Presenters and Panelists

Meet All The Presenters

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Your Host Dr. Julie Causton 

CEO, Inclusive Schooling

Presenting On Day: 1, 2, 3, 4 + bonus on-demand sessions

Title(s): Leading with 2020 Vision: Celebrating & Including All; How to turn the SLI into your PD for the next few years; Your Inclusion Quotient (IQ); Leveraging the power of paraprofessionals

Website: https://inclusiveschooling.com

Email: julie@inclusiveschooling.com

Follow on Social Media: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Get More of Julie’s resources:

Bio
Dr. Julie Causton is a passionate expert, author, and teacher in the area of inclusive and special education. As a Syracuse University professor, elementary, middle and high school teacher herself, Julie has experienced firsthand the positive outcomes of inclusion. This work lead her to found Inclusive Schooling. As the CEO of Inclusive Schooling, Julie, offers interactive large group presentations, motivational online courses, hands-on workshops, and more to administrators, educators and parents interested in inclusive school reform, inclusive teacher training, collaboration, humanistic behavioral supports, lesson planning, and providing invisible adult supports. Julie believes that disability is simply a form of diversity and helps schools to create strength based inclusive systems where every individual can reach their full academic and social potential. As a prominent educational researcher, Causton has published over 30 articles in academic journals and has written six books for school teams about the most innovative theories and practices in inclusive education.  These books and articles are utilized across the country to teach and support pre-service and in-service educators and administrators. With her newest title, The Too Much Unicorn, Julie hopes to continue to empower children directly to joyfully, stylishly, and confidently embrace their own beauty. Julie lives in New York with her wife and two awesome kids.
 
Larry Bissonnette

Larry Bissonnette

Disability Rights Advocate

Presenting On Day: 1

Title(s):  Q&A – What Getting a Voice Means for Getting a 21st Century Education

Website: Larry’s page on Wretches and Jabberers

Get Their Products: Larry’s art gallery

Bio
Larry Bissonnette is a disability rights advocate and artist who lives in Williston, Vermont. He has been painting and drawing since he was a young child and exhibits his art regularly both locally and nationally. Over the past 20 years, he has been a featured presenter at many national educational conferences and has written and spoken on the topics of autism, communication and art. He is both the subject and writer of a film about his art and life, called, “My Classic Life as an Artist: A Portrait of Larry Bissonnette” (2005) and starred in the documentary “Wretches and Jabberers” (2010) He also is a contributing author to “Communication Alternatives in Autism: Perspectives on Typing and Spelling for the Nonspeaking” (2019), a book edited by California Lutheran University professor, Dr. Edlyn Pena.Dr. Julie Causton is a passionate expert, author, and teacher in the area of inclusive and special education. As a Syracuse University professor, elementary, middle and high school teacher herself, Julie has experienced firsthand the positive outcomes of inclusion. This work lead her to found Inclusive Schooling. As the CEO of Inclusive Schooling, Julie, offers interactive large group presentations, motivational online courses, hands-on workshops, and more to administrators, educators and parents interested in inclusive school reform, inclusive teacher training, collaboration, humanistic behavioral supports, lesson planning, and providing invisible adult supports. Julie believes that disability is simply a form of diversity and helps schools to create strength based inclusive systems where every individual can reach their full academic and social potential. As a prominent educational researcher, Causton has published over 30 articles in academic journals and has written six books for school teams about the most innovative theories and practices in inclusive education.  These books and articles are utilized across the country to teach and support pre-service and in-service educators and administrators. With her newest title, The Too Much Unicorn, Julie hopes to continue to empower children directly to joyfully, stylishly, and confidently embrace their own beauty. Julie lives in New York with her wife and two awesome kids.
 
Pascal Cheng

Pascal Cheng

Education & Communication Specialist

Presenting On Day: 1

Title(s): Q&A with Wretches and Jabberers Film Stars

Website: Bio on Wretches and Jabberers

 

Bio
Pascal Cheng has a M. Ed. and C.A.S. in Special Education from the University of Vermont and has worked for over 30 years with children and adults with developmental disabilities in school and community settings. He currently is an educational and communication specialist for Howard Center Developmental Services in Burlington, Vermont, providing training and consultation in the areas of communication, assistive technology and literacy for children and adults. He serves as a member of the Vermont Communication Task Force, a group that works to improve communication supports and services for individuals with developmental disabilities in the state of Vermont.
 
