Disability Identity & Justice Working Definition of Ableism This quick read gives an overview of what ableism is, who it affects, and how it affects individuals. It’s a great starting point for individuals interested in getting a deeper understanding of disability identity, justice, and oppression. 10 Principles of Disability Justice This list of 10 principles provides a basic overview of the foundations of disability justice and how they function in the world. It is an excellent resource for individuals unfamiliar with disability justice. Please check out https://www.sinsinvalid.org/curriculum for additional information on disability identity and justice. Access Intimacy, Interdependence, and Disability Justice This discussion by Mia Mingus about access intimacy, interdependence, and disability justice highlights key topics important within disability identity. It is offered as a transcript and in video form. The talk is from 2017, so date-specific information should be double checked. The Spoon Theory This story by Christine Miserandino aims to describe the author’s life as a disabled woman. It is a great way to learn more about disabled folks’ experience, particularly for caregivers, educators, and allies. This resource shares the perspective of one individual, and it is not necessarily representative of the experiences of all disabled individuals. “ By the Book: Using Literature to Discuss Disability with Children and Teens ” This peer-reviewed journal article offers a comprehensive overview of the importance of disability representation in literature and how to implement this at home or in the classroom. It is a helpful resource for caregivers and educators looking to bring disability into diversity discussions and give disabled students representation within the stories they are reading. You can request a free copy of the article from the authors by clicking the linked box in the top right corner. Forced Intimacy: An Ableist Norm This article by Mia Mingus introduces and discusses the concept of forced intimacy and how that impacts disabled folks’ lives. It is an ideal resource for caregivers and educators familiar with the disability justice framework and looking to better understand how to respect and support students with disabilities. ‘Autistic Person’ or ‘Person with Autism’: Is There a Right Way to Identify People? This article explores the use of person first versus identity-first language within the disability community. It is a great read for caregivers and educators unfamiliar with what language to use when referring to disabled students. The article interviews two disabled individuals’ opinions on the matter, and other folks may have differing views or preferences. Identity Beyond Disability This article discusses the concept of intersectionality and how it relates to disability. It is an excellent read for caregivers and educators seeking to understand the nuances within the identity of disabled students. This article was written in 2019, so date-specific information should be double checked. Back to Topics Page This page was last updated on: 03/02/2026 Have any resource suggestions? Click Here to email us.

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Preparing Teachers to Implement Culturally Responsive SEL and PBIS A webinar presented by Dr. James Cressey that offers a theoretical framework, followed by case study examples from the work of educators and related professionals in PreK, elementary, middle, and high school settings. Family Involvement in PBIS This resource describes families’ roles in PBIS, and it provides tools to help foster involvement. It is an ideal resource for caregivers seeking to understand their role in PBIS and for educators wanting to improve parent engagement in PBIS. Culturally Responsive PBIS Learning Lab This resource outlines an innovative approach to culturally responsive PBIS by using problem-solving and collaboration. It is an ideal site for educators looking to take a deeper dive into culturally responsive PBIS and how to implement it in their schools. Explore the rest of the site at http://www.crpbis.org/index.html for specific learning labs, resources, and publications. The project is sponsored by the Wisconsin Center for Education Research at University of Wisconsin-Madison’s School of Education. Some information on the site is from as early as 2012, so date-sensitive information should be double-checked. What is PBIS? This article offers a comprehensive introduction to PBIS with opportunities for readers to dive deeper into topics of their choice. It is a great starting point for caregivers and educators new to PBIS. “Developing culturally responsive social, emotional, and behavioral supports” This peer-reviewed journal article