As a helpful resource, we will be offering a recorded version of some of our Speaker Series programs. See below for current offerings.
Speaker Series Playback
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Exploring Picky Eaters vs Problem Feeders & Common GI Concerns - 4/20 at 7:30pm
Let’s talk all things nutrition with our speaker, Althea Bradley, MPH, RD, LDN. We will explore the differences between picky and problem eaters and talk about ways to help manage common GI concerns like constipation and reflux. Bring all your questions for an opportunity to learn how food (and supplements) can transform your child’s overall health and wellness. As a registered dietitian, Althea loves helping families find realistic solutions that enable them to eat healthy foods and live active lifestyles. She also provides Early Intervention services through Positive Steps both in Allegheny County and surrounding counties like Beaver, Butler and beyond. Listen to the recording here. |
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Bringing Therapy Home: Therapy Techniques in Everyday Lessons - Held on April 5 at 6pm
Explore the transition from therapy to home by incorporating the techniques used in the clinic for everyday lessons and activities. By using these applications in daily settings, you are able to reinforce the therapy in ways that are interesting and appealing. Learn how to use objects in your home for added layers of learning and help to master new skills for all ages. Come and learn to think out-of-the-box and have fun while helping your loved one reach their greatest potential! Our speaker, La Taasha Byrd is the mother of one daughter, Cairo, who has Down syndrome. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Florida A&M University and a Master of Science degree from the University of Central Florida. As the headmaster at Countdown Academy, an online school for parents of exceptional children, she regularly speaks at conferences and advocates for the special needs community at local, state, and national levels. She also chronicles the journey of homeschooling a child with exceptionality in her Facebook blog, Countdown To K. View the recording here. |
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Part 2: Barriers to Inclusion - Held March 23 at 7:30pm
In this 2-Part Series in Session #2, attendees will gain insight and strategies for overcoming barriers to inclusion such as using curriculum adaptations (accommodations and modifications) and important elements of inclusive IEPs. Throughout both sessions, attendees will be given numerous resources and tips on inclusive education. Our speaker, Nicole Eredics is a Board-Certified Inclusive Education Specialist who has spent over two decades supporting students with disabilities in the general education classroom. After years of teaching in fully inclusive, general education classrooms, she now draws upon her experience to write, speak, and consult to various local and national organizations on the topic of inclusion. She is creator of The Inclusive Class blog and author of a guidebook for teachers and parents called, Inclusion in Action: Practical Strategies to Modify Your Curriculum. For more information about Nicole and her work, go to www.nicoleeredics.com. To request a copy of this recording, email Meredith. |
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After Party with Davis Mowry - Held March 20
Celebrating World Down Syndrome Day, DSAP hosted a virtual dance party and then heard from Davis Mowry, a local 20 year old, sharing with our community about his background, school, work, hobbies, and plans to attend college in the fall. As friends are a big part of Davis's life, he invited his friend Tomas Bird to join the conversation as well. Watch the recording here. |
Nutrition for Self-Advocates - Held on March 7 at 7pm
Attention self-advocates: Please join this virtual session on March 7 at 7pm where we will discuss how to create well-balanced and mindful eating techniques. Our presenter will be Shannon Frizzell who is a registered dietitian nutritionist currently working with the Adult Down Syndrome Center of Western Pennsylvania. Her role has been to implement nutrition services and improve health outcomes for adults with Down syndrome. She has a background working with individuals with intellectual disabilities through her work with the University of Pittsburgh's Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) program. Shannon also currently works as a clinical dietitian at UPMC Presbyterian providing medical nutrition therapy to patients with a wide variety of clinical conditions. Click here to watch the recording.
Attention self-advocates: Please join this virtual session on March 7 at 7pm where we will discuss how to create well-balanced and mindful eating techniques. Our presenter will be Shannon Frizzell who is a registered dietitian nutritionist currently working with the Adult Down Syndrome Center of Western Pennsylvania. Her role has been to implement nutrition services and improve health outcomes for adults with Down syndrome. She has a background working with individuals with intellectual disabilities through her work with the University of Pittsburgh's Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) program. Shannon also currently works as a clinical dietitian at UPMC Presbyterian providing medical nutrition therapy to patients with a wide variety of clinical conditions. Click here to watch the recording.
