Leadership in IDD

 

Perspectives Commentary from the field  Instructional Design that Advances Inclusive Education   Alisa Lowrey, PhD Indiana University Bloomington   Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework that anticipates and removes barriers within general curriculum to address the variable needs of learners. Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) is individually tailored instruction, aligned with an individualized education program, to assist learners access the general curriculum. UDL and SDI have complementary roles in advancing inclusive education. UDL establishes a universally accessible baseline curriculum and SDI augments that design with individualized accommodations and modifications . To achieve true inclusion, educators must implement both UDL and SDI by designing flexible, anticipatory instructional strategies for the classroom and using individualized strategies for specific students. Used together, UDL and SDI ensure that each learner is met where they are and moved toward successful outcomes. Notables  Recent awards, accolades, appointments, and other honors. Diane Morin, PhD, FAAIDD appointed Chevalier of the National Order of Quebec   Dion White, MBA, FAAIDD received the President’s Award from the Texas Chapter of AAIDD   Laura Lee McIntyre, PhD, FAAIDD has started a new position as Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs of Michigan State University    Have you or someone you know recently received an award or special recognition? We’d love to recognize their achievement in our next newsletter! Click Here to Submit Your Work to be Featured! Produced by AAIDD, this monthly digest features the recent (first made available within last 3 months) and emergent (will be available within the next 4-6 weeks) work of AAIDD members only.  View the archive of the Leadership in IDD newsletter here. Not yet a member? Join AAIDD online!

Last Chance to Register for the AT Leadership Conference!

 Last Chance to Register for the AT Leadership Conference!

Calling all AT specialists, if you are providing AT services in a school district or as part of a state agency, be sure to join us on October 23rd!   This year's AT Leadership Conference will focus on AT Funding.  This year's event includes: 

• Good information about AT Funding
• Great district panel of experts in the field
• Over 20 door prizes
• Free Lunch included

Register Today!  Register today to secure your lunch before the cutoff. 

Please see the flyer attached for the agenda for this in-person event.  

What: 2025 Assistive Technology Leadership Conference: Assistive Technology Funding for Teams and District Leaders

When: October 23^rd 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM (lunch will be provided)

Where: SC History and Archives 8301 Parklane Rd. Columbia, SC 29223

About the Conference

The SC Assistive Technology Leadership Conference is designed to provide resources, networking and support to South Carolina school district assistive technology leaders and teams and other state agencies. Join us for a day filled with opportunities to collaborate, share, and expand your knowledge of assistive technology best practices. Attendees will explore funding options for addressing assistive technology needs in school districts. Participants will examine important considerations of assistive technology funding, build assistive technology grant writing tips and strategies, and discuss avenues for funding augmentative and alternative communication devices in schools. 

• Explore assistive technology funding pathways for district teams
• Network with assistive technology teams from other school districts across South Carolina
• Learn what is working well for other practitioners
• Tell us how we can support you in the coming year! 

Conference Informational Flyer

Lunch will be provided.  If you need an accommodation to participate, please contact us at least one week prior to the event via e-mail or by phone at 803-935-5263. 

Rachell Johnson, MCD., CCC-SLP, ATP

Program Manager

SC Assistive Technology Program

Family Connection SC, Trainings

 

Upcoming Trainings from Family Connection

	Triple P for Parents - Session Two Wednesday Oct 22. 6:00 - 7:00 PM Every child has strengths. Discover how to build your child’s life skills with positive parenting strategies you can use every day. Learn 6 simple ways to teach skills at home and help your child grow in confidence and independence. Register!

	Triple P for Parents - Session Three Wednesday Oct 29. 6:00 - 7:00 PM Turn daily struggles into positive moments — practical strategies for handling challenging behaviors. Register!

New to SC? Healthcare Edition Thursday, November 13. 12:00 - 1:00 PM Planning to relocate to South Carolina? Just moved to the Palmetto State? We’ve got just the session to help make it a smooth transition for your family. Register!

Understanding Section 504 Thursday, November 20. 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM Confused about Section 504?  Learn how it protects students with disabilities, ensures access, and provides supports for success. Join us to get the answers you need! Register!

Essentials of Positive Behavior Support for Students Thursday, December 4. 11:30 - 12:00 PM Discover how schools use positive behavior supports to turn struggles into opportunities for learning, growth, and success. Register!

Navigating Pediatric to Adult Healthcare Monday, December 15. 12:00 - 1:00 PM Equipping parents with the knowledge and tools to help their young adult successfully navigate the shift from pediatric to adult healthcare services. Register!

More News from Family Connection:

	Buddy Walk 2025 will be held on Sunday, November 2 at Saluda Shoals Park Athletic Fields. Help support this event in honor of Down Syndrome Awareness! Start or join a team, make a donation or become a vendor!

	LOOK! Photography Exhibit:  Visit the 2025! photos at the food court hallway at Columbiana Centre or at Irmo Branch Library! View our online gallery featuring all 2025 photos and stories. Purchase a LOOK! Book to have a copy of the collection forever! Your donation will help support LOOK! and the work of Family Connection!