explores how to improve student supports through social and emotional learning, culturally responsive practices, and PBIS. It is most helpful for educators seeking to use innovative approaches to better support their students in the classroom and parents wanting to understand how educators can better support their students. Dr. James Cressey also presented on this topic via a webinar through the Chris Walsh Center for Educators and Families of MetroWest at Framingham State University on October 29, 2019. [citation: Cressey, J. (2019). Developing culturally responsive social, emotional, and behavioral supports. Journal of Research in Innovative Teaching & Learning, 12(1), 53–67. https://doi.org/10.1108/JRIT-01-2019-0015] Videos on PBIS This site offers tons of free speaker videos from experts in the field sharing insight into specific parts of PBIS. Topics range from PBIS Implementation in Rural Settings to sitting in on teams as they discuss PBIS implementation. This site is ideal for educators who are familiar with PBIS and want to learn more about niche topics of interest. Massachusetts-specific PBIS Guide Here you can find a 2 page, easy-to-read guide from Massachusetts on PBIS within the state. This is a great read for those looking to get more acquainted with PBIS within the Massachusetts school system. “Including Students With Disabilities in Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports: Experiences and Perspectives of Special Educators” This peer-reviewed journal article investigates how students with disabilities are included (or not) within PBIS in schools. It is a great resource for an educator familiar with PBIS to investigate how it functions within special education and what improvements can be implemented. The article can be rented with a free trial or purchased for a one time fee. [citation: Shuster BC, Gustafson JR, Jenkins AB, Lloyd BP, Carter EW, Bernstein CF. Including Students With Disabilities in Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports: Experiences and Perspectives of Special Educators. Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions. 2017;19(3):143-157. doi:10.1177/1098300716675734 ] Culturally Responsive Social-Emotional Learning: Reframing Classroom and Behavior Management for Equity This book chapter, written by Dr. James Cressey, FSU Education Department chair, has been made open access as a result of a grant from the Center for Excellence in Learning, Teaching, Scholarship, and Service (CELTSS). The chapter becomes available following the completion of a short survey. Cressey, J. M. (2020). Culturally Responsive Social-Emotional Learning: Reframing Classroom and Behavior Management for Equity . In A. Singh, M. Viner, & R. Yeh (Eds.), Special Education Design and Development Tools for School Rehabilitation Professionals. Hershey, PA: IGI Global. Back to Topics Page This page was last updated on: 03/02/2026 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 Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools Transforming Classroom Practices to Build Belonging Sign Up Join us for an engaging, in-person professional development experience focused on creating classrooms and schools where every student feels accepted, supported, and valued. Participants will leave with practical, classroom-ready strategies they can implement immediately: ✔ Inclusive and affirming language ✔ Responding to student needs without shame ✔ Supporting student self-advocacy ✔ Creating environments where neurodivergent learners belong Centered learners include: • Autistic • ADHD • Gifted/Twice-Exceptional • Learning-Disabled Featured Presenter Emily Kircher-Morris, M.A., M.Ed., LPC Educator, clinician, author, and host of The Neurodiversity Podcast, Emily specializes in supporting neurodivergent children, teens, and families and is nationally recognized for her strengths-based, affirming approach. The Science of Friendship — Practical Tools for Kids, Teens, and Adults Sign Up The Science of Friendship — Practical Tools for Kids, Teens, and Adults is free to attend. However, registration is required. We love being able to offer events for educators, caregivers, and mental health professionals for free. In order to support this mission, we ask that anyone who is able to donate to please do so by clicking this This webinar will help high school students and families, including those seeking support for disabilities or transitions, navigate the college search process with confidence. Participants will learn what questions to ask on campus visits, how to evaluate academic and personal supports, and what factors matter most in choosing the right college fit. Families will leave with practical tools and a reflection guide to support informed decision-making.

