Sensory Impairment Vision Impairment, Blind, and Deafblind This page houses the definitions of vision and deafblind included in the sensory impairment category according to Massachusetts special education law. Links to Massachusetts-specific and national resources are also provided. Center for Parent Information and Resources: About Specific Disabilities The Center for Parent Information and Resources offers clear, brief, and highly informative fact sheets about specific disabilities, including sensory impairments. Each page provides definitions and signs to watch out for, explains learning tips for parents and teachers, and connects to other resources about each topic. Explore its resources for Visual Impairment and Blindness , Deafness and Hearing Loss , and Deaf-Blindness . Accessible Education Resources for Blind and Low Vision Students This page from the American Foundation for the Blind offers links to support for parents navigating homeschooling, for students beginning their college journey, for reading and accessibility, and for technology options at home and in the classroom. Deaf and Hard of Hearing This page houses the definitions of deaf and hard of hearing included in the sensory impairment category according to Massachusetts special education law. Links to Massachusetts-specific and national resources are also provided. My Deaf Child Resource Page The resources collected by Signing Time Foundation and provided on this page connect parents of children with hearing loss to information regarding communication options, assessment and early intervention, and support services. Resources: Paths to Literacy Paths to Literacy is committed to assisting parents and teachers in providing literacy instruction for all students, especially those who are blind or visually impaired.These self-paced guides and training modules for educators are designed for those who have blind or visually impaired students in their classrooms. The resources presented includes digitally-accessible worksheets, lesson plans, introductions to screen readers, and much more. Department of Education Resources for Assistive Technology and Accessibility This page offers many links to organizations, resources, and guides on assistive technology and accessibility. Supporting Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students This guide designed for educators outlines the differences between the deaf, hard of hearing, and deafness categories. The page includes information about technology tools and advice about changes in the classroom to best meet the needs of students with sensory impairments. Back to Topics Page This page was last updated on: 03/02/2026 Have any resource suggestions? Click Here to email us.

Gifted and Advanced Learners Gifted and Talented Education Advisory Council This page contains information from the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Gifted and Talented Education Advisory Council. Links to its meeting schedules, current reports, and further resources to check out are included. Davidson Young Scholars Program The Young Scholars Program is free for gifted students and their families, and it provides an opportunity to connect and engage with others with similar needs. The program offers consultants, summer events and conferences, and an online community of more resources and support. Massachusetts Association for Gifted Education: Resources The goal of the Massachusetts Association for Gifted Education (MAGE) is to support the needs of gifted children and promote the establishment of programs and opportunities for their enrichment and success. It provide resources pages with general information, programs, competitions, counselors, books and organizations, and advice and support. Check out its pages specific For Parents and For Educators . What It Means to Teach Gifted Learners Well This page from the National Association of Gifted Children outlines examples of how to approach the education of gifted learners and explains the difference between good and inappropriate instruction for gifted learners. These tips and best practices can be very useful for educators curious how to best accommodate the needs of their gifted students and for parents looking to advocate for their child. Back to Topics Page This page was last updated on: 03/02/2026 Have any resource suggestions? Click Here to email us.

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Neurological Impairment Department of Education: Neurological Impairment Defined This page holds the current legal definition for neurological impairment according to Massachusetts special education law. Resources for Teaching Children with Neurological Disorders This resource connects children and parents with information on strategies for helping children in the classroom, the process of diagnosis, modified lesson plans, and general advice. This page presents different resources specific to each neurological disorder, and though it may be 10 years old, the advice provided is a great place to start. HEADS UP to Youth Sports: Concussion Information from the CDC The HEADS UP Concussion in Youth Sports initiative offers information and training regarding concussion prevention, recognition, and response. Specific guides are presented for coaches, parents, sports officials, and young athletes. Helping Kids with Neurological Disorders in the Classroom This resource provides recommendations for parents on how to advocate for their child’s needs in the classroom and information on options to explore beyond the regular classroom. While this page is over 10 years old and specifics may vary today, its empowering advice on advocacy remains relevant and useful. Introduction to Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in Children and Resources for More Information This page offers a great overview of what a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is, the common signs of a TBI and difficulties children may encounter, and information about what help is available. The site provides information and tips for both parents and educators looking to learn more about how best to support their student. What Is a Neurological Disorder? This page from the Child Neurology Foundation (CNF) outlines the definition and causes of neurological disorders, along with an overview of brain development and functioning. The CNF’s Peer Support Program is a great option for parents looking to learn and connect with parents who have been on a similar journey with diagnosis, treatment, and management. More information can be accessed here https://www.childneurologyfoundation.org/peer-support/ . What Parents Need to Know About Concussions in Kids’ Sports This page presents a great overview about concussions in kids’ sports, including what occurs inside the brain, signs of concussions to look out for, and guidelines for recovery. Back to Topics Page This page was last updated on: 03/18/2025 Have any resource suggestions? Click Here to email us.

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