For Educators

For Educators

These resources are designed to assist teachers and educators cater to the unique needs of children with Down Syndrome.

UPDATE on Feb. 24-25, 2012 Florida Down Syndrome Conference with a special workshop track just for teachers!

Plenary Session Speakers include: Lauren Potter, “Becky” on Fox TV’s Emmy-nominated show “Glee” and spokesperson for “End the Word” campaign; Dr. Andrew Daire, nationally recognized expert on families and relationships; Dr. Brian Skotko, international expert on Down syndrome, author and geneticist-physician; Sue Levine, co-author of “Fasten Your Seatbelt: a Crash Course on Down Syndrome for Brothers & Sisters” (presenting at Sibling preconference session Friday afternoon only); and award-winning photojournalist and filmmaker Dan Habib and son Samuel Habib, star of the documentary film “Including Samuel.”

Workshops will include (subject to change due to speaker/venue changes):
Keeping Children Healthy– the Latest Medical Updates for Parents & Professionals (Brian Skotko, MD & L. Pollack, MD)
Enabling Your Student’s Success (Lillian Sigler, FIN & Kathy Becht, MA)
The How’s & Why’s of Guardian Advocacy (Frank Nisi, Esq.)
Preparing Teens for College or Living Independently (Crystal Makowski, UNF)
Impact of Oral Motor Skills on Speech & Eating (Debra Beckman, SLP)
PT Pointers for Preschoolers (Jen Tucker, PhD, physical therapist)

Keeping Adolescents Healthy—the Latest Medical Updates for Parents & Professionals (Brian Skotko, MD & L. Pollack, MD)
Preschool Inclusion Do’s and Donts (Child Development Ctr., Rollins College)
Educational Advocacy Roundtable (Deb Gelinas, Jamie Jessup, Lauren Morris)
Common Dental Issues in Children & Adults with Ds (W. Michael Ingalls, DDS)
Financial Planning for People with Special Needs (Michael Allen, CFP)
Real-World Apps for Adults—Ipads & More (Pamela Resnick, PhD, FAAST)

State and National Advocacy Issues (Brian Skotko, Debbie Revels, DSAJ, Jenn Sikora, DSACF and Sen. John Thrasher )
Promoting Mental Wellness in Adults with DS (Andrew Daire, PhD, Amy Van Bergen, DSACF)
Dreaming Big & Following My Dreams (Peter Becht, self-advocate)
Verbal Behavior Therapy for Promoting Language (Stacy Taylor, BCBA)
OT Tips: Enhancing Fine Motor Skills Across the Ages (Rebecca Samaan, OTR/L)
ENT & Sleep Apnea Q & A (Drs. Akin Ajayi and Eric Jaryszack

To register online: http://education.ucf.edu/form/DSACF_reg.cfm

Registration Packet & Schedule: Down Syndrome Conference Newsletter 2012

Join DSACF

The DSACF is committed to meeting the needs of education professionals working with students with Down syndrome. By joining the DSACF, you will have access to resources you can use, learn about successful programs and keep up with the latest research-based curriculum for students with Down syndrome.

Click here for more information about DSACF membership.

Disability Awareness Presentations

Disability awareness presentations for the classroom-the DSACF offers a 15-90 minute presentation on disability awareness, circles of friends, inclusion and other topics for schools. Whether you home school, are a private or public school, preschool to university, the DSACF will cater to your needs.

Special Teaching Literacy Skills Workshops

Special workshops on Teaching Literacy Skills to young children with Down syndrome, sign language workshops, and more are offered throughout the year for Early Interventionists, future teachers, and current private and public school educators. See Event Calendar for dates.

Downtown – Our Quarterly Newsletter

The DSACF publishes an information-packed newsletter four times each year (Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter) as well as special editions. DownTown is the voice of the DSACF and its members and welcomes submissions from parents and other family members, professionals in the field of Down syndrome and more.

To start receiving DownTown and other important alerts from the DSACF, join DSACF.