goes to College Tuesday, April 4, 2023 from 7-8:45 pm Autism Goes to College is a film with honest insights for students, parents and educators offering an eye-opening look at what a growing number of neurodiverse students are bringing to campus. After the screening, we will have Executive Producer Jan Blacher, whose mother is an FSU alum, with us to take questions from the audience. Check out the film trailer . Support for Caregivers: Navigating the MA Special Education System Thursdays in March 2023 Topic: What is a 504? What is an IEP? Does my child need a 504 or an IEP? How does my child get evaluated for one? What does eligibility determination mean? What services are provided in an IEP? What is an advocate, and do I need one? What is my role as the parent of a child on an IEP and how do I support my child that is on an IEP? What is my child’s role? What do I do if I am told my child doesn’t need an IEP and I disagree? If you have any of these or other questions about the special education process and system, you are not alone! Supporting your child who is on or might need a 504 or an IEP can be very confusing and daunting. We want to help you by providing information, answering your questions, and providing support so you can navigate the process for your child. Virtual Book Discussion: The Identity-Conscious Educator: Building Habits and Skills for More Inclusive Schools Tuesday, March 7, 2023 from 7-8 pm This book, written by Dr. Liza Talusan, discusses powerful, practical strategies for creating an inclusive school community that honors the different identities expressed by students and peers. Join the Chris Walsh Center staff as we discuss the book and the strategies presented to make school community more inclusive. Adoptive Families and Schools Thursday, October 20 , 2022 from 6-7 pm A virtual presentation for families and educators of adoptive children. Our presenter, Dr. Abbie Goldberg, will provide an overview of what we know about adopted children’s educational experiences and mental health. Dr. Goldberg is currently a professor at Clark University and has extensive experience in giving presentations on how to create more inclusive communities, health care settings, and schools for diverse families. Virtual Book Discussion for Parents & Educators: 'Sincerely, Your Autistic Child' Edited by Emily Paige Ballou, Sharon davenport, and Morénike Giwa Onaiwu 'Sincerely, Your Autistic Child: What People on the Autism Spectrum Wish Their Parents Knew About Growing up, Acceptance and Identity' is a collection of pieces by writers from the Autistic Women and Nonbinary Network. This book is a diverse collection of autistic voices that highlights how parents can avoid common mistakes and misconceptions, and make their child feel truly accepted, valued, and celebrated for who they are. Wednesday, May 4 th, 2022 from 7-8 pm The Center’s two virtual book discussions of “Sincerely Your Autistic Child” were a success with a total of 29 participants. Due to all of the positive feedback following the discussions, we have decided to host a third discussion. More information on this next discussion will be shared in the coming weeks. Transition Support Group March 24 to April 28: Thursdays from 7-8 pm Center Graduate Assistant, Ellen Rose, will be hosting a six-week parent/caregiver support group. The group will be both informative and supportive, with a resource handout given out each week prior to meeting. Then, the resource can be discussed and the second half of the meeting will be dedicated to support. The purpose of the group is to educate and support parents and caregivers whose children have turned 14 and are planning for the future. We get a lot of questions from parents about what to do after high school. This group is aimed at answering those questions. Panel Presentation: Understanding the Transition Process Archived Video Transition Resources Wednesday, February 16th, 2021 from 7-8:30pm The Chris Walsh Center has put together a free, virtual panel of experts to help you understand the transition planning process so you can get the most out of it. Our panel of presenters includes: Amanda Green (Secondary Transition Supervisor at Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education), Vikky Angelico (Disability Services Coordinator at Framingham State University), Lore Andrescavage (Executive Function/College/Transition Coach at Effective Effort Consulting), and Carla Cataldo (Parent). All of the presenters will share their experience and expertise on the transition planning process and be available for questions. Panel Presentation (Transition) Virtual Book Discussion for Parents & Educators: 'Sincerely, Your Autistic Child' Edited by Emily Paige Ballou, Sharon davenport, and Morénike Giwa Onaiwu 'Sincerely, Your Autistic Child: What People on the Autism Spectrum Wish Their Parents Knew About Growing up, Acceptance and Identity' is a collection of pieces by writers from the Autistic Women and Nonbinary Network. This book is a diverse collection of autistic voices that highlights how parents can avoid common mistakes and misconceptions, and make their child feel truly accepted, valued, and celebrated for who they are. Monday, December 6th, 2021 from 3:30-4:30 pm Wednesday, December 8th, 2021 from 7-8 pm This event is open to the MetroWest community parents, family members and educators as well as FSU students, faculty and staff. Discussion will be facilitated by Dr. James Cressey’s Education Department students from his course “Inclusive Practices for Students with Disabilities.” Open Doors to College Read Event Transcript Thursday, March 25th, 2021 from 7-9pm Hundreds of colleges across the US are opening doors to higher education for students with intellectual disability. “Opening Doors to College” shows how students like Curtis, Janet, Fudia, and Missy are leading this inclusion revolution as they immerse themselves in classes, residential life, extracurricular activities, and the entire college experience at Millersville and Temple Universities. Intelligent Lives Thursday, February 25th, 2021 from 7-9pm INTELLIGENT LIVES is a 70-minute film that stars three pioneering young American adults with intellectual disabilities—Micah, Naieer, and Naomie—who challenge perceptions of intelligence as they navigate high school, college, and the workforce. Academy Award-winning actor and narrator Chris Cooper contextualizes the lives of these central characters through the emotional personal story of his son Jesse, as the film unpacks the shameful and ongoing track record of intelligence testing in the U.S. INTELLIGENT LIVES is a catalyst to transform the label of intellectual disability from a life sentence of isolation into a life of possibility for the most systematically segregated people in America. Black Boys Beyond Stereotypes: A Call to Action / Niños Negros Más Allá de los Estereotipos: Una Llamada a la Acción Thursday, February 18th, 2021 from 1:30-2:30pm Jueves, 18 de Febrero, 2021 de 1:30 a 2:30pm A panel discussion on the documentary Black Boys with two of the film's commentators -- Dr. Travis Bristol, Assistant Professor of Education at the University of California, Berkeley, and Mr. Conan Harris, former Executive Director of My Brother's Keeper Boston -- as well as FSU Math and Secondary Education student Dan Karanja '21. Un panel de discusión sobre el documental Black Boys con dos de los comentaristas de la película - el Dr. Travis Bristol, Profesor Adjunto de Educación en la Universidad de California, Berkeley, y el Sr. Conan Harris, ex Director Ejecutivo de My Brother's Keeper Boston -- así como el estudiante de Matemáticas y Educación Secundaria de la FSU Dan Karanja '21. Panel Presentation: What’s It Like Having Epilepsy? / Presentación del Panel: ¿Cómo Es Tener Epilepsia? Tuesday, November 17th, 2020 from 2:30-3:30pm Martes, 17 de Noviembre, 2020 de 2:30 a 3:30pm The panelists will talk about how their experiences with epilepsy impact them on a day to day basis. They will talk about the challenges they faced, and how they manage them. They are willing to answer any of your questions regarding the epilepsy condition. There are 3.4 million people that live in the world with active epilepsy. Come hear about what it is like to have epilepsy and how you can help those with this condition. Los panelistas hablarán de cómo sus experiencias con la epilepsia les afectan en el día a día. Hablarán de los retos a los que se enfrentan y de cómo los manejan. Están dispuestos a responder a todas sus preguntas sobre la epilepsia. En el mundo hay 3.4 millones de personas con epilepsia activa. Venga a escuchar lo que significa tener epilepsia y cómo puede ayudar a quienes padecen esta enfermedad. Children