Patrice Fenton

Patrice Fenton

Founder of The Fenton Collective

Presenting On Day: 3 and 4

Title(s): Filling Up the Well: Centering Wellness as a Transformative Force in our Schools

Follow on Social Media: LinkedIn

Bio
Patrice E. Fenton serves as both Founder of The Fenton Collective and a Partner at Pink Cornrows. A leader in identity-responsive research, Dr. Fenton is an equity-centered change strategist, with a passion for leadership development, teacher education, and centering wellness in the workplace. She advises partners on solutions that are human-centric, holistic and measurable, with an expertise in evaluating impact for Black and Brown communities. Dr. Fenton is the former Director of Leader Support and Development at EdLoC, a nonprofit professional network organization comprised of 350+ leaders of color across 30+ states. She is also the former Associate Director of NYC Men Teach at the City University of New York — a cross-agency mission that exceeded the city’s goal of recruiting 1,000 men of color to the public school teacher pipeline within 3 years. She is currently an adjunct assistant professor of special education at Hunter College, and a Board member of South Bronx Community Charter High School, the Latinx Education Collaborative and Disruptive Partners. Dr. Fenton is also a proud Brooklyn, NY native, a former middle school special educator and mom to son, Jair Asad, and daughter, Haile Masani.
 
Tony Ferraiolo

Tony Ferraiolo

Life Coach and Trainer

Presenting On Day: 2

Title(s): Your Transgender Student

Website: https://tonyferraiolo.com/

Follow on Social Media: Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn

Get their products: Tony’s book on Amazon

Bio
Tony Ferraiolo is known as a compassionate and empowering Life Coach and a motivating and thought-provoking trainer. Since 2005 Tony has provided trainings to over 25,000 people around the country. Tony has dedicated himself to both promoting competent and respectful health care for the transgender community, by educating providers, and advocating on behalf of patients. Also, training educators on providing a safe and respectful space for transgender children in a school environment.  He encompasses a unique ability to make light of a sometimes-challenging situation which puts his audience at ease to fully participate in his trainings and leaves his audience with a greater awareness of how to move forward in supporting their patients, staff, co-workers, students, and children.

In 2008 Tony started several support groups to support transgender youth and their families, the groups meet concurrently, providing a complete support system for these families, drawing families from New York and throughout New England. Since 2008 these groups have served over 950 families.

In 2009 he recognized the need to provide chest binders to members of his community who needed them but had no ability to access them. Since 2009, Tony has given over 300 binders to transgender people all over the world.

Tony is the subject of the award-winning documentary “A Self-Made Man” and the Author of the book series “Artistic Expressions of Transgender Youth”.  He also hosted the A&E miniseries Transitioning, were he coached three  transgender young adults through social transition.

In 2019 he received his teaching certification in Mindfulness and incorporates mindfulness in all of his trainings.

Tony is also the Co-Founder of the Jim Collins Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides financial assistance to transgender people for gender-confirming surgeries.

 
Micah Fialka-Feldman

Micah Fialka-Feldman

Student, National Speaker, Pioneer

Presenting On Day: 2

Title(s):Self Advocate Story: Through the Same Doors

Website: Through the Same Door

Email: micahff@aol.com

Follow on Social Media: Facebook

Bio
Micah Fialka-Feldman is a self-advocate, teaching assistant, outreach coordinator, national speaker, and pioneer who fights for disability-pride, justice, and inclusion. He is part of the first wave of adults with intellectual disabilities who have attended college and has been fully included in school and community. Micah’s disability advocacy has a foundation in the creation of the “Beloved Community” and the notion that “A community that excludes even one of its members is not a community at all.”

Micah earned a certificate in Disability Studies from the Syracuse University School of Education in 2015. Micah currently lives in Syracuse N.Y. where he co-teaches classes in inclusive education and disability studies. He is an outreach coordinator at the Lawrence B. Taishoff Center for Inclusive Higher Education. In May of 2014, Micah was appointed by President Obama to President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities. He is featured in the upcoming documentary by Dan Habib, Intelligent Lives.

 
Tanya Fredrich

Tanya Fredrich

Director of Special Education

Presenting On Day:  On-Demand Bonus Session

Title(s): Navigating the change process and overcoming resistance

Follow on Social Media: Twitter

Bio
Tanya Fredrich is the Assistant Superintendent of Student Services in the School District of Elmbrook located in Brookfield, WI. The School District of Elmbrook serves the communities of Elm Grove, Brookfield and a small portion of New Berlin. The district has nine schools serving approximately 7,200 students. Tanya is a graduate of UW Madison School of Education and holds a Masters degree in Special Education and Administrative Leadership. She was awarded her Ph.D. in Leadership for the Advancement of Learning and Service December, 2014. Tanya has worked as a special educator with expertise in Emotional/Behavioral Disorders and Educational Autism as well as a building principal prior to her current director role. She is an adjunct lecturer at Carroll University, Cardinal Stritch University and University of Wisconsin Eau Claire. Tanya lives in Oconomowoc, WI with her husband Tom and two children, Zachary and William.
 
