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.”   

Events

Open Doors to College

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

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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

Wednesday, April 29th, 2020 from10:30-11:30am

Presenter: Dr. MaryGrace Stewart, President of the Massachusetts Association for Gifted Education (MAGE)

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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

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

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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)

Tuesday, October 29th, 2019

Presenter: Dr. James Cressey, Associate Professor of Education, Framingham State University

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Location: Alumni Room and Online via Blackboard Collaborate