with Epilepsy and Seizures in the Classroom / Niños con Epilepsia y Convulsiones en la Aula Tuesday, November 10th, 2020 from 12:30-1:30pm Martes, 10 de Noviembre, 2020 de 12:30 a 1:30pm Presenter: Susan Linn, the CEO of Epilepsy Foundation New England Presentadora: Susan Linn, Directora General de la Fundación contra la Epilepsia de Nueva Inglaterra There are 17,000 young people living with epilepsy in MA, with seizure types that range from “staring spells” to convulsions. This presentation will cover epilepsy basics and help participants recognize seizures, understand the impact of epilepsy on students, and help participants respond to seizures with timely and appropriate care. Hay 17,000 jóvenes que viven con epilepsia en MA, con tipos de ataques que van desde "ataques de mirada fija" a convulsiones. Esta presentación cubrirá los aspectos básicos de la epilepsia y ayudará a los participantes a reconocer los ataques, comprender el impacto de la epilepsia en los estudiantes y ayudar a los participantes a responder a los ataques con la atención oportuna y apropiada. Supporting Twice-Exceptional Learners at School and at Home / Apoyar a Los Estudiantes Con Dos Excepciones En La Escuela Y En Casa Archived Webinar Video / Vídeo Archivado del Webinario Presentation Slides / Diapositivas de la Presentación Wednesday, April 29th, 2020 from10:30-11:30am Miércoles, 29 de Abril, 2020 de 10:30-11:30am Presenter: Dr. MaryGrace Stewart, President of the Massachusetts Association for Gifted Education (MAGE) Presentadora: Dra. MaryGrace Stewart, Presidenta de la Asociación de Massachusetts para la Educación de Superdotados (MAGE) Location: Online via Blackboard Collaborate Lugar: En línea a través de Blackboard Collaborate Moving from a reactive to a proactive approach in education: The importance of screening, early identification, and preventive strategies for dyslexia and other reading disabilities / Pasando de un enfoque reactivo a uno proactivo en la educación: La importancia del cribado, la identificación precoz y las estrategias preventivas de la dislexia y otras discapacidades lectoras Archived Webinar Video / Vídeo Archivado del Webinario Tuesday, March 3rd, 2020 from 12:30-1:30pm Martes, 3 de Marzo, 2020 de 12:30 a 1:30pm Presenter: Dr. Nadine Gaab, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, & Harvard Graduate School of Education Presentadora: Dra. Nadine Gaab, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School y Harvard Graduate School of Education Location: McCarthy Center Forum and Online via Blackboard Collaborate Lugar: Foro del Centro McCarthy y en línea a través de Blackboard Collaborate Preparing Teachers to Implement Culturally Responsive Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) / Preparando a Profesores para Implementar Aprendizaje Social-Emocional Culturalmente Sensible (SEL) e Intervenciones y Apoyos Positivos de Comportamiento (PBIS) Archived Webinar Video / Vídeo Archivado del Webinario Tuesday, October 29th, 2019 Martes 19 de Octubre, 2029 Presenter: Dr. James Cressey, Associate Professor of Education, Framingham State University Presentador: Dr. James Cressey, Profesor Asociado de Educación, Universidad Estatal de Framingham Location: Alumni Room and Online via Blackboard Collaborate Lugar: Sala Alumni y en línea a través de Blackboard Collaborate

Defy Gravity Award Jessica Bradley Stapleton Elementary Schools, Framingham Jessica Bradley, born and raised in Framingham, Massachusetts, is proud to be entering her seventh year with the TLC program at Stapleton Elementary School, including four years as a paraprofessional and three years as a teacher. She previously spent several years as a substitute teacher at Stapleton while in college before joining the staff full time. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Merrimack College, and a masters degree in Education with a concentration in Curriculum and Teaching from Fitchburg State University. She is devoted to fostering a positive and inclusive educational environment that empowers all students to achieve success. Marie Compton Barbieri Elementary school, Framingham I’ve been an elementary school teacher for over 20 years, and it’s truly been the joy of my life. Thirteen of those years were spent teaching in Chile, where I not only grew as an educator but also built deep connections with students, families, and the culture. Since then, I’ve taught in Massachusetts, and previously in Minnesota, and California—each place shaping me in different ways and adding to the rich tapestry of my teaching journey. No matter where I am, my passion remains the same: creating a supportive, engaging classroom where every child feels seen, valued, and excited to learn. Teaching continues to surprise and stretch me every day, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Sheron Throp Doucette Walsh Middle School, Framingham Sheron Thorp Doucette Sheron has been a member of the Framingham Fine and Performing Arts team since 2001 as a theater educator and director at Walsh Middle School. Her philosophy is, foster a love of theatre whether it is on stage and off, guide students through kindness to find and express their creative voice then get out of the way and watch them shine. She prefers leading others to discover the warmth of the spotlight rather than standing in it herself. She is a proud graduate of Regis College’s Art and Theatre programs and studied Art and Architecture at American University Earning a Masters in Education: Creative Arts and Learning from Lesley University, Sheron developed an educators guide to teach empathy through the Arts for middle school students, Knowing Myself, Understanding Others. Sheron has produced, directed and stage managed numerous musical productions and plays professionally and at all educational levels from elementary school to college. As a member of Actor’s Equity Association,she stage managed shows from Boston to Nashville. She is co-owner of Do Sets Design, a theatrical prop and scenery design company with her incredibly talented husband. Sheron is honored to have been a 2017 Tony Award Nominee for Theatre Educator of the Year. Sheron has taught Theatre and Creative Expression for the Boston Symphony Orchestra's Days in the Arts program for several years, she was Director of Education at Reagle Music Theatre where she is now President of the Board of Directors, was President of the Middle School Division for the Massachusetts Educational Theatre Guild and most recently took the reigns of Framingham Youth Theatre. Her most cherished role is mother of a Framingham Public School alumna, currently a MassArt senior. Heather Kissel Walsh Middle School, Framingham Heather Kissel is celebrating her 20th year as a public school educator, with teaching experience spanning St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Boston Public Schools, and most recently Framingham Public Schools. She holds a B.A. in Spanish from Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico and an M.Ed. in Foreign Language Education from the University of Pittsburgh. Licensed in both Spanish and ESL, Heather has served as World Language Department Head in Boston, where she also organized and led experiential learning and community service trips to Puerto Rico. Dedicated to creating engaging and culturally rich learning experiences, Heather designs hands-on activities that bring language to life—such as transforming the school library into a grocery store where students practice their skills, interact with “store employees,” and explore currency conversion. She also participates in Framingham Public Schools’ Parent Teacher Home Visit Program, through which she is able to build stronger relationships with students and their families. Kristy Keane Blocks Pre-School, Framingham Kristy Keane is a sub-separate special education teacher at BLOCKS preschool in Framingham. Kristy has been working in special education for 15 years and has been in Framingham for one and a half years. She is passionate about meeting the needs of every student and making sure our most at-risk students receive the best education possible. In her personal time, Kristy enjoys spending time with her cat and family as well as reading and attending book conventions. Antonio Martins Cameron Middle school, Framingham I’m Antonio Macedo Martins, an ESL teacher at Cameron Middle School in Framingham. Originally from Portugal, I love helping multilingual learners grow and celebrating the diverse cultures they bring to the classroom. Kerry Quella Hopkinton High School Kerry is an adjustment counselor at Hopkinton High School, a position she has proudly held for four years now. She lives in Newton with her husband and two step