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TOPIC: LANGUAGE SKILLS DURING THE SCHOOL YEARS: EARLY INTERVENTION THROUGH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

School success is based on language. The amount of language used during the school day can be overwhelming for a child with Down syndrome. The IEP needs to include modifications and accommodations that can help a child master the educational curriculum. Dr. Kumin will present a model that can help with planning, assessment, and treatment of school-based language skills including: a. Language of the Curriculum b. Language of Instruction in the Classroom c. Language of the Hidden Curriculum d. Language of Testing e. Language of Classroom Routines f. Social Interactive Communication This presentation will provide information, examples and models of each of the language areas. It will also provide information on resources, strategies and materials for developing skills in each area.

ABOUT. Libby Kumin, Ph.D., CCC-SLP is a Professor Emeritus of Speech-Language Pathology/Audiology at Loyola University Maryland. She is a teacher, clinician, researcher, and author. Her books, chapters and research focus on speech and language skills in infants, toddlers, children and adolescents with Down syndrome. Recently, Dr. Kumin has been working on research in the areas of computer usage, transitioning and employment in individuals with Down syndrome with the goal of expanding career options for adults. Her work has been recognized with the Christian Pueschel Memorial Research Award from the National Down Syndrome Congress (2004), the President’s Award from the National Down Syndrome Society (2005) and the Global Down Syndrome Foundation Excellence in Education Award (2012).

TOPIC: Fostering Resilience within Academic Ecosystems

This workshop will cover the importance of building resilience into the varying ecosystems of a developing child. Participants will leave this workshop with a solid understanding of resilience, their role(s) within a child's ecosystem, and ways to help build resilience in anyone.

ABOUT. Dr. Juli Hawk is a psychology professor at Baltimore City Community College. She is an experienced speaker in the world of mental health, particularly in school or workplace settings. She has spoken to all ages of students, parents, teachers, librarians, clinicians, police officers, other first responders, union machinists, fellow professors, and more. Her particular favorite topics to talk about are suicide prevention, trauma, resilience, and peripartum mental health. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her daughter, fun earrings, and baked goods. Feel free to connect on social media!

TOPIC: BEGIN WITH THE END IN MIND: MEANINGFUL GENERAL EDUCATION PARTICIPATION AND CURRICULUM ACCESS

What does meaningful inclusion look like for students with complex learning needs look like and how do you get there? This presentation shares effective techniques and strategies to actively engage all learners in general education classrooms and instruction.

ABOUT. Kathleen Greenberg is a special education instructional coach specializing in including students with significant cognitive disabilities and complex support needs in general education classrooms. She has master's degree in Inclusive Education from John's Hopkins University and over thirty years of teaching experience. Ms. Greenberg has spent the last four years as an Inclusion Instructional Coach in Montgomery County Public Schools working with the TIES Center to increase inclusion opportunities for students in general education classrooms.