Part 1: Inclusion in Action: Basics and Best Practice - Held on February 17 at 7:30pm
In this 2-Part Series in Session #1, attendees will learn the fundamentals of inclusion and inclusive practice, understand what true inclusion is and isn't, as well as ways for parents, teachers, and schools to support inclusion. Our speaker, Nicole Eredics is a Board-Certified Inclusive Education Specialist who has spent over two decades supporting students with disabilities in the general education classroom. After years of teaching in fully inclusive, general education classrooms, she now draws upon her experience to write, speak, and consult to various local and national organizations on the topic of inclusion. She is creator of The Inclusive Class blog and author of a guidebook for teachers and parents called, Inclusion in Action: Practical Strategies to Modify Your Curriculum. For more information about Nicole and her work, go to www.nicoleeredics.com. To request a copy of this recording, email Meredith.
In this 2-Part Series in Session #1, attendees will learn the fundamentals of inclusion and inclusive practice, understand what true inclusion is and isn't, as well as ways for parents, teachers, and schools to support inclusion. Our speaker, Nicole Eredics is a Board-Certified Inclusive Education Specialist who has spent over two decades supporting students with disabilities in the general education classroom. After years of teaching in fully inclusive, general education classrooms, she now draws upon her experience to write, speak, and consult to various local and national organizations on the topic of inclusion. She is creator of The Inclusive Class blog and author of a guidebook for teachers and parents called, Inclusion in Action: Practical Strategies to Modify Your Curriculum. For more information about Nicole and her work, go to www.nicoleeredics.com. To request a copy of this recording, email Meredith.
Let's Talk About Therapy - An Open Conversation - Held on February 7, 2022 at 7:30pm
Have you ever wondered what therapy is all about? In this speaker series, we will be opening the conversation to define therapy, learning more about when to ask for help, coping skills and self care, and how to find the right therapist for you. We will hear from Paulette Cantwell, MSCP, LPC, NCC who has worked extensively with individuals, families and children using creative and innovative methods for success. She is currently in private practice where she treats children, adolescents and adults. Ms. Cantwell is also a parent of an adult with Down syndrome and has a passion for working with parents like us. This was not recorded, but email Meredith for additional information.
Have you ever wondered what therapy is all about? In this speaker series, we will be opening the conversation to define therapy, learning more about when to ask for help, coping skills and self care, and how to find the right therapist for you. We will hear from Paulette Cantwell, MSCP, LPC, NCC who has worked extensively with individuals, families and children using creative and innovative methods for success. She is currently in private practice where she treats children, adolescents and adults. Ms. Cantwell is also a parent of an adult with Down syndrome and has a passion for working with parents like us. This was not recorded, but email Meredith for additional information.
Reducing Stress Through the Holidays and Beyond - Held on Tues. Nov. 16 at 7:30PM
Join us for this this highly interactive webinar where participants will learn:
Join us for this this highly interactive webinar where participants will learn:
- How to recognize productive stress (indeed, not all stress is bad) and use it to your benefit
- The one tool that can solve (nearly all) unproductive stress
- How to handle situational stress (IEP meetings, holidays, medical diagnoses, etc)
Strategies and Tools to Use for Sharing About Down syndrome in Your Child's Classroom - Held on Oct. 14
Shannon Striner, one of our Board of Directors and a parent presented in this special Family Connections Session. If you would like to receive a copy of this presentation, email Shannon.
Shannon Striner, one of our Board of Directors and a parent presented in this special Family Connections Session. If you would like to receive a copy of this presentation, email Shannon.