daughters. Kerry is so passionate about her work, and despite the challenges of her job, she genuinely enjoys showing up for students each day. Beyond the school day, Kerry coaches Unified Track & Field in Hopkinton, and is very involved in the Special Olympics community. Kelly Sherman FHS academy evening program coordinator Kelly Sherman - I have been teaching for 14 Years. I have taught both kindergarten and second grade. Kindergarten is my passion. I love the opportunity that comes with a child's first school experience. My goal as a kindergarten teacher is to build confidence to try new things, take risks and learn about being a productive citizen. I want children to learn to be a good friend and create an environment that fosters imagination, dramatic play experiences, and get to know each student on a personal level that can bring out the best in themselves. Ratnakar Amaravadi Natick High School Three sisters graduated with education degrees back in the 80s. A daycare center was up for sale in the next town over. Their dad thought this would be the perfect opportunity to follow a dream the girls had and bought the building. Fast forward 34 years and here we are! Still loving what we do and know best. Teaching, nurturing and caring for children. Our goal is to make everyone feel welcome and be a part of our family regardless of your ability, disability, background, beliefs or religion. We look at our job as a privilege rather than an occupation. As the saying goes…if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life! We are truly blessed by all the wonderful families we’ve met through the years and now welcome the children of the children who attended our school. Jill Conroy Natick High School I have been a Biology and Environmental Science teacher at Natick High School for 20 years. I enjoy working with all different students and teaching a wide variety of classes. I love when students think outside the box and challenge the ideas asking questions that make me really think. Outside the classroom I enjoy running and hiking. William Sanford Natick High School I started teaching at Cohasset High School in 2007, and moved to Natick High School in 2008 where I've been ever since. I teach all levels of Chemistry at Natick High School and an elective class titled Disease and Medicine. Chemistry is a challenging subject, and so I most enjoy helping students realize that they are capable of processing difficult material. I also hope that students have an appreciation at the end of my courses of how much I think the "world of the very small" (atoms, molecules, macromolecules, cells) is cool! Outside of school, you'll find me golfing, hiking, playing tabletop games, and baking. Jane Gardner Natick High School Jane Gardner has been a dedicated member of the Natick Public Schools community for 17 years, serving as a guidance counselor at Natick High School. Throughout her career, she has built strong connections with students and families, providing thoughtful academic, social, and emotional support. As the mother of three sons, two of whom have ADHD, Jane brings both professional expertise and personal understanding to her role. She deeply empathizes with the challenges and strengths of neurodivergent students and their families, and she is passionate about helping every student find a path that works for them. Known for her compassion, advocacy, and commitment to equity, Jane strives to create a supportive environment where all students can thrive James Cressy Education Department Chair Dr. Cressey is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Education Department at Framingham State University. He was the center's first coordinator in 2020-21. His scholarship and teaching are focused on inclusion and equity through evidence-based inclusive practices such as universal design for learning, social-emotional learning, culturally responsive practices, positive behavioral interventions and supports, and multi-tiered systems of support. Before coming to FSU, Dr. Cressey worked directly with children and families for several years as a licensed special educator and nationally certified school psychologist at Wediko Children’s Services and in the Boston Public Schools. He lives in Framingham with his husband and daughter and enjoys spending time with his family and friends, singing and playing musical instruments, cooking, and knitting. Andrea Connoly Stepleton Elementary School, Framingham Hello I am Andrea Connolly with over 25 years of experience as a dedicated Special Educator. I have had the privlege of working with students from kindergarten to fifth grade. My passion lies in helping children grow academically, socially and emotionally. I take great pride in the progress they make, especially when I hear contiued success in high school and beyond. Throughout my caeer I have remianed commited to creating an inclusive learning environment where every child feels supported and empowered to reach their full potential. It brings me immense joy to witness the resilence and achivements of my students over time. Outside the classroom, I am a proud parent of a wonderful and succusseful daughter who contiues to inspire me everyday. Kacie Power Ambroce elementary, Winchester Special Education Teacher for 18 years. Bachelors degree in Special Education, Masters degree in Assistive Technology. I have a passion for teaching and I love spending time with my family and working out.

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.

Fact Fridays Autism Awareness Month Among the millions of people who have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the U.S. are college students, who are trying to navigate the world of higher education. They are not alone and there are resources available to ease the transition! Check out the Community Autism Resources’ website and explore the College Navigation page for more information! April 14, 2023 Women's History Month Autism often looks different in people assigned female at birth and therefore commonly goes undiagnosed. For resources, check out the Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network. March 24, 2023 Black History Month "To be Black in America with a learning disability" Read Atira Roberson's Understood article sharing the reality of her experience having a learning disability as a Black woman in America. Check out the National Center for Learning Disabilities website at ncld.org, where Roberson serves on the Young Adult Leadership Council - get access to resources and discover ways you can get involved. Feb. 17, 2023 Braille Literacy Month January 4 is Louis Braille’s birthday, so in celebration, let’s learn more about Braille! Braille primarily uses 6 dots in columns, with 63 possible combinations. Check out this children’s book on Braille: How to Read Braille with Dottie and Dots by Kristen Smith-Armand, M.Ed. Jan. 20, 2022 National Family Caregivers Month In 1997, former President Bill Clinton proclaimed November to be National Family Caregivers Month. Celebrate with us and check out the resources provided by Child Welfare Information Gateway! Nov. 18, 2022 Bullying Prevention Month Children who identify as LGBT+, are obese, or have one or more disabilities are 63% more likely to be bullied than other children, according to National Voices for Equality, Education, and Enlightenment. Start a conversation with your child and learn how to prevent and respond to bullying. Oct. 28, 2022 Suicide Prevention Month According to the CDC, "suicide was the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-14 and 25-34." Check out the CDC's "Preventing Suicide: A Technical Package of Policy, Programs, and Practices" for information on how to help. Call or text the 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Resource in Spanish. Sept. 30, 2022 World Suicide Prevention Day According to the CDC, suicide is a leading cause of death in the U.S. with 45,979 deaths in 2020. This is 1 death every 11 minutes. Check out the Center for Practice Innovation for trainings designed to help people assess risk of suicide and prepare a safety plan. September 9, 2022 LGBTQ+ Pride Month “According to the 2015 YRBS, LGB students were 140% (12% v. 5%) more likely to not go to school at least one day during the 30 days prior to the survey because of safety concerns, compared with heterosexual students. While not a direct measure of school performance, absenteeism has been linked to low graduation rates, which can have lifelong consequences.” Source: CDC OUT MetroWest provides a plethora of resources for your child, including for school, family, health, legal, community, and dating violence. Find out what resource may be helpful for you at outmetrowest.org. June 2, 2022 