DSR Episode #27: Inclusive Practices with Michael Remus

DSR Episode #27: Inclusive Practices with Michael Remus
Michael Remus is an expert on inclusion.  He is a parent of two children with special needs.  He has been a teacher and has written several books.  But most importantly (to me anyway), he took an entire school district into the world of full inclusion in 5 years.  Not only that, but it is showing great results and he has the data to prove it.  Michael was a super guest and told us lots of important information we can use to better the education of our children.  What a resource for the rest of us!
We learned about what inclusion means.  Inclusion means including EVERYONE in the main classroom.  However, some children will require additional support (modifications and/or accommodations).   This means that your child may need extra help in the classroom.  It may also mean that your child will work from modified materials while in the classroom.  It DOES NOT mean throwing a child in the classroom without the proper supports.

National Down Syndrome Congress Secures Experts to Speak During National Convention

Leading medical professionals, researchers to share best practices and research findings during world's largest annual Down syndrome community gathering

press release from the NDSC:
The National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC), a leading provider of information, support and advocacy for individuals with Down syndrome and their families, today released the complete schedule of workshops and speakers for its upcoming Annual Convention, taking place July 19-22 in Washington, D.C. Considered the largest annual Down syndrome community gathering, the Annual Convention unites families, caregivers and individuals impacted by Down syndrome for a weekend of education and celebration.
The Convention will feature more than 70 breakout sessions and workshops throughout the weekend covering more than 50 topics. Each session will feature a leading Down syndrome researcher, medical professional or educational expert sharing key findings and "how to" strategies pertinent to the latest developments affecting the Down syndrome community in areas including education, pre-natal development and adult issues.

Featured sessions of the Convention schedule include:

• "Starting out with Language and Speech: Birth to Preschool" - Libby Kumin, PhD, CCC-SLP, Professor of Speech-Language Pathology and Author, Loyola University (Baltimore, MD)
• "A Plan for Educating All Kids" - Michael Remus, MS, Director of Student Support Services, Deer Valley Unified School District (Phoenix, AZ)
• "Promoting Health, Independence, Safety, & Community for Teens and Adults with DS" - Brian Chicoine, MD, Medical Director, Adult DS Center of Lutheran General Hospital (Park Ridge, IL)
• "Managing Behavior in Children with DS: How Understanding Leads to Intervention" - Mary Pipan, MD, Clinical Director, Trisomy 21 Program, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (Philadelphia, PA)

"As we celebrate our 40th Annual Convention and the achievements the Down syndrome community has enjoyed during that time, it's important that we also look ahead to what's next," said David Tolleson, executive director of the NDSC. "We are excited to welcome such an accomplished pool of speakers to this year's Convention, and look forward to their insights and strategies that will help improve the quality of life for individuals with Down syndrome and their families."
While pre-event registration for the Convention is closed, limited space is available on-site. The NDSC will be live streaming select sessions throughout the Convention weekend on its website for the first time in the event's history. For more information about the live streaming program, and to view a complete schedule of workshops and sessions available online, click here.
To view the complete list of speakers and sessions for the NDSC's Annual Convention, and to learn more about the event, visit http://convention.ndsccenter.org/.

About the National Down Syndrome Congress

Founded in 1973, the National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC) is the oldest national organization supporting people with Down syndrome, their families and the professionals who work with them. The NDSC provides information, advocacy and support for all aspects of life, and works to create a national climate in which all people will recognize and embrace the value and dignity of people with Down syndrome. For more information about the NDSC, visit http://ndsccenter.org/.
Website: http://ndsccenter.org/

NDSC Convention and Live Streaming Schedule

The 40th Annual Convention
Each year, thousands of people from across the globe attend the National Down Syndrome Congress Annual Convention.  For most, it’s to hear the latest information from world-renowned experts.  For others, it’s a great vacation. But, for nearly all, there’s the one-of-a-kind NDSC family reunion feeling that permeates the convention weekend. 
In July 2012 our 40th Annual Convention will be heading to our Nation’s Capitol in Washington, DC. From your house to the White House, it will be an opportunity to share in the  milestones of the last 40 years, advocate for continued progress through a Day on the Hill, and  embrace all individuals with DS as they live the dream.

We hope to see you July 19 -22, 2012 for the 40th Annual NDSC Convention

NDSC Convention from your Couch

To commemorate our 40th Annual Convention, the National Down Syndrome Congress invites you to participate in the festivities – wherever you are!

For the first time in Convention history, we are live streaming 17 workshops and sessions from Washington, D.C., this July. Share the experience of “the world’s largest family reunion” anywhere, and learn the latest developments and advancements from the Down syndrome community’s leading voices.

Registration for access to Live Streaming will be available July 2. Access to the recorded videos will be available until June 1, 2013. To register simply click on registration, open an account if you don’t have one and choose the live streaming option.

Live streaming schedule.