Transition Process (14-22) Council for Learning Disabilities: Transition Planning Overview This resource provides an overview of what transition planning is and what individuals’ responsibilities are within transition planning for students with learning disabilities. This is a great resource for parents and teachers of students getting ready to transition from school to young adulthood. Massachusetts Adult Services Resources This resource compilation by the Massachusetts Autism Commission is designed mainly for autistic individuals and those with other disabilities. Resources encompass facets of adult life including employment, housing, and insurance. This is ideal for parents guiding their adult (or nearly adult) children as they transition to adulthood. Job-seeking Guide for High School and College Students with Disabilities This guide gives numerous resources for job-seeking students, including job hunting sites and scholarship opportunities. It is an excellent resource for parents and teachers looking to help support their transitioning students. The site is run by the U.S. Office of Disability Employment Policy and the U.S. Department of Labor. Panel Presentation Panelist Contact Information Amanda Green , Statewide Secretary Transition Supervisor 781-338-3368 amanda.c.green@mass.gov Office of Special Education Planning & Policy 75 Pleasant Street, Malden, MA 02148 Lore Andrescavage , Executive Functioning/College Transition Coach at Effective Consulting 1-888-389-8650 lore.andrescavage@effectiveeffortconsulting.com Vikky Angelico , Disability Coordinator at Framingham State disabilityservices@framingham.edu Massachusetts Department of Education School to Adult Life Transition Resources This site offers a compilation of considerations that families and students phasing out of the school system should keep in mind during this transition. The guidance is coupled with Massachusetts-specific resources to support families and their children with the transition. This is a great resource for parents and caregivers looking for a deeper dive into laws and policies surrounding the transition process. Massachusetts-specific Resources for the Transition from High School to College/Work This site hosts many external resources compiled by the MetroWest Center for Independent Living . These resources are most helpful to parents and caregivers looking to support their children with disabilities navigate entering adulthood. Given the extensive list of external resources, one should take caution when navigating these external sites. Comparing Supplemental Security Income Program (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance Program (SSDI) This article compares the two social security programs individuals with disabilities may be eligible for as they enter adulthood. This article is ideal for a parent or caregiver looking to learn the basics between the two programs and what their child might qualify for. Panel Presentation, Panelist Shared Resources During the panel presentation, panelists shared a number of valuable resources on the transition process. Follow the link to find the pdf of all these resources. Rights and Responsibilities of Students with Disabilities for Postsecondary Education This guide by the U.S. Department of Education offers advice for frequently asked questions when it comes to postsecondary education for students with disabilities. This resource is excellent for parents wanting to support their students as they explore postsecondary education options such as vocational schools, career schools, community colleges, and 4-year colleges and universities. STEPS Intervention for Transition to Adulthood for Autistic Students This journal article provides a review of the STEPS intervention for transition to adulthood for autistic students. It is an excellent resource for parents and educators looking to implement more effective transition models for their autistic students, particularly for those entering postsecondary education. To access the free full pdf of the article, click “request full-text PDF.” Guide to Supplemental Security Income Program (SSI) for Young Adults with Disabilities This U.S. government sponsored guide walks readers through the basics of enrolling in SSI. It’s a great resource for parents and caregivers who have identified that their child qualifies for SSI and are looking for next steps. The article was last updated in 2021 and is maintained by the U.S. Social Security Administration, indicating that the information is reliable and up to date at this time. Support Group Shared Resources A list of resources shared in our Transition Support Group. The resources are organized by category. Back to Topics Page This page was last updated on: 03/02/2026 Have any resource suggestions? Click Here to email us.