National Foster Care Awareness May is National Foster Care Month. According to childrensrights.org, there are approximately 424,000 children in foster care in the United States on a given day. May 13, 2022 National Nutrition Month According to foodsafety.gov, 1 in 6 Americans will get food poisoning this year. Prevention is key! Check out the USDA’s Food Keeper App and get a better understanding of food and beverage shelf life. The app is available on both IOS and Android in English, Spanish, and Portuguese! March 25, 2022 Body Image Awareness Month Fact Friday: If Barbie were a real woman her proportions would be unrealistically attainable, allowing her to promote negative body image for child across the globe. Source: South Shore Eating Disorders Collaborative Consider alternatives that promote more realistic depcitions of body image, such as "Lottie. " These dolls were specifically designed to replicate a realistic body image for children. "Responding to increasing demand from young parents for 'non-Barbie' dolls, the concept behind Lottie dolls was developed over 18 months by a group of forward-thinking child development experts, parents, nutritionists and child psychologists in the UK. More than 100 different 'action points' were incorporated into Lottie dolls and accessories to empower children to be themselves, embrace individuality, enjoy their childhood and have meaningful and inspirational adventures." Source: Toy Factory Canada Feb. 18, 2022 International Day of Persons with Disabilities International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) is a UN day that is celebrated every year on 3 December. The day is about promoting the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities at every level of society and development, and to raise awareness of the situation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of political, social, economic, and cultural life. What role can you play in making the world a more inclusive and accessible place for a person with a disability to live, work, learn, and play? Dec. 3, 2021 Epilepsy Awareness Month Here's this week's 'Fact Friday': Epilepsy Awareness month. Today's fact is that according to the Epilepsy Foundation, 150,000 people are diagnosed with epilepsy every year. Over a lifetime, 1 in 10 people will experience a seizure and 1 in 26 people will develop epilepsy. Nov. 5, 2021 Autism Awareness Month 1 in 36 children have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), according to Mass General. Autism Parenting Magazine provides a resource guide for families that is free and available online. April 7, 2023 National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month In 1987, former President Ronald Reagan proclaimed March to be Developmental Disabilities Month in order to raise awareness about people with developmental disabilities and help break down any barriers that currently limit their fulling lives. The City of Boston website has listed a number of way get involved locally as well as resources to help support those who are developmentally disabled. March 10, 2023 Black History Month According to Respectability.com, "For many of the 1,158,862 Black students (K-12) with disabilities in America today, the deck is stacked against them. A key part of that is because, due to structural racism, schools are funded by local property taxes which perpetuates a cycle of poverty." Feb. 10, 2023 Disability Rights Disability rights are human rights. According to the World Health Organization, “People with disability are among the world’s most discriminated people, often experiencing violence, prejudice and denial of autonomy as well as facing barriers to care.” Federal law provides protection for disability rights. Learn more about these rights on the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) website. Dec. 9, 2022 Epilepsy Awareness Month Myth: You should restrain someone having a seizure. Fact: According to Valley Children's Healthcare, you should never hold someone down if they are having a seizure. This could cause a bone or muscular injury. Instead, move away any dangerous objects and ensure their head is supported under something soft. Seizure First Aid Training and Certification The Epilepsy Foundation is holding a number of online seizure first aid trainings and certifications throughout the month of November and early December. These trainings are available in both English and Spanish. The certification lasts for two years. Register now! Nov. 11, 2022 Dyslexia Awareness Month “Experts estimate that anywhere between 5 and 20 percent of school children have a form of dyslexia. Dyslexia is, in fact, the root of 80 percent of all learning disabilities, and yet in many families, schools, and even businesses, it’s still profoundly misunderstood.” - Holly Korbey, MindShift Oct. 21, 2022 Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month According to RespectAbility, approximately 1,586,009 Latinx students with disabilities are enrolled in U.S. public schools. RespectAbility is a nonprofit organization led by a diverse staff with disabilities. The aim of the organization is to fight stigmas, advocate, and empower. Intersectional families who have children who are both Hispanic/Latinx and a disability can find resources on the respectability website. There are profiles of people who share similar intersectionality as well as resources in Spanish. Sept. 23, 2022 LGBTQ+ Pride Month Educators, counselors, parents/guardians and other adult allies play an important role in ensuring the safety, inclusion and well-being of these students, all of which are essential to academic and social-emotional growth in the classroom and school communities. Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 plans for these students should account for the unique needs and experiences of LGBTQ+ students with disabilities to ensure that they can learn and participate in school programs and activities in a nondiscriminatory environment. Check out this guide on advocating for LGBTQ+ students with disabilities for an overview of the rights of LGBTQ+ students with disabilities as well as actionable recommendations on how to best support them. June 17, 2022 Mental Health Awareness Month Are you aware of what resources are available to you when your child is in a crisis? Consider Wayside’s Mobile Crisis Intervention, specifically designed to help youth experiencing a mental health crisis. Call 1-800-640-5432 to assistance. 1 in 5 children, ages 13-18, have or will have a serious mental health disorder, according to nami.com . Wayside Mobile Crisis Intervention: An alternative to 911, available for the MetroWest and Waltham areas. "Mobile Crisis Intervention is a mobile, on-site, face-to-face therapeutic response to youth experiencing a behavioral health crisis. The MCI team will identify, assess, treat and stabilize the situation reducing any immediate risk of danger to the youth or others." May 27, 2022 Autism Awareness Month “Autism is not an illness or a 'thing' a person 'has.' It is a collection of responses which must be viewed in context, and observation is always more productive than labeling. The autism spectrum is very broad, with individual variations on several key features.” - Autism National Committee April 22, 2022 National Nutrition Month More than half of American children had poor quality diets in 2016. Healthy eating habits are crucial to children's health, growth, and development. For more information on nutrition and other health-related resources, check out health.gov. Source: National Institutes of Health, Health Direct Body Image Awareness Month Fact Friday: Body Image Awareness Month! “40-60% of elementary school girls are concerned about their weight or about becoming ‘too fat’.” National Organization for Women Now.org Check out NOW's resources on how to promote positive body image through their tools for teachers, activities for campuses, and more! Feb. 11, 2022 Prematurity Awareness Month This week’s Fact Friday is in honor of Prematurity Awareness Month: According to March of Dimes, 33,000 babies in the U.S. will be born premature this month. "This crisis is fueled by the health equity gap in our health care system," with "a higher chance of maternal or infant death based on race and ethnicity." Find support in March of Dimes’ NICU Family Support Program, “Your resource to improve the quality of the patient and family experience in your unit." The program is focused on education of families and hospital staff as well as providing resources that will improve patient and family experiences. Nov. 19, 2021 Women's History Month 19.2% of women have one or more disability in the United States, whereas for men it is 12%.