Isela Garcia

Isela Garcia

Early Childhood Consultant

Presenting On Day: 3

Title(s): Early Childhood On-Demand: Getting It Right From the Beginning

Website: https://www.alesigroup.com/

Follow on Social Media: LinkedIn

Bio
Dr. Isela Garcia. An inspirational and energetic speaker, trainer and consultant. Her 25+ years of experience has taught her the value of laughter, purposeful connections, and the art of listening intently. She is incredibly passionate and continually seeks to create innovative approaches to training and education. Love is the core of her philosophical foundation–belief in the goodness in all people.
 
Stephen Hinkle

Stephen Hinkle

Speaker and Self Advocate

Presenting On Day: 1

Title(s): Lessons From My Life and The Hidden Curriculum

Self-Advocate Story: Building Better Academic and Social Paraprofessional Relationships for Children

Website: http://www.stephen-hinkle.com/joomla/

Email: stephen@stephen-hinkle.com

Bio
Stephen Hinkle, a well respected international speaker and self advocate, has been presenting and speaking for over 16 years. He has inspired audiences, successfully advocated for inclusive education and better outcomes for people with special needs, and assisted others on how to help people with disabilities. Stephen has spoken at many conferences and events in 24 US States, plus Australia.
 
LeDerick R. Horne

LeDerick R. Horne

Poet, Speaker, Advocate

Presenting On Day: 2

Title(s): LIVE ONLY! Disability and Identity

Website: www.lederick.com

Follow on Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

Book: “Empowering Students with Hidden Disabilities”

Bio
Diagnosed with a learning disability in the third grade, LeDerick Horne defies any and all labels. He’s a dynamic spoken-word poet. A tireless advocate for all people with disabilities. An inspiring motivational speaker. A bridge-builder between learners and leaders across the U.S. and around the world who serves as a role model for all races, genders, and generations.

The grandson of one of New Jersey’s most prominent civil rights leaders, LeDerick uses his gift for spoken-word poetry as the gateway to larger discussions on equal opportunity, pride, self-determination and hope for people with disabilities. His workshops, keynote speeches, and performances reach thousands of students, teachers, legislators, policy makers, business leaders, and service providers each year. He regularly addresses an array of academic, government, social, and business groups, including appearances at the White House, the United Nations, Harvard University, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, the National Association of State Directors of Special Education, and the State Departments of Education across the US. His work addresses the challenges of all disabilities, uniting the efforts of diverse groups in order to achieve substantive, systemic change.

From 2003 to 2012, LeDerick served as the Founding Board Chair of Eye to Eye (eyetoeyenational.org), the only national nonprofit mentoring program for students labeled with LD / ADHD, and he continues to serve on the board today. He is on the advisory board for The National Resources for Access, Independence, Self-determination and Employment (RAISE) Technical Assistance Center (raisecenter.org).  And he is a member of the governing board for the New Jersey Coalition for Inclusive Education (njcie.org).

In 2016, he and co-author Margo Vreeburg Izzo, PhD, The Ohio State University, released the book Empowering Students with Hidden Disabilities: A Path to Pride and Success — the definitive compendium on transition support for students with LD / ADHD and other hidden disabilities — published by Brookes Publishing Co.

 

He has released two spoken-word poetry albums (Rhyme Reason and Song in 2005 and Black and Blue in 2011) and co-created New Street Poets, a spoken-word play about the effect of gentrification on urban culture. The play received considerable acclaim including accolades at the New York City International Fringe Festival and toured extensively throughout the U.S.

 

LeDerick has earned a BA in Mathematics with a Fine Arts minor from New Jersey City University and also studied Mathematics at Middlesex County College. His poetry is available on iTunes and YouTube.