The Unlimited Potential in the Journey from Early Intervention to Kindergarten - Held on Thurs. June 24 at 7PM
Alex Lee is the self-proclaimed ‘coolest guy other than Cristiano Ronaldo to walk the earth’, despite being just a 7th grader at Upper Merion Middle School. His boisterous sense of confidence and fancy title come from the effects of being 100% included at school since preschool. Since coming to middle school, he has received honor roll every single marking period, given keynote speeches every few months or so, and has just been having an awesome time trying to teach the world about the importance of full inclusion in middle school. At age 13, he already has an impressive resume that includes modeling for Toys R Us, doing a TV appearance on a Sprout show, singing opera in Italian on various stages, and speaking at the UN Headquarters in NYC. Isabelle Lee, Alex’s part time assistant and part time sister, is able to tag along for the ride thanks to her brother who continuously provides the most entertaining stories along with the most profound messages. She has been having quite a time getting invited to do keynote speeches at various educational conferences to retell her family’s story and crack some jokes. She has been advocating for inclusion for all students since she was 4 years old and doing keynote speeches since she was 11 years old. This young, naturally gifted public speaker has been having lots of fun in the past 5 years making audiences all over the country laugh and cry with her talks. This session was not recorded.
Alex Lee is the self-proclaimed ‘coolest guy other than Cristiano Ronaldo to walk the earth’, despite being just a 7th grader at Upper Merion Middle School. His boisterous sense of confidence and fancy title come from the effects of being 100% included at school since preschool. Since coming to middle school, he has received honor roll every single marking period, given keynote speeches every few months or so, and has just been having an awesome time trying to teach the world about the importance of full inclusion in middle school. At age 13, he already has an impressive resume that includes modeling for Toys R Us, doing a TV appearance on a Sprout show, singing opera in Italian on various stages, and speaking at the UN Headquarters in NYC. Isabelle Lee, Alex’s part time assistant and part time sister, is able to tag along for the ride thanks to her brother who continuously provides the most entertaining stories along with the most profound messages. She has been having quite a time getting invited to do keynote speeches at various educational conferences to retell her family’s story and crack some jokes. She has been advocating for inclusion for all students since she was 4 years old and doing keynote speeches since she was 11 years old. This young, naturally gifted public speaker has been having lots of fun in the past 5 years making audiences all over the country laugh and cry with her talks. This session was not recorded.
Evolve Coaching - Held on Tues. June 15 at 7PM
Evolve Coaching supports individuals with disabilities through education, employment, and the arts. Evolve's team of uniquely experienced coaches takes an individualized approach to helping clients create and pursue their post-secondary, work, and personal goals. Coaching is provided via online video chat or in-person meetings, determined on a case by case basis. Co-Founder and Executive Director, Heather Conroy, share more about this program. To listen to the playback, visit here.
Evolve Coaching supports individuals with disabilities through education, employment, and the arts. Evolve's team of uniquely experienced coaches takes an individualized approach to helping clients create and pursue their post-secondary, work, and personal goals. Coaching is provided via online video chat or in-person meetings, determined on a case by case basis. Co-Founder and Executive Director, Heather Conroy, share more about this program. To listen to the playback, visit here.
Just Right Advocacy: Getting Past No and Getting to the Yes -Held on Thursday, May 6 at 7pm
Alyson Stover is an assistant professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy the University of Pittsburgh and obtained her juris doctorate in law with a post-graduate certificate in health law from the University of Pittsburgh. Her areas of practice expertise include pediatrics, trauma-informed occupational therapy and holistic approaches to substance use disorder. Dr. Stover is AOTA Board Certified in Pediatrics, and has spent her entire career focusing on increasing the health and wellness and experience of children with special health care needs and their families. She owns a private outpatient pediatric practice north of Pittsburgh and co-founded a non-profit organization that uses occupation to address community, societal and population needs.
As a pediatric occupational therapist and a health law advocate, Alyson is interested in sharing my knowledge and experience how ways to advocate for children and their families across environments. How do families learn what their rights are and how to families assert their rights in a meaningful way that supports the health and wellness of their child and the family. She would like to share ways that she has worked “past the no” to “get to the yes.” To listen to the playback, visit here.