 Women Enabled International is an organization that aims to advocate and enhance human rights at the intersection of gender and disability. March 31, 2023 National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month March is National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. According to the CDC, developmental monitoring is used by parents and doctors to determine whether a child may have a development disability. Milestones that children typical reach at each age are used to identify any signs of a developmental disability. The CDC provides a checklist for these milestones: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/index.html In honor of National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, learn more about what DDAs are! The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities is hosting a webinar on March 14 from 3-4 p.m. Register now: https://us06web.zoom.us/.../reg.../WN_fYfNKaJnTjuoFvbLo6UWsA March 3, 2023 Jewish Disability Awareness & Inclusion Month Jewish Special Education International Consortium established February as Jewish Disability Awareness & Inclusion Month in 2009. If you are Jewish and have a disability or are a parent of someone with disabilities, check out the Jewish Family Service of the Lehigh Valley for resources and find a number of webinars and helpful websites. Feb. 3, 2023 Special Education Day Special Education Day celebrates the signing of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act into law on December 2nd in 1975 (IDEA). Dec. 2, 2022 National Adoption Month Did you know that 10% of teachers received professional development about adoption and only 3% felt prepared by their training to work with adoptive families? Dr. Abbie Goldberg suggests 3 steps school can take to be inclusive to adopted children and their families: 1. Do a “rethink” of institutional inclusion (paperwork, images, etc) 2. Actively communicate inclusion 3. Ensure professional development opportunities for teacher and staff Nov. 4, 2022 Celebrating the Bilingual Child Month Many English language learner (ELL) students are inappropriately identified as students with disabilities, while other ELL students’ disabilities are overlooked, leading to a lack of necessary services, according to RTI Action Network.  For more information on how to identify and best support ELL students with disabilities, check out the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s page on English Learners with Disabilities. Oct. 7, 2022 Self-Care Awareness Month According to a recent Gallup poll, K-12 educators have reported burnout rates that are significantly higher than other full-time profession. It is important now more than ever that educators allow themselves to practice self care. Practicing self-care as an educator is essential. Check out the article "Self-Care Resources for Educators and Other Helping Professionals" from mindfulteachers.org for information on how to practice realistic self-care. This article has a collection of resources aimed at helping educators with the differing components to self-care. September 16, 2022 LGBTQ+ Pride Month An estimated 1 in 4 LGBTQ+ individuals have one or more disabilities, according to LGBT Map. Check out these resources from William Paterson University: ReachOut USA LBGT with Disabilities Rainbow Alliance of the Deaf Blind LGBT Pride International Passing Twice Read more about LGBTQ+ individuals with disabilities on LGBT Map ! June 10, 2022 Mental Health Awareness Month "Recent research covering 80,000 youth globally found that depressive and anxiety symptoms doubled during the pandemic, with 25% of youth experiencing depressive symptoms and 20% experiencing anxiety symptoms." It is Mental Health Awareness Month and COVID-19 has impacted mental health of youth across the globe. Learn in what ways they were affected and how we can help from the U.S. Surgeon General's Advisory "Protecting Youth Mental Health." There are specialized sections for both families and educators. May 20, 2022 Autism Awareness Month Happy World Autism Awareness Month! Want to know more about what Autism Spectrum Disorder is? Have lots of questions? Check out the Child Mind Institute's quick guide to ASD. Explore the Autism topic page for more! April 1, 2022 National Eating Disorder Awareness Week This week’s Fact Friday is for National Eating Disorders Awareness Week: Get the help you need by contacting the Nation Eating Disorders Association’s Helpline. (800) 931-2237 Nationaleatingdisorders.org "People with negative body image have a greater likelihood of developing an eating disorder and are more likely to suffer from feelings of depression, isolation, low self-esteem, and obsessions with weight loss." Source: National Eating Disorders Association Feb. 25, 2022 Body Image Awareness Month The week’s fact Friday is for Body Image Awareness: According to a study done by YouGovAmerica in 2021, approximately 51% of Americans say they feel pressured to have a certain body type. Follow the link to get a worksheet that will help both kids and adults promote a positive body image of themselves! Feb. 4, 2022 Transgender Awareness Week For this week’s Fact Friday learn how to help support Transgender youth - by respecting pronouns, allowing students to participate in school activities/teams that match their gender identities, implementing inclusive policies, and including LGBTQ+ representation/history in your curriculum. During last year’s #FSULearn , Graduate Assistant Ellen Rose read a book by Holliston author Kerri Mullen. The book, “Eli's New Clothes,” provides a way to promote conversations about gender identity and self expression. Also, check out some resources for LGBTQ+ folks and allies. GLESN - "GLSEN works to ensure that LGBTQ students are able to learn and grow in a school environment free from bullying and harassment. Together we can transform our nation's schools into the safe and affirming environment all youth deserve." PFLAG - "PFLAG is the first and largest organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people, their parents and families, and allies. ... PFLAG is committed to creating a world where diversity is celebrated and all people are respected, valued, and affirmed." Out MetroWest - "OUT MetroWest builds communities where LGBTQ+ youth thrive. ... The organization currently runs more than a dozen youth meetings per month out of its hub in Framingham. OUT MetroWest also provides online programming and satellite meetings around the MetroWest region." Nov. 12, 2021 Back to Topics Page This page was last updated on: 06/17/2022 Have any resource suggestions? Click Here to email us.

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.

Upcoming Events DO NOT DELETE THIS SECTION! LINKED TO ADHD PANEL ON FLYER. NATALIE WILL UPDATE.

Body Image Body Dysmorphia Defined This resource from John Hopkins Medicine is a more broken down, word-friendly version of the definition for Body Dysmorphic Disorder. It provides more examples as to what BDD might look like aside from as the DSM-5 describes them. It also addresses when BDD arises in individuals, how to prevent it in teenagers, and the potential treatments for it. One of the greatest features of this website is the next steps one might want to take before addressing their BDD. This is critical for parents and caregivers to have when bringing a child to the doctor to address this. It also might be a spark to a conversation between them and their child. Identity and Eating Disorders Resources This resource is critical for identifying eating disorders. The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) is the largest nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by eating disorders. NEDA supports individuals and families affected by eating disorders and serves as a catalyst for prevention, cures, and access to quality care. These again, may go hand in hand with BDD and are important to have on the radar for inside and outside of the classroom. It looks at different communities, cultures, interests such as those with disabilities, those that are athletes, those of Jewish culture, and so many more, and it works through how they may be perceived or look differently across different factors. Other groups discussed: Athletes, Disability Community, Jewish Community, LGBTQ+ Population, Men and Boys, Mid-Life and beyond, People of Color, Size diversity and Health at every size. Book Recommendation: 'Hello, World! My Body' by Jill McDonald This is a children’s book that a parent or teacher should have at home or in the classroom. It is a story that speaks about the purpose of our features instead of seeing them as flaws. It also looks to reflect on how each of us is different and beautiful in our own way. A perfect example of differences that a young child might notice is different hair, and this is a topic addressed to children. About Body Dysmorphia and Eating Disorders This resource is crucial for parents, caregivers, and even educators because BDD can often lead or align with eating disorders to achieve a desired look that one believes they can only obtain through not eating, throwing up, etc. This resource highlights how BDD and eating disorders align and what the different eating disorders look like. These are critical to have on the radar and certain behaviors should be communicated if they are seen from children. This resource is from the Internation OCD Foundation which is a donor-supported nonprofit organization. Founded in 1986 by a small group of individuals with OCD, the foundation has grown into an international membership-based organization serving a broad community of individuals with OCD and related disorders, their family members and loved ones, as well as mental health professionals and researchers around the world. Book Recommendation: 'All Bodies are Good Bodies' by Charlotte Barkla This is a children’s book that speaks about more specific differences in features across race. It addressed features like skin color or freckles and normalizes loving the features that we possess because they are unique to us. This is a book that would be beneficial in the classroom or at home because of the positive body image it expresses to such a young crowd. Media and Eating Disorders The impact of social media on the current eating disorder views plays a large factor in ideal “looks” for our society. Features such as flat stomachs for women or muscles for men are displayed via the media and are harmful to our brains in perceiving that we must obtain this look to feel worth or satisfaction. There are many hyperlinks from this website regarding body image and how to obtain positive body image as well the expression of different bodies and how this is normal! This was derived from The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) which is the largest nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by eating disorders. NEDA supports individuals and families affected by eating disorders and serves as a catalyst for prevention, cures and access to quality care. Book Recommendation: 'Perfect' by Natasha Friend This is a novel for children that expressed the struggles of young females. Isabelle Lee, the main character struggles with Body Dysmorphic Disorder and Bulimia Nervosa after her father’s death, which is her own imperfections, but she learns that others also relate to her throughout the novel. She learns many lessons like not comparing herself and realizing that even the prettiest girls have their struggles and imperfections. This is a great book to read as a parent to provide the importance of the social pressure children experience inside the school. It also looks at these disorders that have been discussed and the reader can imply how to work through these with children or learn from Isabelle’s own mother’s mistakes. It is a very quick and short read and is quite relatable. Back to Topics Page This page was last updated on: 03/18/2025 Have any resource suggestions? Click Here to email us.