 
Keith Jones

Keith Jones

President and CEO

Presenting On Day: 3

Title(s): re-imagine, re-Examine and, re-CREATE

Email: Kpjones@dasoultoucha.com

Follow on Social Media: LinkedIn | Twitter

Website: http://dasoultoucha.com/

Bio
Keith Jones is the President and CEO of SoulTouchin’ Experiences. An organization aimed at bringing a perspective to the issues of access inclusion and empowerment, which affect him as well as others who are persons with a disability. Mr. Jones is also extremely active in multicultural, cross-disability education and outreach efforts and, conducts trainings (including train the trainer) with the purpose of strengthening efforts to “provide services and information to people with disabilities. While at the same time Mr. Jones continues his artistic endeavors. Most recently releasing ‘Vocal Tai Chi vol. 1’, an homage to the hip hop. Also, along with Mr. Leroy Moore the two men co-founded Krip Hop Nation an international collective of artist with disabilities which is currently celebrating its 10th year anniversary. The tag line of Krip Hop Nation is, “Its more than music,..’ As a solo artist Mr. Jones is also celebrating 40 years of being in hip hop with a continued mixing of beats lyrics and activism.
As in advocate so as in hip hop Mr. Jones under the pseudonym ‘Da Soul Toucha’, believes everything has a soul.
 
Ijumaa Jordan

Ijumaa Jordan

Early Childhood Consultant

Presenting On Day: 3

Title(s): Early Childhood On-Demand: Getting It Right From the Beginning

Website: https://ijumaajordan.com/

Follow on Social Media: Facebook

Bio
Ijumaa Jordan. An early education consultant with a focus on reflective practice, culturally relevant teaching, and developing anti-bias curriculum for young children and adults. Ijumaa works with teachers and administrators to facilitate professional development in a “community of practice” model that promotes reflective teaching practices and leadership. She has more than twenty years of teaching in early education and directing. She brings her skills and experiences as a teacher, leader, and mentor, and a strong belief in the value of a play-based and emergent curriculum to my keynote presentations and workshops.
 
Kathy Kramer

Kathy Kramer

Educational Consultant & Coach

Presenting On Day: 3

Title(s): Your Inclusion Quotient (IQ)

Website: https://www.carrollu.edu/faculty/kramer-kathrine-edd

Email: kkramer@carrollu.edu

 

Bio
Kathy Kramer is a multifaceted educator whose career spans from academic instruction to business and leadership coaching. For more than 25 years, Kathy has honed her craft with roles ranging from teacher, corporate trainer, curriculum development consultant, and professor of aspiring and practicing educators. Kathy brings a passion for advocacy to her work and aims to build environments focused on inclusivity, equity and creativity. She holds an EdD in Leadership in Curriculum and Instruction and is currently the Director of Graduate Studies in Education at Carroll University. Her passion for professional empowerment led her to obtain an advanced coaching certificate in 2019 with Co-Active Training Institute. She works closely with and coaches educational professionals who are transforming and leading systems of equity and inclusion.
 
Otto Lana

Otto Lana

Self-Advocate

Presenting On Day: 2

Title(s): Self-Advocate Story: I Type Therefore I Am

Website: www.ottosmottos.com

Email: ottotypes@gmail.com

Follow on Social Media: Instagram @otto_types and Instagram @Typeical_Friends

Get Otto’s mugs and waterproof letterboards on his site: www.ottosmottos.com

 

Bio
Otto Lana: At fifteen years of age and a sophomore in high school at Compass Academy in San Diego, California, I seem like any other student. So why was I invited to present at the 2020 Summer Leadership Institute? What makes me special? Some would say it is because I was diagnosed with Autism and Apraxia. But I disagree, there are a multitude of us. Look around, we are everywhere. Anyone you meet either has Autism or knows someone with Autism. I believe I am included in the list of presenters because I am charismatic, good looking, well spoken, and just happen to have the good fortune to be autistic too.

Autism and Apraxia prevent me from speaking words with my mouth. This inability to verbalize my thoughts obviously does not indicate that I do not posses verbal skills. It simply means I do not have expressive language in the traditional sense. Before I found my voice through typing I was diagnosed with an intellectual disability as well.

Now that I type the tables have turned. People address me with normal volume and cadence. They are with ones who now wait for what I have to say. The difference is, I am worth the wait.

