The MDSC is proud to host the research scientists from CAST as they present two different workshops at this year's Annual Conference. CAST was the pioneer organization to develop the framework of Universal Design for Learning, (UDL) which is a research-based set of principles to guide the design of learning environments that are accessible and effective for all. 

Implementation of the Principles of Universal Design for Learning is one of the foundational components of successful inclusive education. The MDSC is excited to be able to offer our members the opportunity to learn firsthand from the scientists in this groundbreaking field.

 

A Framework for Inclusion and Universal Design for Learning-Sam Catherine Johnston Ed.D. Research Scientist, CAST

This presentation will focus on how to create a framework for inclusion of individuals with Down syndrome across learning environments. The emphasis will be on how Universal Design for Learning applied to the design of learning environments, to support for students, and to the context for learning can help advance this framework for inclusion.
 

Sam Catherine Johnston is a research scientist for the Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST). With funding from the Gates foundation, she is providing capacity building support to community colleges that are developing training programs in high wage, high skill industries. The goal of this project is to help community colleges integrate best practices including Universal Design for Learning into college courses. She is also a researcher for a National Center examining the experiences of students with disabilities in K-12 online learning. She is also a co-principal investigator for a National Science Foundation project examining the impact of stereotype threat in middle-school science classrooms and helping teachers understand stereotype threat and reduce its effects in everyday instruction. Before joining CAST, Johnston was a Senior Associate at the Center for Social Innovation (c4) where she served as project director for the development of several blended learning professional development programs including one for criminal justice and behavioral health professionals and another for case managers serving individuals experiencing homelessness and mental illness. Johnston has an Ed.D. in cognition and instruction, learning and teaching from Harvard Graduate School of Education. She is also a mom to a beautiful one-year old daughter with Down syndrome.

 

Universal Design for Learning: Accessing Age-Relevant Content for Teens with Intellectual Challenges- Peggy Coyne, Ed.D, Research Scientist, CAST, Inc.; Miriam Evans, Ph.D.Associate Research Scientist, CAST, Inc.

Participants will gain an understanding of how the Universal Design for Learning (UDL), framework for curriculum design and instruction, provides meaningful access and choice to support on-line discussions of age-relevant content for teens and young adults with Down Syndrome and other intellectual challenges.

 

Peggy Coyne, Ed.D - An expert in the development of educational models that use technology, Peggy has served as the Project Director of the OSEP-funded research and development project that examined the use of a Universal Design for Learning literacy environment for 1st and 2nd grade students with Down Syndrome and other intellectual challenges. Recently she has served as the Co-Principal investigator on an exploratory study that examined the use of Udio, a UDL reading environment by middle school students with intellectual challenges.She has presented at the National Down Syndrome Conference and participated with other leaders in the field in a 2011 briefing to congressional leaders highlighting how the UDL framework has been used to maximize learning for students with Down Syndrome.

 

Miriam Evans, Ph.D, joined CAST in 2013 as an Associate Research Scientist after earning her doctorate in Applied Developmental and Educational Psychology from Boston College. Her research has focused on the social-emotional well-being of children and adolescents with developmental disabilities, and their families.Before joining CAST, Dr. Evans was a fellow in the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities Program at Boston Children's Hospital, an instructor in the Applied Psychology and Human Development Program at the Lynch School of Education at Boston College, and a behavioral therapist working with children and adolescents with disabilities.

 

Go here for a full list of workshops, speaker bios and schedule

 

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The Self-Advocate track of the Annual Conference has quickly filled up and there are only a few spots remaining. In order to finalize the program, registration will end this Sunday evening.  No registrations can be accepted after this deadline.  Be sure to log on and register today! 
 

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We are still looking for volunteers who are willing to give their time on March 28 to support us as we host this event for our membership!   Volunteers are needed to play a role in supporting the General Program of the Annual Conference.  If you are interested in volunteering and being a part of this day, please email Mo Blazejewski at mblazejewski@mdsc.org.

Boston, MA - For the second straight year, the Leonard P. Zakim Bridge, the iconic landmark that overlooks downtown Boston, will be aglow in blue and yellow on March 21 to celebrate World Down Syndrome Awareness Day. And, for the first time, the globe-shaped dome of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, will also sport blue and yellow colors for WDSA Day. For the Down syndrome community worldwide, there is no more special day than March 21, an annual global awareness day advocating for the rights, inclusion and well-being of individuals with Down syndrome. Down syndrome is defined by a person having 3 copies of the 21st chromosome, hence 3/21.

"We are thrilled to be able to celebrate World Down Syndrome Awareness Day on both bookends of our state in such a public way," said MDSC Executive Director Maureen Gallagher. "This display of support for our community resonates in a profound with so many of our members."

 

People from throughout the region have said they were overjoyed with the recognition. Angelique Stebbins of Worcester commented that to her "the colors mean love and acceptance."  The excitement even extends beyond Massachusetts borders. For Michele Pellissier-Hoenig, the recognition on March 21 is meaningful despite her distance from the Zakim bridge. "Even though I am now living in Philly, this is special to me because of the many times I passed that bridge to go visit my son in the NICU and go to doctors appointments at Children's Hospital," she said.

Three years ago, the Zakim Bridge was equipped with state-of-the-art lights, which allowed it to shine brighter and with a range of colors. Since then, it has often been used to celebrate special occasions, but only once before for World Down Syndrome Awareness Day. This is the first time that the lights on Springfield's Basketball Hall of Fame will be used to celebrate Down syndrome. 

Special thanks to Toby Dowling, former president of the Down Syndrome Resource Group of Western Mass. for helping make the Zakim lighting happen and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (DOT) for partnering on it. Toby's sister-in-law, Paula Simmons, works at the DOT and helped facilitate the event. "I am so excited that my sister-in-law and the DOT are able to do this to recognize this day but also to honor those we LOVE so much with Down syndrome," said Dowling, whose sister has Down syndrome.
 

Thanks to Jessica Perry, current vice president of the Down Syndrome Resource Group of Western Mass., and Hall of Fame officials for making the Springfield lighting possible.