Family Supports Effect of Disability on the Family This article outlines how a disabled family member may impact their family. It cites relevant data and offers a multitude of outcomes that could occur. This is a great resource for family members looking to gain a deeper understanding of what to expect from having a disabled family member and for family members to compare their experiences with those highlighted in the article. Massachusetts DDS Family Support Centers This webpage by the Massachusetts Department of Disability Services outlines what services the family support centers can provide and where to find them by region. This is a helpful resource for families with disabled family members looking for more information on services available to them as well as general support services. Effect on Family Life - Advice for families and caregivers This webpage answers frequently asked questions that many families and caregivers of disabled folks may have in regard to how a disability might affect their family life. In addition to general questions, it breaks down family life effects by disability, like epilepsy, autism, and more. The website is sponsored by the U.S. Children’s Bureau. The webpage was posted in 2017, so date-specific information should be double checked. Massachusetts Topics and Guides for Families with Disabled Family Members This resource hosts a compilation of guides and articles to help guide families navigating disability- and care-related services in Massachusetts. It has information on topics such as special education, health insurance, SSI benefits, guardianship, and more. It is an excellent resource for family members particularly with a disabled child who are unfamiliar with disability and care services in Massachusetts. Explore https://www.exceptionallives.org/ for additional national disability resources and webinars. Parent to Parent USA Parent to Parent connects parents of children with similar disabilities and health conditions to create a support system for families. This service is free and accessible to anyone within the United States, even if your state does not have a chapter. It is an ideal resource for families seeking emotional support and additional guidance from other families with similar experiences. 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.

Chris Walsh Center ADHD Panel: Insights, Lived Experience, and Practical Tools for Support The Chris Walsh Center is hosting an ADHD panel designed to improve our understanding of the various ways ADHD presents. Likewise, we aim to illuminate the reasons ADHD is often missed in young people as well as adults. Finally, we will discuss practical solutions for improving the lives of people with ADHD young and old. This is a unique opportunity to learn from people who are both experts on ADHD and have lived experience navigating life as an ADHDer. This is because many of our panelists are both a professional in the filed of mental health, as well as an adult diagnosed with ADHD. Our panelists will answer common questions related to ADHD before we open the floor for audience Q&A. This is a must attend event for caregivers, educators, and mental health professionals alike. Thanks to a generous grant from the Framingham State University Alumni Association and Foundation to the Chris Walsh Center, this ADHD Panel is free to attend. Register today! Watch Recording 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 Promoting Students' Resilience in PK-12 Schools with Dr. Simone Kotraba Improving students' Mental Health and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) by empowering them with resilience-building tools to enhance their self-awareness, self-regulation, social skills, relationships, and decision-making. This 3-session experiential workshop offers practical tools and strategies for educators to easily integrate into their classroom routines to help students regulate their emotions, reduce anxiety, and increase resilience. Interactive sessions will connect you with peers, allowing you to learn and practice facilitating heart and brain coherence techniques, mindfulness, and embodiment practices. Click Here To Watch While we think you'll receive the greatest benefit by attending all three sessions, you are welcome to register for any number of sessions which fit into your busy schedule. Session 1: Thursday, March 6th, 2025 at 4:00 PM (Online). Building Students' Resilience in the Classrooms, In this session, you will experience the building resilience transformation process developed by HeartMath Institute. These simple, on-the-go techniques will empower educators to transform their classrooms from chaos to calm. Educators will learn to help students connect with the power of their heart’s intelligence, supporting behavior changes and social-emotional learning and well-being. Session 2: Thursday, April 10th, 2025 at 4:00 PM (Online). Cultivating Mindful Resilient Schools, In this session, educators will gain a general understanding of mindfulness and learn how to implement it throughout the school day to build students' resilience and decrease anxiety. They will also understand how negative thoughts and emotions impact the developing brain and learn how to support students in self-regulation and co-regulation practices. Session 3 : Thursday, May 8th, 2025 at 4:00 PM (Online). Resilience and the Embodied Classroom, In this session, educators will learn how to support their students in getting “Unstuck” from negative self-talk and emotions by empowering them with tools to transform stuck emotions and thoughts into resilience using Social Presencing Theater (SPT). SPT explores the creative potential of social systems such as schools and serves individual and collective resilience and well-being. This session will explore how to support students using mindful exercises that combine body, heart, mind, reflection, and stillness. SPT is an embodiment practice developed by Arawana Hayashi and Otto Scharmer at the Presencing Institute at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Who is Dr. Simone Kotraba? Dr. Simone Kotraba is the founder of HeartMind Solutions. She is a transformational coach and wellness facilitator who guides individuals and teams on a journey of growth and expansion, helping them unite their hearts and minds. With her light-hearted wisdom and vibrant energy, Simone creates a welcoming and supportive environment for participants to tap into their highest potential. Simone has worked with families, taught and led in PK- higher education, and holds multiple licenses and certifications. She is passionate about the integration of SEL and well-being practices in schools. Bolstering Students' Resilience with Dr. Sara Whitcomb In this session, participants will build an understanding of the current state of children’s mental health and what teachers can do each day on the front lines of the mental health crisis to support children’s healthy social and emotional development. Participants will have the opportunity to reflect upon the many buzz words that pop up in education (e.g., social-emotional learning, trauma-informed care, restorative practices, positive behavioral interventions and supports) and distill practices into those that build consistency, connection, and compassion in classrooms. Click Here To Watch Who is Dr. Sara Whitcomb? Dr. Sara Whitcomb is a licensed psychologist, associate director of research and evaluation with Boston Children's Hospital's Neighborhood Partnerships Program, and member of the faculty at Harvard Medical School. She is also co-director of the BIRCh Center at UMass Boston. Prior to her current role, she was a professor in the UMass Amherst school psychology program and a teacher in general and special education settings in Oregon, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. Dr. Whitcomb's research and practice interests are in behavioral assessment, social-emotional learning, and organizational consultation in schools. She has authored a number of texts and journal articles on these topics and has consulted with over 100 school districts in Massachusetts to build capacity to meet all students' behavioral health needs. Fostering Family Resiliency Through Art with ARTrelief Making art together with your child can be a way to practice joint attention, create memories and get a glimpse into their inner world. Making art also has many wellness benefits: it can be meditative or stimulating, regulating, grounding, a source of self esteem, a way to connect to the self and others, and a way to express who we are. Where do you start? For some children, displaying art material on a table without directive will be enough to spike their imagination and engage, for others the psychological safety of an image to copy from will motivate them to try. In between those 2 examples, there is a continuum of possible scenarios. In this presentation we will provide 2 examples of creative processes that parents can try with their children, and explore ways for parents to connect and co-regulate with their child through the making of art, as well as ways to adapt the process to help their child stay engaged and how to decide when it is time to take a break. Hosted Online Wednesday, April 10th at 7:00 PM Watch the Recording Play Therapy for Caregivers In this session participants learnt to increase attachment, attunement and resiliency in your child: Learn ways to attend to your child Learn how to encourage your child Learn play techniques with your child These strategies are evidence-based methods used by seasoned practitioners to teach parents how to play effectively with their children. Register today to learn how to use them with your family! When: February, 27th, 2025 at 7:00 PM Who: Rita Vatcher, LMHC Where: Hosted online by the Chris Walsh Center Watch Replay of Play Therapy for Caregivers! The Resilient Caregiver Improving Wellbeing and Mental Health with Families and Community In this experiential session, participants will explore the transformational process of resilience techniques developed by the HeartMath Institute. It