Alyson Stover is an assistant professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy the University of Pittsburgh and obtained her juris doctorate in law with a post-graduate certificate in health law from the University of Pittsburgh. Her areas of practice expertise include pediatrics, trauma-informed occupational therapy and holistic approaches to substance use disorder. Dr. Stover is AOTA Board Certified in Pediatrics, and has spent her entire career focusing on increasing the health and wellness and experience of children with special health care needs and their families. She owns a private outpatient pediatric practice north of Pittsburgh and co-founded a non-profit organization that uses occupation to address community, societal and population needs.
As a pediatric occupational therapist and a health law advocate, Alyson is interested in sharing my knowledge and experience how ways to advocate for children and their families across environments. How do families learn what their rights are and how to families assert their rights in a meaningful way that supports the health and wellness of their child and the family. She would like to share ways that she has worked “past the no” to “get to the yes.” To listen to the playback, visit here.
Join in the Conversation with Meeka Caldwell - Held on Thursday, April 22 at 7pm
Wife, mother, advocate and author are just a few of the titles that describe Meeka Caldwell. But becoming an advocate isn’t usually something that people set out to do. It’s driven by a deep passion and desire for change. As a new mother of a baby boy with Down syndrome, Meeka quickly noticed a deafening silence around the needs of Black and Brown people within the disability community. What started out as speaking up for her own child, has evolved into speaking out and becoming an advocate for the entire community. Join in the conversation as Meeka talks with our community about her latest book, A Friend Like Anian: The First Day of School and learn more about the importance of representation, inclusion and advocacy. Click here for the recorded session
Wife, mother, advocate and author are just a few of the titles that describe Meeka Caldwell. But becoming an advocate isn’t usually something that people set out to do. It’s driven by a deep passion and desire for change. As a new mother of a baby boy with Down syndrome, Meeka quickly noticed a deafening silence around the needs of Black and Brown people within the disability community. What started out as speaking up for her own child, has evolved into speaking out and becoming an advocate for the entire community. Join in the conversation as Meeka talks with our community about her latest book, A Friend Like Anian: The First Day of School and learn more about the importance of representation, inclusion and advocacy. Click here for the recorded session
How to Save for the Future with Special Needs Trust and ABLE Accounts - Held on Thursday, March 25 at 7pm
Special needs trusts and ABLE accounts enable a person with a disability to protect assets that are in their name, while continuing to be eligible for vital government benefits such as Supplemental Security Income and Medical Assistance. Attend this session to develop a basic understanding of how both special needs trusts and ABLE accounts can be used together or separately as part of a future plan for a person with a disability. Our speakers Maria Smith, Director of Education and Outreach and Patty Yerina, Coordinator of Education and Outreach are joining us from the Achieva Family Trust. Click here for the recorded session.
Special needs trusts and ABLE accounts enable a person with a disability to protect assets that are in their name, while continuing to be eligible for vital government benefits such as Supplemental Security Income and Medical Assistance. Attend this session to develop a basic understanding of how both special needs trusts and ABLE accounts can be used together or separately as part of a future plan for a person with a disability. Our speakers Maria Smith, Director of Education and Outreach and Patty Yerina, Coordinator of Education and Outreach are joining us from the Achieva Family Trust. Click here for the recorded session.
"After Party" with Mikayla Holmgren - Held on Sunday, March 21 at 5pm
Mikayla Holmgren is a model, speaker, and dancer who hasn't let Down syndrome stop her from Dreaming Big! She made history by becoming the first women with Ds to compete in the Miss Minnesota USA pageant - which is also a first for the Miss USA pageant in any state. We were excited to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day with us and for her to inspire others to dream big without limits! Click here for the recorded session.
Mikayla Holmgren is a model, speaker, and dancer who hasn't let Down syndrome stop her from Dreaming Big! She made history by becoming the first women with Ds to compete in the Miss Minnesota USA pageant - which is also a first for the Miss USA pageant in any state. We were excited to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day with us and for her to inspire others to dream big without limits! Click here for the recorded session.
Preparing for College - Yes, My Child Will Go! - Held on Monday, March 15 at 7pm
Are you planning for college? Achieva can help you child lay the foundation for success in higher education. We are pleased to offer guidance for students with disabilities around college planning, including how to pay for college, dual enrollment (high school and college), college-focused transition goals, assistance with the application process and so much more. Click here for a recorded session on this topic.
