Events
Upcoming Events:
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.
Past Events:
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 4th, 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
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.
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
Thursday, March 25th, 2021 from 7-9pm
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
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.
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
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
Location: Alumni Room and Online via Blackboard Collaborate