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

Lift Every Learner Award Zamira Carroll FHS academy evening program coordinator Zamira Y. Carroll holds a Bachelor's degree in Education with a focus on Pedagogy and School Administration, as well as an M.Ed. with a concentration in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL). A Post Master's degree in Educational Leadership. She is a certified AP Spanish Language & Culture, and Spanish Literature and Culture Teacher. She also holds a certification in teaching Heritage Language Education/Late Bilingual Education. She has been involved in Second Language Acquisition and Secondary Bilingual Development for over twenty-three years. Zamira has been an enthusiastic collaborator for Harvard University-Observatorio Cervantes. And worked as a Supervisor for the Boston College Education Program, supporting graduate students in obtaining their Bilingual Education Endorsement. Currently, Zamira is the proud Director of the Framingham High School Academy Evening Program. Throughout the years, she has acquired extensive experience and knowledge working closely with immigrant families and adolescents. Ms. Carroll engages families as true partners, fostering meaningful collaboration between home and school to strengthen student success. In addition, her commitment to providing resources has enabled her faculty to meet students where they are and to meet their individual needs. As a native Spanish speaker from Guatemala and a mother of a bilingual and bicultural young adult woman, Zamira's leadership ensures that every teacher sees themselves as a teacher of language, which has a ripple effect that benefits every student in our school. Joseph Ciavarini Fuller Middle School, Framingham Zamira Y. Carroll holds a Bachelor's degree in Education with a focus on Pedagogy and School Administration, as well as an M.Ed. with a concentration in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL). A Post Master's degree in Educational Leadership. She is a certified AP Spanish Language & Culture, and Spanish Literature and Culture Teacher. She also holds a certification in teaching Heritage Language Education/Late Bilingual Education. She has been involved in Second Language Acquisition and Secondary Bilingual Development for over twenty-three years. Zamira has been an enthusiastic collaborator for Harvard University-Observatorio Cervantes. And worked as a Supervisor for the Boston College Education Program, supporting graduate students in obtaining their Bilingual Education Endorsement. Currently, Zamira is the proud Director of the Framingham High School Academy Evening Program. Throughout the years, she has acquired extensive experience and knowledge working closely with immigrant families and adolescents. Ms. Carroll engages families as true partners, fostering meaningful collaboration between home and school to strengthen student success. In addition, her commitment to providing resources has enabled her faculty to meet students where they are and to meet their individual needs. I have worked with special education students at Fuller for 28 years, supporting and assisting their educations, assisting their caregivers navigate the challenges of middle school. Allison Eisnitz McCarthy Elementary, Framingham As a special education teacher, I love forming strong, supportive relationships with students and their families and helping students overcome challenges, gain confidence and succeed academically and socially. I value the opportunity for continuous learning and problem solving to find personalized ways to help each student learn. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, kayaking, traveling and reading. Theresa Fay Oak Bluffs School, Martha's Vineyard Theresa Fay has been teaching English to multilingual learners since 2015. Throughout her experience in France, Australia, Canada and currently, Martha’s Vineyard in the US, she has been known as a community builder and a firm advocate of English Language Learners of all ages. Her teaching practice is founded in sparking joy in the classroom and honoring the power of human connection. Linda Russo Creative Learning Center of Paxton 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. Karen Legere Creative Learning Center Of Paxton Zamira Y. Carroll holds a Bachelor's degree in Education with a focus on Pedagogy and School Administration, as well as an M.Ed. with a concentration in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL). A Post Master's degree in Educational Leadership. She is a certified AP Spanish Language & Culture, and Spanish Literature and Culture Teacher. She also holds a certification in teaching Heritage Language Education/Late Bilingual Education. She has been involved in Second Language Acquisition and Secondary Bilingual Development for over twenty-three years. Zamira has been an enthusiastic collaborator for Harvard University-Observatorio Cervantes. And worked as a Supervisor for the Boston College Education Program, supporting graduate students in obtaining their Bilingual Education Endorsement. Currently, Zamira is the proud Director of the Framingham High School Academy Evening Program. Throughout the years, she has acquired extensive experience and knowledge working closely with immigrant families and adolescents. Ms. Carroll engages families as true partners, fostering meaningful collaboration between home and school to strengthen student success. In addition, her commitment to providing resources has enabled her faculty to meet students where they are and to meet their individual needs. As a native Spanish speaker from Guatemala and a mother of a bilingual and bicultural young adult woman, Zamira's leadership ensures that every teacher sees themselves as a teacher of language, which has a ripple effect that benefits every student in our school. Luisa Sparrow Boston Public Schools Luisa Sparrow teaches self-contained special education to 5th and 6th graders with intellectual disabilities at the Perry K-6 School in South Boston. She serves on her school’s inclusion planning team and designed her school’s inclusive Cooking Club to create accessible environments where everyone feels a sense of belonging. Luisa began her teaching career