includes simple on-the-go tools that empower participants to build emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual resilience. With practice, participants will connect more deeply with the power and intelligence of the heart during their daily routines. Adding the qualities of the heart helps create the important shift to change stressful thoughts and emotions to achieve inner peace and happiness. Participants will understand the importance of resilience to improve wellbeing and increase deep connection with themselves and loved ones. Participants will tune into their hearts, minds, and bodies to identify depleting and renewing emotions and develop emotional awareness skills that lead to greater self-regulation and co-regulation. Click Here to Watch Recording Unlocking Potential: Nurturing Multimodal Learning and Play with Children Our children engage in rich, meaning-making experiences at home and in their communities. Children make sense of the world around them through multiple modes such as linguistic, visual, aural, spatial, and gestural, and the interplay of these modalities. This talk will explore how children navigate their world - online and in-person through these modalities and how we, as educators and caregivers, can cultivate this learning at home and in schools. Join us as we delve into multimodal learning by first learning from our children by drawing upon their knowledge and insights and then providing practical insights into incorporating a more playful and joyful learning experience. Click Here to Watch Recording Breaking Stereotypes: Understanding Varied ADHD Expressions in Youth Becca Gibson is a dynamic presenter who combines lived experience, research, and hands-on therapeutic practice to delve into the often-overlooked realm of youth who present with non-stereotypical ADHD traits. Becca will discuss different profiles of ADHD, the intersection of ADHD with other identities, why ADHD is often misidentified in those socialized as girls, and signs you can look for to reduce disparities in ADHD identification. Along with providing valuable information about both the short and long-term impact of unsupported ADHD traits, Becca will offer practical suggestions for supporting these youth both at home and in the classroom.Bio: Becca Gibson (they/she), LICSW, LCSW-C, is an Autistic and ADHD licensed independent clinical social worker, as well as the founder and owner of Wired Differently Therapy, a private practice serving clients in the states of Maryland and Massachusetts. After spending years working in special education, Becca began a career in social work with a specialization helping neurodiverse couples, families, and neurodivergent individuals through a neurodiversity affirming lens. Becca’s clinical work focuses on Autistics and ADHDers – especially those who are considered “gifted”, or “twice-exceptional” – and the intersection of LGBTQIA+ identities and neurodivergence. In addition to their work as a therapist, Becca provides professional development training, clinical consultation, and clinical supervision. Click Here to Watch Recording Teaching Happiness: Practices to Support Our Wellbeing In this webinar we will briefly overview the study of Positive Psychology and a definition of happiness. We will then understand the specific behaviors, thoughts, and feelings that we can practice to impact our happiness. Bio: I am a School Adjustment Counselor at a local public high school where I provide mental health support to students and co-teach a class titled “Psychology and the Good Life.”. After starting my career in human resources at a financial services company, I quickly realized I did not feel a sense of purpose and fulfillment in my work. Ultimately, I went to graduate school where I majored in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a focus on School and Community Counseling. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and have a small private practice providing young adults with therapeutic support. As of 2024, I am also an instructor in the Counseling Psychology Graduate Program at Framingham State University. Click Here to Watch Recording Autism & Intersectionality Autism is a neurodevelopmental phenomenon that anyone can be born with. However, there are observable differences in which autistic individuals are identified as autistic, and when. Autism is often identified later, if at all, in folks who are marginalized when it comes to factors such as gender, sex assigned at birth, and/or race. This presentation will discuss why this happens, why it matters, and what we can do about it. We will explore signs to look out for, particularly in those socialized as girls. We will also discuss ways of supporting autistic folks at home and at school, regardless of whether they have been officially diagnosed. Click Here to Watch Recording Supporting Our Children’s Social-Emotional Development: An Introduction to Social-Emotional Learning & Resources to Support Children’s Development Social-emotional learning (SEL) is a lifelong process that develops over time, through daily interactions, and in a broad array of settings. Supporting Our Children’s Social-Emotional Development: An Introduction to Social-Emotional Learning & Resources to Support Children’s Development will provide an introduction to the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (2020) framework and explore the five core competencies of social-emotional development: self-awareness, self-management, responsible decision-making, relationship skills, and social awareness. In addition, this presentation will introduce opportunities for families to support the development of competencies at home and beyond through daily routines and practices. Resources to assist with children’s development of the competencies, such as children’s literature selections and activities, will be introduced through audience engagement and participation. Join us as we explore SEL and resources to support our children’s development! Click Here to Watch Recording Sibling Support Webinar: Building Resiliency Among Siblings with Disabilities Siblings of children with disabilities have unique needs and challenges. This presentation provides an overview of the sibling experience, as well as practical strategies that parents, caregivers and providers can utilize, to help increase sibling resiliency. There will be time for the presenting clinician to answer questions from the audience about how to best support siblings, including recommendations that are applicable to a wide range of families. Click Here to Watch Recording Online Webinar: Supporting Your Child's Mental Health As They Transition to College College is an exciting time! However, it can also come with unique challenges that can affect students' mental wealth and overall wellbeing. This webinar will review what we know about who contemporary U.S. college students are, and the rates with which they are experiencing mental health difficulties in this post-pandemic era. It will also discuss what students can expect during their first semester of college and what can be done to support students academically, socially and psychologically. Click Here to Watch Recording Let's Talk About it: Overcoming Roadblocks in Caregiver-Child Relationships As a caregiver, your role as coach in your child’s ever-changing world can be idyllic, as well as challenging. At this 75 minute webinar for caregivers, Jessica Ames will use her expertise as a child therapist, meditation and parent coach to teach you ways to enhance open dialogue with your child(ren). When a caregiver is able to create more openness and acceptance around the day to day challenges of child-rearing, as well as larger environmental and situational challenges, they positively impact the people around them and experience more joy. Jessica will discuss skills and strategies to help you connect in the moment with your child(ren). She will also present ways to increase your energy and personal satisfaction as a caregiver. This webinar will be an opportunity for you to enhance your relationships and connectedness. Jessica will also set aside time to answer caregiver's questions at the end of the presentation. Click Here to Watch Recording How to Advocate for Your Child: Online Workshop Join the Chris Walsh Center to for the opportunity to learn the skills necessary to advocate on behalf of your child from Leslie Leslie of The Federation for Children with Special Needs. This event is free and open to the public, however, registration is required. Unfortunately, getting your child's needs met can be challenging. Thankfully, effective advocacy is a learned art. At this workshop you will learn soft skills, such as how to prioritize and collaborate, to best advocate for your child. The workshop will also address conflict and barriers to effective communication. With these skills you'll be better able to work with others to support your child. Click Here to watch Recording Ongoing: Building Resiliency: A Group for Caregivers of Neurodivergent Children Thursday October 19th - November 16th 7:00-8:15PM Our first caregiver support group for fall 2023: Building Resiliency: A Group for Caregivers of Neurodivergent Children. The support group was hosted by two mental health clinicians, Deborah McMakin, Ed.D., M.A., LICSW and Jessica Ames, a Licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW). Caring for a neurodivergent child is a journey with unexpected joys and challenges. While caregivers often enjoy their child's strengths, unique personalities and accomplishments, they may also face unique challenges, such as how and when to communicate their child’s learning and emotional needs to others, how to advocate for their child and teach them to advocate for themselves, and how to focus on their child’s unique abilities rather than labels or misconceptions. Group topics included strengthening relationships (with your child and their supporters), increasing your child’s self confidence and self advocacy skills (helping them define their own goals and build their resiliency), as