 
Harvey Lavoy

Harvey Lavoy

Education & Communication Specialist

Presenting On Day: 1

Title(s): What Getting a Voice Means for Getting a 21st Century Education

Website: https://www.wretchesandjabberers.org

Email: HarveyL@wcmhs.org

Follow on Social Media: LinkedIn

Bio
Harvey F. Lavoy, 3rd has worked for Community Developmental Services since 1994, a Division of Washington County Mental Health Services in Barre, Vermont and is the Director of Communication Training and Resources. He has a Bachelors-of-Science in degree in Special Education from Southern Connecticut University. He provides education, training and technical assistance to adults and children with complex communication needs as well as their families, support staff, educational teams, schools and agencies. In 2006 he received a Certificate of Recognition as a Master Trainer in Facilitated Communication Training from the Institute on Communication and Inclusion (ICI) at Syracuse University and is a member of an International Master Trainer Network. He has been a member of the Vermont Statewide Communication Task Force since 2000 providing statewide trainings, workshops, and conferences to enable adults in Vermont with developmental disabilities to communicate more effectively.
 
Bettina Love

Bettina Love

Associate Professor, University of Georgia

Presenting On Day: 1

Title(s): We Gon’ Be Alright, But That Ain’t Alright: Abolitionist Teaching and the Pursuit of Educational Freedom

Website: https://bettinalove.com/

Follow on Social Media: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Get more of Bettina’s resources

Bio

Dr. Bettina L. Love: An award-winning author and Associate Professor of Educational Theory & Practice at the University of Georgia. She is one of the field’s most esteemed educational researchers in the areas of how anti-blackness operates in schools, Hip Hop education, and urban education. Her work is also concerned with how teachers and schools working with parents and communities can build communal, civically engaged schools rooted in intersectional social justice for the goal of equitable classrooms.

For her work in the field, in 2016, Dr. Love was named the Nasir Jones Hiphop Fellow at the Hutchins Center for African and African American Research at Harvard University. She is also the creator of the Hip Hop civics curriculum GET FREE. In April of 2017, Dr. Love participated in a one-on-one public lecture with bell hooks focused on the liberatory education practices of Black and Brown children. In 2018, Georgia’s House of Representatives presented Dr. Love with a resolution for her impact on the field of education.

Dr. Love is a sought-after public speaker on a range of topics, including: antiblackness in schools, Hip Hop education, Black girlhood, queer youth, Hip Hop feminism, art-based education to foster youth civic engagement, and issues of diversity and inclusion. In 2014, she was invited to the White House Research Conference on Girls to discuss her work focused on the lives of Black girls. In addition, she is the inaugural recipient of the Michael F. Adams award (2014) from the University of Georgia. She has also provided commentary for various news outlets including NPR, The Guardian, and the Atlanta Journal Constitution.

She is the author of the books We Want To Do More Than Survive: Abolitionist Teaching and the Pursuit of Educational Freedom and Hip Hop’s Li’l Sistas Speak: Negotiating Hip Hop Identities and Politics in the New South. Her work has appeared in numerous books and journals, including the English Journal, Urban Education, The Urban Review, and Journal of LGBT Youth. In 2017, Dr. Love edited a special issue of the Journal of Lesbian Studies focused on the identities, gender performances, and pedagogical practices of Black and Brown lesbian educators.

 
Kate MacLeod

Kate MacLeod

Assistant Professor, University of Maine

Presenting On Day: Bonus On-Demand Session

Title(s): From “Behavior to Belonging”

Email: kate.macleod@maine.edu

Follow on Social Media: LinkedIn

Bio
Kate MacLeod is founder and consultant at Inclusive Schooling. She is an Assistant Professor of Special Education at the University of Maine at Farmington and a charter member of Maine Coalition for Inclusive Education. A former high school special education teacher in New York City, she has expertise working with adolescent students with complex support needs.

 

She is an educational consultant who works with schools and families to create more inclusive practices for all. Her research is focused on best practices for the inclusion for students with complex support needs and understanding the culture of inclusive schools.

Kate writes and manages the Inclusive Schooling Blog and is always looking to feature new voices and ideas related to inclusive education.

She lives in Unity, Maine with her husband Danny, their dog Amelia, cat, Carlos and flock of chickens. When she is not working she loves to play music, swim in the ocean, and send positive vibes into the world.

 
Jenna Mancini Rufo

Jenna Mancini Rufo

Assistant Superintendent

Presenting On Day: 4 + bonus sessions

Title(s):  Best Practices for Inclusive Distance Education: Lessons We’re Learning Together

Email: jenna@inclusiveschooling.com

Follow on Social Media: LinkedIn | Twitter

Bio
Jenna Mancini Rufo is a consultant for Inclusive Schooling with a wealth of special education and leadership experience from K-12 public education. Currently an Assistant Superintendent, Jenna has also served as a Director of Special Education and Student Services, an inclusion facilitator, a special education teacher, and a policy specialist for the Massachusetts Department of Education.