Are you planning for college? Achieva can help you child lay the foundation for success in higher education. We are pleased to offer guidance for students with disabilities around college planning, including how to pay for college, dual enrollment (high school and college), college-focused transition goals, assistance with the application process and so much more. Click here for a recorded session on this topic.
Positive Behavioral Interventions - Held on Wednesday, March 3 at 7pm
We have had many requests to offer this session again that was originally presented on 1/6/21. Dr. Tarin Santamaria, licensed pediatric psychologist with the Down Syndrome Center of Western PA (DSC) will be speaking on the topic "Positive Behavioral Interventions." She will also share strategies and interventions regarding challenging behaviors. Click here for the recorded session.
We have had many requests to offer this session again that was originally presented on 1/6/21. Dr. Tarin Santamaria, licensed pediatric psychologist with the Down Syndrome Center of Western PA (DSC) will be speaking on the topic "Positive Behavioral Interventions." She will also share strategies and interventions regarding challenging behaviors. Click here for the recorded session.
World Down Syndrome Day Toolkits - Held on Wednesday, February 24 at 7pm
As World Down Syndrome Day is coming up in March, DSAP wants to help you advocated for acceptance and inclusion at your child's school. In partnering with Common Ground Society, their mission is to educate and empower communities to be more compassionate, accepting, and inclusive of people with disabilities. Our speaker was Larkin O'Leary, who is the founder of CGS, educator, and fellow Mom in our Ds community. Because of it being a copyrighted program, please email us at info@dsapgh.org to request to view the recording.
As World Down Syndrome Day is coming up in March, DSAP wants to help you advocated for acceptance and inclusion at your child's school. In partnering with Common Ground Society, their mission is to educate and empower communities to be more compassionate, accepting, and inclusive of people with disabilities. Our speaker was Larkin O'Leary, who is the founder of CGS, educator, and fellow Mom in our Ds community. Because of it being a copyrighted program, please email us at info@dsapgh.org to request to view the recording.
Potty Training Strategies - Held on Wednesday, February 10 at 7pm
Dr. Tarin Santamaria, licensed psychologist with the Down Syndrome Center of Western PA (DSC) will be presenting some potty training strategies. Dr. Santamaria works directly with the pediatric patients and has guided families through this process. In her talk, Dr. Santamaria will offer some specialized guidance needed for you and your child with Down syndrome to be successful. Click here for the recorded session. Also, the book she references is Potty Time for Kids with Down Syndrome.
Dr. Tarin Santamaria, licensed psychologist with the Down Syndrome Center of Western PA (DSC) will be presenting some potty training strategies. Dr. Santamaria works directly with the pediatric patients and has guided families through this process. In her talk, Dr. Santamaria will offer some specialized guidance needed for you and your child with Down syndrome to be successful. Click here for the recorded session. Also, the book she references is Potty Time for Kids with Down Syndrome.
COVID19 + Down Syndrome Town Hall - Held on Tuesday, December 8 at 7PM
With many concerns related to COVID-19 and Down syndrome, we have asked our local experts to host a town hall with our community to educate and answer any burning questions. Dr. Kishore Vellody, Medical Director of the Down Syndrome Center of Western PA, Dr. Andrew Nowalk, Clinical Director in the Division of Infectious Diseases in the Department of Pediatrics at UPMC Children's Hospital, and Dr. Megan Freeman, Infectious Disease Pediatrician and regional COVID expert will host. The recorded audio has been published on the Down Syndrome Center of Western PA's podcast at this link.
With many concerns related to COVID-19 and Down syndrome, we have asked our local experts to host a town hall with our community to educate and answer any burning questions. Dr. Kishore Vellody, Medical Director of the Down Syndrome Center of Western PA, Dr. Andrew Nowalk, Clinical Director in the Division of Infectious Diseases in the Department of Pediatrics at UPMC Children's Hospital, and Dr. Megan Freeman, Infectious Disease Pediatrician and regional COVID expert will host. The recorded audio has been published on the Down Syndrome Center of Western PA's podcast at this link.