Focus on Family and Disability

The Focus on Family and Disability Seminar Series is a forum to educate diverse audiences from students and faculty to service providers, community stakeholders, and family members. 

Program topics include current issues, policies and research, and evidence-based approaches in health, education, and disability. 

Planning for 2021-2022 is underway. Please check back to see our new lineup!

Past Programs

September 8, 2020 – Navigating special education in light of COVID-19

Sherry H. Thomas

Learn everything parents with children who have disabilities need to know now about public education during COVID-19!

October 13, 2020 – Let’s Get Innovative: Cultivating a movement for engagement, empowerment, and community inclusion

Kate Barrow and Stacey Harward, BSW

This session aims to help reframe the perspective of community members to a rights-based model for change that enrich the lives of all people.

November 10, 2020 – Infant and Early Child Mental Health

Mary Wise, LCSW

Mary will explore the impact of trauma and adversity on young children, from infancy through preschool age.

December 8, 2020 – Finding the Supports You Need — Panel Presentation

Panelists: Abbie Szymanski, Carol Cranford, Ginger Wilder

This panel discussion will highlight services and resources available to families with children who have special needs during COVID-19 and beyond.

January 12, 2021 – Diversity in Neurodivergence: Girls and Women with Autism

Caroline Garrett, MSW

This seminar provides participants with an overview of autism in girls and women, including an introduction to the neurodiversity paradigm and identity-first language.

February 9, 2021 – Connections Matter: Building caring connections to improve resiliency

Taylor McDonald

Taylor will be summarizing information on linking early brain development, trauma, resilience and community, connections and resources.

March 9, 2021 – Parenting a Child of Color on the Autism Spectrum

Danyale Sturdivant, MSSW, LCSW

In this highly personal narrative, the presenter, a mother of a child with autism and a licensed clinical social worker, describes her own journey of adjustment to the reality of her child’s autism.

CANCELLED

April 13, 2021 – Supportive Care Needs of Parents and Caregivers of Children who have Rare Diseases

Sharon King