 

Jenna’s passion for inclusion was ignited by growing up with her sister, Nina, who has significant disabilities. Throughout her career, Jenna has been a strong advocate for inclusive education and has brought inclusion from theory to implementation in the systems in which she has served. Jenna provides professional development to school district staff, and especially enjoys working with administrative teams looking to lead systems change.

Jenna lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, two elementary-aged children, and two black cats. She is happiest when spending time with her family and enjoying the beach!

 
Shelley Moore

Shelley Moore

5 Moore Minutes

Presenting On Day: 2

Title(s): Teaching to Identity

Website: fivemooreminutes.com

Follow on Social Media: Twitter

Bio
Shelley Moore: originally from Edmonton, and is now based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Shelley Moore is a highly sought-after teacher, researcher, speaker and storyteller and has worked with school districts and community organizations throughout both Canada and the United States. Her first book entitled, “One Without the Other” was released in July 2016 and her second will be released summer 2019! Shelley completed an undergraduate degree in Special Education at the University of Alberta, her masters at Simon Fraser University, and is currently a PhD candidate at the University of British Columbia.
 
Kristie Pretti-Frontczak

Kristie Pretti-Frontczak

ECE Consultant

Presenting On Day: 3, 4, + bonus session

Title(s): Early Childhood On-Demand: Getting It Right From the Beginning; A Conversation About Inclusive Early Childhood Education; How to turn the SLI into your PD for the next few years; Leveraging the Power of Paraprofessionals

Website: https://kristiepf.com and https://prekteachandplay.com 

Email: kristie@kristiepf.com 

Follow on Social Media: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn

Get more of Kristie’s resources:

Bio
Dr. Kristie Pretti-Frontczak is an accomplished author, sought-after consultant, and educator’s educator, Dr. Kristie Pretti-Frontczak spent 16 years as a tenured professor in Higher Education at Kent State University before leaving to lead a {r}evolution in early childhood education. Through comprehensive classes, thought-provoking keynote addresses, and practical resources for teachers, she’s guiding adult professionals who work with our youngest students toward developing their emotional intelligence, reclaiming children’s right to learn through play and reimagining more inclusive classrooms. She has written six textbooks, two workbooks, and the AEPS curricular system, served as past President of the International Division for Early Childhood of the Council for Exceptional Children, and spent over 50,000 hours teaching adults best practices in early childhood care and education in locations from Cincinnati to Singapore. It’s all part of her effort to build kinder, more inclusive, and more creative classrooms-and therefore, a better world.
 
Pat Radel

Pat Radel

Attorney

Presenting On Day: 3 + bonus session

Title(s): Special Education Law: Myths & Realities

Website: https://www.getnicklivingston.com/attorneys

Email: pradel@getnicklivingston.com

To subscribe to Luke’s YouTube Channel: Elected News – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCT2tJQM0mpzqKBStO4uux7Q

 

Bio
Patrick G. Radel is a member of the law firm of Getnick Livingston Atkinson & Priore, LLP, located in Utica, New York.  He received his law degree summa cum laude from the University at Buffalo Law School, where he was the Executive Editor of the Buffalo Law Review. From 2002 to 2004, Mr. Radel served as confidential law clerk to the Honorable William M. Skretny, United States District Judge for the Western District of New York. Mr. Radel is passionate about the rights of people with disabilities and has been honored to represent families of students with disabilities at CSE meetings, in due process proceedings, and in federal court. He is admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court, the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, the United States District Court for the Northern and Western Districts of New York, and in the courts of New York State. Mr. Radel is a member of the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA), New York State Bar Association, and Oneida County Bar Association. He is a Fellow of the New York Bar Foundation and he is a frequent speaker on the legal rights of students with disabilities. He lives in New Hartford, New York with his wife, Mary Snyder Radel, Esq., and their three sons.
 
Kayla Takeuchi

Kayla Takeuchi

Self Advocate

Presenting On Day: 2

Title(s): Self-Advocate Story: My Education Journey: From Low Expectations in Special Education to Realizing the Dream in University

Follow on Social Media: Facebook

Bio
Kayla Takeuchi is a nonspeaking individual who types to communicate. After being in special education classes for 10 years, Kayla graduated with a real high school diploma. She has attended Clovis Community College and graduated with an Associate in Arts degree in Social Sciences from Fresno City College in 2018. Kayla is currently a student at California State University, Fresno, majoring in History and aspires to become an advocate for her nonspeaking brothers and sisters.
 
