Thompson Policy Institute on DisAbility proudly presented the 2021 Summit on DisAbility and Inclusion virtually on August 11, 2021.
The recordings of each session from the Summit, along with the padlets containing information from the session, can be accessed below.
Opening Session:
Keynote Address
Megan Bomgaars
Megan, a well-known self-advocate with Down Syndrome, presented the keynote address "Don't Limit Me" to open the 2021 Summit on DisAbility and Inclusion. Megan is an artist, entrepreneur, published author, college student, and lead on the critically acclaimed show Born this Way on A&E.
Excellence in Disability Award Presented to
Supporting Inclusive Practices (SIP)
The Excellence in Disability Award criteria focuses on dedication toward improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. The Supporting Inclusive Practices' mission to increase inclusion of students with disabilities in general education settings through focusing on policy, practice, and cohesive leadership has improved the educational outcomes and opportunities for all students in California.
Four Breakout Sessions:
PK - 12 Practice
Title: Using a Multi-tiered System of Support (MTSS) to Build Inclusive Practices
Presented by: Rhonda Marriott, Manager, Learning Supports, Orange County Department of Education and Pamela Tupy, Coordinator, Learning Supports, Orange County Department of Education
Moderator: Audri Gomez, Ph.D., Associate Director, TPI
During this session, participants explored MTSS in the context of what has been accomplished through the California MTSS grant, where we are now in supporting schools and districts with sustaining implementation, and where we are going in the future to deepen systemic implementation of MTSS to support all learners in PreK-12 grade. The session focused on supporting the implementation of inclusive practices, resources for developing co-teaching supports, Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and the Social Emotional Learning (SEL) competencies were explored.
PK - 12 Practice Session Recording
Teacher Preparation
Title: Equity and Inclusion Begin with Teacher Preparation
Presenters: Marquita Grenot-Scheyer, Ph.D., Assistant Vice Chancellor, Educator Preparation and Public School Programs and CSU Center for Transforming Educator Preparation Programs (CTEPP); Meghan Cosier, Ph.D., Director, TPI and CalEPIC; Charlotte Achieng-Evensen, Ph.D., TPI and CalEPIC; additional presenters to be announced.
This session focused on teacher preparation and the two new Educator Preparation Centers in California: The California State University, CSU Center for Transforming Educator Preparation Programs (CTEPP) and California Educator Preparation Innovation Collaborative (CalEPIC). Educators and teacher education faculty learned about resources and opportunities for inclusive teacher preparation. Future professional learning opportunities were shared during the session.
Teacher Preparation Session Recording
Teacher Preparation Session Padlet
Families, Agencies, and Schools Together (FAST)
Title: Families, Agencies, Schools Together: Supporting Collaborative Relationships
Presenters: Peter Chung, M.D., Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics and Medical Director at Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders at UCI; J. Thomas Megerian, M.D., Pediatric Neurologist and Clinical Director at the Thompson Autism Center at CHOC; Elissa Green Kaustinen, MA, Director FAST@CHOC; Jeanne Anne Carriere, Ph.D., Director FAST@UCI
The FAST session highlighted the partnerships between TPI, the Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders at UCI, and the Thompson Autism Center at CHOC. The collaboration between schools and medical providers that FAST facilitates enables families to understand and access resources and interventions that they are entitled to. The unique services that FAST provides were presented during the strand by the medical directors at the Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders at UCI and the Thompson Center for Autism at CHOC, along with the directors of the FAST@UCI and FAST@CHOC programs. This session provided a rare opportunity to have experts in the field together in one place.
FAST Services Session Recording
Transition Services
Title: High Quality Transition Services: Birth Through Life-Long Learning
Presenters: Richard Rosenberg, Ph.D. and Linda O'Neal, M.A.
Panelists: Self-Advocates - Megan Bomgaars and Carla Sramek; Parents - Kris Bomgaars and Hilda Sramek
The Transition Services session focused on person-centered planning. Specifically, the session featured an overview of transition planning best practices and provided insight into entrepreneurship businesses.
Transition Services Session Recording
Transition Services Session Padlet
Closing Session:
Expert Q & A Panel
Presenters: Arturo Cazares, Regional Center of Orange County; Kristin Brooks, Supporting Inclusive Practices; Megan Bomgaars, Self-Advocate; Kris Bomgaars, Parent and Former Teacher.
An expert panel presented closing thoughts and answered questions from attendees.
Closing Session Recording: Mindfulness Break / Expert Panel Q & A / Closing Remarks
Download the
2021 Research, Practice, and Impact Report