MDSC Virtual Educators Forum Webinar Series
For Supporting Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress recognizes that supporting students with complex learning profiles requires training and professional support for teachers and administrators. Each year, the conference is designed to provide general and special educators, administrators, paraprofessionals, support professionals, and parents with practical workshops that will support them as they work hard each day to meet the educational needs of students.

Now more than ever, we are committed to supporting our community during this uncertain and challenging season. This includes providing timely information and resources for education professionals and parents of school-aged children as they work to ensure that students with Down syndrome and other intellectual and developmental disabilities receive the best education possible.

We have reimagined our Annual Educators Forum, offering a webinar series throughout the fall with topics related to education during the coronavirus pandemic.

There are two ways to register!
We are offering a discounted rate of $150 for those who are interested in participating in the entire series throughout the fall. To register for the complete series, click here.
Or, you can register for individual webinars below.

Friday, September 4, 2020

Teaching Children with Disabilities to Read During a Pandemic
David A. Koppenhaver, Ph.D., Professor of Reading Education and Special Education, Appalachian State University; Tonya Moore, M.Ed., Reading Education/Special Education, Appalachian State University
Register here to watch the recording

Teaching Children with Disabilities to Write During a Pandemic
David A. Koppenhaver, Ph.D., Professor of Reading Education and Special Education, Appalachian State University; Tonya Moore, M.Ed., Reading Education/Special Education, Appalachian State University
Register here to watch the recording

From Power Struggles to Powerful Partnerships: Understanding and Managing Students' Challenging and Unsafe Behaviors
Cara Soccorso, PsyD, Pediatric Psychologist, Boston Children's Hopsital Down Syndrome Program; Nicole Baumer, MD, MEd, Boston Children's Hospital Down Syndrome Program
Register here to watch the recording


Wednesday, September 9, 2020

Inclusive Practices and Distance Learning for Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities: TIES Center Resources
Ricki Sabia, JD, Senior Education Policy Advisor, National Down Syndrome Congress, Parent Liason, TIES Center on Inclusive Practices and Policies for Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities; Terri Vandercook, PhD, Assistant Director, TIES Center; Gail Ghere, PhD, Research Associate, TIES Center
Register here to watch the recording

Home and School Partnerships: Creating High Quality Outcomes During Virtual Learning
Zach Smith, Education Consultant, Graduate Student
Register here to watch the recording

Building Resiliency and Managing Anxiety in Ourselves and Our Students
Melissa Levin, MSW, LICSW, Newton Public Schools
Register here to watch the recording


Thursday, October 22, 2020

Building Better Remote Learning Experiences with UDL
Katie Novak, EdD, President, Novak Educational Consulting; Zach Smith, Education Consultant, Graduate Student
1:00pm-2:30pm EDT - Register here to watch the recording


Wednesday, November 18, 2020

Promoting Independence During Distance Learning: Strategies for School and Community Success
Rebecca Hines, PhD, Associate Professor, University of Central Florida
11:00am-12:30pm EDT - Register here to watch the recording

Come to Your Senses: Exploring, Experimenting, and Communicating through the Arts with The Consenses Curriculum
Sally Taylor, Artistic Director & Founder of Consenses
1:00pm-2:30pm EDT - Register here to watch the recording

Thank you to our generous sponsors!