Tracy Thresher

Tracy Thresher

Disability Rights Advocate

Presenting On Day: 1

Title(s): Q&A – What Getting a Voice Means for Getting a 21st Century Education

Website: https://www.wretchesandjabberers.org

Email: rightsrus@wcmhs.org

 

Bio
Tracy Thresher is a native Vermonter who lives and works in Vermont. Tracy began using Facilitated Communication in 1990 and was one of the first individuals with autism in Vermont to be introduced to the method. He has presented at local, statewide and national workshops and conferences. Tracy is an employee of Washington County Mental Health Services and has consulted with local schools and adult service agencies, mentors high school students and adults with communication challenges, is a member of the Vermont Statewide Communication Task Force, and the WCMHS Communication Alliance. Tracy additionally performs freelance work for Green Mountain Self-Advocates and works with the Wellspring Guild as a Master Trainer. Tracy and his friend Larry travel the world promoting their documentary, Wretches & Jabberers, in an effort to change the World’s view of disability to one of positivity.
 
Stephanie Traver

Stephanie Traver

Self-Advocate

Presenting On Day: 2

Title(s): Self-Advocate Story: My Inclusive Life

 

Bio
Stephanie is a 20-year-old self-advocate from Spokane, WA, where she just completed her second year of community college. Stephanie grew up with her mom and twin brother, enjoying activities like bowling, skiing and piano lessons, cooking and social time with her friends. Within her school district of 13,000 students, she was the first student with Down syndrome to spend all 12 years of her education in her neighborhood schools in primarily general education classes with her typical peers. While her mom advocated on her behalf during her K-12 years, including a lengthy Due Process hearing, Stephanie is learning to advocate for her own rights and needs now! In August she will move onto the campus of Washington State University, 90 miles from home, to attend a 2-year inclusive post-secondary program. She is eager begin this next chapter of her life and share her journey with those interested in inclusive education

Panel Presenters and Districts

Day 1

Panel: What Getting a Voice Means for Getting a 21st Century Education – Q&A with Wretches and Jabberers Film Stars

Panelists:  Larry Bissonnette and Tracy Thresher with Pascal Cheng and Harvey Lavoy

Day 2

Panel: Early Childhood - Carson City School District: Nevada’s Early Childhood Inclusion Journey

Panelists: 

Kendra Tuttle  KTuttle@carson.k12.nv.us Daina Loeffler dloeffler@doe.nv.gov

Join a school district’s approach to providing inclusive services in their community with guided support from a state leader. We will look at how the data lead to creative problem solving and community partnerships. Ideas around mindset, clear expectations, coaching and communication will be shared and uncovered.

District Website: http://www.carsoncityschools.com/

Panel: Elementary School Inclusion - Glen Ellyn School District 41 (IL)

Panelists:

Laurel O’brien lobrien@d41.org  Sarah Rodriguez srodriguez@d41.org

District Website: https://www.d41.org/d41

 

Panel: Middle School - Elmira City School District’s Implementation Model of Inclusive Practices: Hindsight is 20/20; Envisioning an inclusive future.

Panelists:

Joyce Carr jcarr@elmiracityschools.com  Suzanne Comstock scomstoc@elmiracityschools.com 

Elmira City School District’s mission statement proclaims we are going to provide meaningful opportunities in a safe and engaging environment for all. Our work towards becoming a more inclusive environment for all students and staff allows us to see the potential and unique strengths in everyone. To achieve success, we have looked a structures, scheduling supports, assistive technology and school culture.  Join us to learn how we have been working to fulfill our mission statement over the past few years through a process that began at the middle school level 5 years ago but is now implemented K-12.

District Website: https://www.elmiracityschools.com/

Panel: High School/Secondary Inclusion for Students with Emotional and Behavioral Challenges - North Penn School District (NY)

Panelists:

Students at the secondary level are often sent to a different school to access supports for their emotional and behavioral needs. Very few of these students return to their home building successfully or graduate with their peers. In this session we will discuss how the North Penn School District brought the programs to our home buildings in order to support students with various levels of emotional support and behavioral support needs. By creating natural support within the community of our classrooms, students are included in the general education curriculum throughout the school day. Hear what the students have to say about how this mindset change opened doors to their future success.