well as managing and reframing unwanted labels in your community. Dr. Liza Talusan presents: The Identity-Conscious Educator: Building Habits and Skills for More Inclusive Schools Tuesday, March 21, 2023 from 7-8:30 pm Based on Dr. Talusan’s recent book of the same title, this 90-minute workshop is focused on building knowledge, engaging in reflection, and moving to action. Identity very much informs our daily work, even if we have not built the habits and skills for seeing its impact. Building an identity-conscious practice means realizing that who we are informed and impacts how we act, interact, and how we see the world around us. To do this, we need tools to explore what our identities are, how they shape our views, and how we might work towards greater inclusion and equity. Film Screening: Autism goes to College Tuesday, April 4, 2023 from 7-8:45 pm Autism Goes to College is a film with honest insights for students, parents and educators offering an eye-opening look at what a growing number of neurodiverse students are bringing to campus. After the screening, we will have Executive Producer Jan Blacher, whose mother is an FSU alum, with us to take questions from the audience. Check out the film trailer . Support for Caregivers: Navigating the MA Special Education System Thursdays in March 2023 Topic: What is a 504? What is an IEP? Does my child need a 504 or an IEP? How does my child get evaluated for one? What does eligibility determination mean? What services are provided in an IEP? What is an advocate, and do I need one? What is my role as the parent of a child on an IEP and how do I support my child that is on an IEP? What is my child’s role? What do I do if I am told my child doesn’t need an IEP and I disagree? If you have any of these or other questions about the special education process and system, you are not alone! Supporting your child who is on or might need a 504 or an IEP can be very confusing and daunting. We want to help you by providing information, answering your questions, and providing support so you can navigate the process for your child. Virtual Book Discussion: The Identity-Conscious Educator: Building Habits and Skills for More Inclusive Schools Tuesday, March 7, 2023 from 7-8 pm This book, written by Dr. Liza Talusan, discusses powerful, practical strategies for creating an inclusive school community that honors the different identities expressed by students and peers. Join the Chris Walsh Center staff as we discuss the book and the strategies presented to make school community more inclusive. Adoptive Families and Schools Thursday, October 20 , 2022 from 6-7 pm A virtual presentation for families and educators of adoptive children. Our presenter, Dr. Abbie Goldberg, will provide an overview of what we know about adopted children’s educational experiences and mental health. Dr. Goldberg is currently a professor at Clark University and has extensive experience in giving presentations on how to create more inclusive communities, health care settings, and schools for diverse families. Virtual Book Discussion for Parents & Educators: 'Sincerely, Your Autistic Child' Edited by Emily Paige Ballou, Sharon davenport, and Morénike Giwa Onaiwu 'Sincerely, Your Autistic Child: What People on the Autism Spectrum Wish Their Parents Knew About Growing up, Acceptance and Identity' is a collection of pieces by writers from the Autistic Women and Nonbinary Network. This book is a diverse collection of autistic voices that highlights how parents can avoid common mistakes and misconceptions, and make their child feel truly accepted, valued, and celebrated for who they are. Wednesday, May 4 th, 2022 from 7-8 pm The Center’s two virtual book discussions of “Sincerely Your Autistic Child” were a success with a total of 29 participants. Due to all of the positive feedback following the discussions, we have decided to host a third discussion. More information on this next discussion will be shared in the coming weeks. Transition Support Group March 24 to April 28: Thursdays from 7-8 pm Center Graduate Assistant, Ellen Rose, will be hosting a six-week parent/caregiver support group. The group will be both informative and supportive, with a resource handout given out each week prior to meeting. Then, the resource can be discussed and the second half of the meeting will be dedicated to support. The purpose of the group is to educate and support parents and caregivers whose children have turned 14 and are planning for the future. We get a lot of questions from parents about what to do after high school. This group is aimed at answering those questions. Panel Presentation: Understanding the Transition Process Archived Video Transition Resources Wednesday, February 16th, 2021 from 7-8:30pm The Chris Walsh Center has put together a free, virtual panel of experts to help you understand the transition planning process so you can get the most out of it. Our panel of presenters includes: Amanda Green (Secondary Transition Supervisor at Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education), Vikky Angelico (Disability Services Coordinator at Framingham State University), Lore Andrescavage (Executive Function/College/Transition Coach at Effective Effort Consulting), and Carla Cataldo (Parent). All of the presenters will share their experience and expertise on the transition planning process and be available for questions. Panel Presentation (Transition) Virtual Book Discussion for Parents & Educators: 'Sincerely, Your Autistic Child' Edited by Emily Paige Ballou, Sharon davenport, and Morénike Giwa Onaiwu 'Sincerely, Your Autistic Child: What People on the Autism Spectrum Wish Their Parents Knew About Growing up, Acceptance and Identity' is a collection of pieces by writers from the Autistic Women and Nonbinary Network. This book is a diverse collection of autistic voices that highlights how parents can avoid common mistakes and misconceptions, and make their child feel truly accepted, valued, and celebrated for who they are. Monday, December 6th, 2021 from 3:30-4:30 pm Wednesday, December 8th, 2021 from 7-8 pm This event is open to the MetroWest community parents, family members and educators as well as FSU students, faculty and staff. Discussion will be facilitated by Dr. James Cressey’s Education Department students from his course “Inclusive Practices for Students with Disabilities.” Open Doors to College Read Event Transcript Thursday, March 25th, 2021 from 7-9pm Hundreds of colleges across the US are opening doors to higher education for students with intellectual disability. “Opening Doors to College” shows how students like Curtis, Janet, Fudia, and Missy are leading this inclusion revolution as they immerse themselves in classes, residential life, extracurricular activities, and the entire college experience at Millersville and Temple Universities. Intelligent Lives Thursday, February 25th, 2021 from 7-9pm INTELLIGENT LIVES is a 70-minute film that stars three pioneering young American adults with intellectual disabilities—Micah, Naieer, and Naomie—who challenge perceptions of intelligence as they navigate high school, college, and the workforce. Academy Award-winning actor and narrator Chris Cooper contextualizes the lives of these central characters through the emotional personal story of his son Jesse, as the film unpacks the shameful and ongoing track record of intelligence testing in the U.S. INTELLIGENT LIVES is a catalyst to transform the label of intellectual disability from a life sentence of isolation into a life of possibility for the most systematically segregated people in America. Black Boys Beyond Stereotypes: A Call to Action Thursday, February 18th, 2021 from 1:30-2:30pm A panel discussion on the documentary Black Boys with two of the film's commentators -- Dr. Travis Bristol, Assistant Professor of Education at the University of California, Berkeley, and Mr. Conan Harris, former Executive Director of My Brother's Keeper Boston -- as well as FSU Math and Secondary Education student Dan Karanja '21. Panel Presentation: What’s It Like Having Epilepsy? Tuesday, November 17th, 2020 from 2:30-3:30pm The panelists will talk about how their experiences with epilepsy impact them on a day to day basis. They will talk about the challenges they faced, and how they manage them. They are willing to answer any of your questions regarding the epilepsy condition. There are 3.4 million people that live in the world with active epilepsy. Come hear about what it is like to have epilepsy and how you can help those with this condition. Children with Epilepsy and Seizures in the Classroom Tuesday, November 10th, 2020 from 12:30-1:30pm Presenter: Susan Linn, the CEO of Epilepsy Foundation New England There are 17,000 young people living with epilepsy in MA, with seizure types that range from “staring spells” to convulsions. This presentation will cover epilepsy basics and help participants recognize seizures, understand the impact of epilepsy on students, and help participants respond to seizures with timely and appropriate care. Supporting Twice-Exceptional Learners at School and at Home Archived Webinar Video Presentation Slides Wednesday, April 29th, 2020 from10:30-11:30am Presenter: Dr. MaryGrace Stewart, President of the Massachusetts Association for Gifted Education (MAGE) Location: Online via Blackboard Collaborate Moving from a reactive to a proactive approach in education: The importance of screening, early identification, and preventive strategies for dyslexia and other reading disabilities Archived Webinar Video Tuesday, March 3rd, 2020 from 12:30-1:30pm Presenter: Dr. Nadine Gaab, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, & Harvard Graduate School of Education Location: McCarthy Center Forum and Online via Blackboard Collaborate Preparing Teachers to Implement Culturally Responsive Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Archived Webinar Video Tuesday, October 29th, 2019 Presenter: Dr. James Cressey, Associate Professor of Education, Framingham State University Location: Alumni Room and Online via Blackboard Collaborate