in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas as a 2005 Teach for America corps member and worked as an educator in Costa Rica, Delaware, and Philadelphia before moving to Massachusetts. She supports Boston teachers who are pursuing National Board Certification through the BPS/BTU National Board Program and serves as a Teach Plus Senior Policy Fellow. Luisa holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development from Cornell University, a Master’s Degree in Language and Literacy from Harvard Graduate School of Education, and National Board Certification as an Exceptional Needs Specialist. Outside of school, she spends her time hiking, taking road trips with family and friends, supporting foster youth with disabilities, working with elders to document their life stories, and reading and having dance parties with her amazing daughters. Luisa lives with her family in the Merrimack Valley. Rejane De Musis McCarthy Elementary, Framingham Due to being born in Cuiaba, Brazil, her biggest teaching inspiration is the incredible educator and philosopher Paulo Freire, which speaks to her knowledge and passion when it comes to critical pedagogy. She has received a Bachelor in Music Education from UFMT, is a Music Therapist and completed 75% of the credits towards her Master Degree in Special Education at Stonehill College, she’s composer and music teacher with over 20 years of experience as a music educator. She approaches her work with dedication to continuous professional development, community engagement, and teaching Music for children, with deep experience in Kodaly, Music Learning Theory, Dalcroze Eurhythmics and O Passo Method. She conducted the Brazilian Consulate Children's Choir for 6 years. Developed and coordinated Praticutucá - a cultural program teaching Portuguese as a heritage language through music and literacy for kids. Rejane teaches babies and toddles and the Tufts Community Music Program and is a music teacher at McCarthy Elementary School, at the Framingham Public Schools. 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. Kristen Murphy Hopkinton High School During her 12 years at Hopkinton High School, Kristen Murphy has served as a coach, Science Fair Director, Class Advisor and chemistry teacher. She loves helping students discover the way chemistry impacts their daily lives and has a passion for developing hands-on, inquiry based activities. Kristen is a proud Hopkinton High grad ('06) and loves giving back to the community that had such a positive impact on her life. Outside of school, Kristen enjoys coaching youth sports, reading, and spending time at the beach with her family. Nicole Druzbicki Dunning Elementary Framingham

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Universal Design for Learning: Theory and Practice This is a free, online textbook that provides a good introduction to UDL for educators and professionals. Be ready to create your free account and activate your e-book. Then, you are able to read, highlight, add notes, and watch embedded videos. The book is also available for purchase in hard copy. [Citation: Meyer, A., Rose, D. H., & Gordon, D. (2014). Universal design for learning: Theory and practice. Wakefield, MA: CAST.] Understood: UDL vs. Traditional Classroom Learning This is a brief, digestible article on the differences between UDL and the traditional classroom learning approach. It provides side-by-side examples, and it is a fantastic resource for new teachers or teachers looking to implement more UDL into their classroom. The Three-Block Model The Three-Block Model is a UDL technique intended to increase collaborative and inclusive learning by focusing on self-worth, belonging, cognitive challenge, and social learning. Peer-reviewed research has supported the efficacy of increasing engagement and inclusivity in the classroom through this model. Advocacy Institute: A Parent’s Guide to Universal Design for Learning “A Parent’s Guide to UDL” outlines the principles of UDL, how UDL is applied in the classroom, and how parents can best support their student with a learning disability. This resource effectively lays the foundation of UDL and is useful for parents to better understand how UDL functions in the classroom through various assessments with case study examples. Understood: 5 Conversation Starters for Parents to Discuss Teaching Approaches with Teachers Here you can find five conversation starters that parents and caregivers can use to discuss teaching approaches and UDL with their children’s teachers. This resource is great for parents and caregivers wanting to know more about their child’s classroom environment and how to be an advocate for their child. Digital Writing Tool Supporting Students with Learning Disabilities This resource is a peer-reviewed journal article investigating how to better support middle school students with learning disabilities in the writing process using digital writing tools like Writer’s Key. This is a great resource for teachers looking to implement new tools in their writing lessons. The article does require institutional access or rental to view it. [Citation: Vue G, Hall TE, Robinson K, Ganley P, Elizalde E, Graham S. Informing Understanding of Young Students’ Writing Challenges and Opportunities: Insights From the Development of a Digital Writing Tool That Supports Students With Learning Disabilities. Learning Disability Quarterly. 2016;39(2):83-94. doi:10.1177/0731948715604571 ] Prodigy Math Game This interactive math game is a free resource (with paid options) intended to increase student engagement with math and provide alternative learning methods. It is a unique tool for teachers to use in their classroom and parents to use at home to help children improve their math skills, and it is an example of UDL in the classroom. The tool has been independently reviewed by Johns Hopkins’ Center for Research and Reform in Education, which reported that increased use of the program was linked to significant improvements in math performance on standardized mathematics tests. The main critique of the program was that there is no time limit on customizations on the game. Back to Topics Page This page was last updated on: 03/02/2026 Have any resource suggestions? Click Here to email us.

Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) Introduction to Multi-Tiered Framework Here the Center on Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports outlines key introductory concepts of MTSS. This easy to understand article is a great starting point for anyone looking to learn the basics of MTSS. Massachusetts MTSS Blueprint This document by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education highlights the updated plan for Massachusetts to implement MTSS throughout its schools. Written in 2018, the document should be up-to-date, but date-sensitive information should be confirmed. Please visit https://matoolsforschools.com/mtss-overview for more information about Massachusetts’ plan for MTSS with additional resources. Massachusetts MTSS Blueprint Massachusetts Tool for Schools provides a resource page explaining the benefits of MTSS. Linked is the 2018 blueprint for implementing MTSS in Massachusetts schools that is based on the most updated to date research that "focuses on equitable access and universal design for learning (UDL) and fully integrates social emotional, behavioral, and academic learning." Family Guide to MTSS This article provides an introduction to MTSS for parents and caregivers, including questions to ask educators and what to expect. It is a great starting point for parents and caregivers whose student is entering a school system that uses an MTSS approach. Massachusetts MTSS Academies This is a list of the MTSS Academies, which support schools in MTSS implementation, sponsored by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. This resource is best for Massachusetts educators seeking to improve their schools’ MTSS infrastructure to better support their students. MTSS in the Classroom This resource outlines research-backed benefits of MTSS as well as state and federal policy requirements for MTSS. It is an ideal resource for an educator or school administrator looking to take a deeper dive into the laws and regulations behind MTSS implementation, as the article contains external links. The American Institutes for Research use and reference numerous evidence-based, outside sources to corroborate its article. Exploring Types of MTSS Structures This peer-reviewed journal article reviews existing research on MTSS frameworks to highlight structures that have been shown to be effective and brings attention to existing needs. It is an excellent article for educators looking for a deeper dive into MTSS structures. [Citation: Miller, B., Taylor, K., & Ryder, R. E. (2019). Introduction to Special Topic: Serving Children With Disabilities Within Multitiered Systems of Support. AERA Open. https://doi.org/10.1177/2332858419853796 ] Back to Topics Page This page was last updated on: 03/02/2026 Have any resource suggestions? Click Here to email us.

Early Intervention About Massachusetts Early Intervention Program This site holds up to date information regarding the Massachusetts Early Intervention Program along with its goals, eligibility requirements, and details about the services offered. This is a great first step for families looking to understand the basics about early intervention and home visits. Early Intervention: FAQ Answered This document from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health introduces parents and caregivers to the process of receiving Early Intervention’s family-centered services, including details about infant and toddlers’ eligibility, how to make referrals, the steps involved in evaluations, and the basic breakdown of who, where, and how the EI services are offered. Back to Topics Page This page was last updated on: 03/02/2026 Have any resource suggestions? Click Here to email us.

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.