District Website: https://www.npenn.org/

Day 3 – No Panels

Day 4

Panel: A Conversation About Inclusive Early Childhood Education

Panelists: 
Dr. Kristie Pretti-Frontczak
Dr. Harriette Bailey
Marcia Blum
Theresa Clements
Dianna Nieto
Dr. Shivani Pandit
Emily Ropars

Click here to learn more about each of the panelists

Panel: Now More than Ever: Exploring the Need for Adult SEL

Panelists: Dr. Patrice Fenton and Nakeyshia Kendall

In this interactive “roundtable” discussion, participants will unpack the social-emotional needs and supports adults require to lead schools through a life-altering reality: a global pandemic that’s packed with seemingly unending uncertainty.  Beginning with the premise that our well-being is a necessity for effectively creating an inclusive environment, we will also connect how centering well-being is important in our quest for anti-racist, equitable schools for all young people

Panel: Your Inclusion Quotient Q&A

Panelists: Dr. Julie Causton and Kathy Kramer

During this session, we’ll walk you through how to score and use “The Inclusion Quotient” to take action. The measure is designed to give you a sense of where your school is in the journey toward inclusion. Think school-wide as you reflect on the practices in your school. The inventory sheds light on your progress toward creating a school designed for each and every student. You will have an opportunity to explore your strengths and growth areas as you create a plan to make your vision of inclusive schooling a reality. Your most honest responses will yield the best results.

Download the measure here.

Panel: Dreaming Big: Students with Intellectual Disability in College

Panelists: Dr. Beth Myers and student panel

Meet some of the college students from Syracuse University’s InclusiveU initiative, a fully inclusive college support for students with Intellectual Disability. Students will talk about taking classes, living in the dorms, joining clubs, leading student activities, meeting lifelong friends, and more. Moderated by Beth Myers, the Executive Director, Taishoff Center for Inclusive Higher Education and/or Lawrence B. Taishoff Assistant Professor of Inclusive Education

Beth Myers – bemyers@syr.edu

Panel: Inclusion done right: What it really takes!

Panelists: Fialka-Feldman Family: Janice, Rich, Emma, and Micah

Join us for an in-depth conversation from the perspective of a self-advocate, sibling, teacher, parent and social worker (Micah, Emma, Rich and Janice). For over 35 years, this family has been creating and supporting a groundbreaking inclusive education, living and work experiences with Micah. Learn what it r(really) takes to put the values of dignity and inclusion into practice in the classroom, family, and community. Their stories and practical guidance will showcase Circles of Support, student-run IEP meetings with compassion, sustaining school-student-family partnership, authentic accommodations, and living interdependently with meaningful work. Real stories, real strategies, no regrets, lots of humor!

 

Ways to stay connected:

Panel: Early Childhood - Carson City School District: Nevada’s Early Childhood Inclusion Journey

Panelists: 

Kendra Tuttle  KTuttle@carson.k12.nv.us Daina Loeffler dloeffler@doe.nv.gov

Join a school district’s approach to providing inclusive services in their community with guided support from a state leader. We will look at how the data lead to creative problem solving and community partnerships. Ideas around mindset, clear expectations, coaching and communication will be shared and uncovered.

District Website: http://www.carsoncityschools.com/

Panel: Elementary School Inclusion - Glen Ellyn School District 41 (IL)

Panelists:

Laurel O’brien lobrien@d41.org  Sarah Rodriguez srodriguez@d41.org

District Website: https://www.d41.org/d41

 

Panel: Middle School - Elmira City School District’s Implementation Model of Inclusive Practices: Hindsight is 20/20; Envisioning an inclusive future.

Panelists:

Elmira City School District’s mission statement proclaims we are going to provide meaningful opportunities in a safe and engaging environment for all. Our work towards becoming a more inclusive environment for all students and staff allows us to see the potential and unique strengths in everyone. To achieve success, we have looked a structures, scheduling supports, assistive technology and school culture.  Join us to learn how we have been working to fulfill our mission statement over the past few years through a process that began at the middle school level 5 years ago but is now implemented K-12.

District Website: https://www.elmiracityschools.com/

Panel: High School/Secondary Inclusion for Students with Emotional and Behavioral Challenges - North Penn School District (NY)

Panelists:

Students at the secondary level are often sent to a different school to access supports for their emotional and behavioral needs. Very few of these students return to their home building successfully or graduate with their peers. In this session we will discuss how the North Penn School District brought the programs to our home buildings in order to support students with various levels of emotional support and behavioral support needs. By creating natural support within the community of our classrooms, students are included in the general education curriculum throughout the school day. Hear what the students have to say about how this mindset change opened doors to their future success.

District Website: https://www.npenn.org/

Panel: Best Practices for Inclusive Distance Education: Lessons We’re Learning Together

Panelists: 

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