Chris Walsh Center

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On January 11, Center Coordinator Therese Ajtum-Roberts and Assistant Leighah Beausoleil joined MetroWest Nonprofit Network Anna Cross for an hour-long "Lunch & Learn." During this virtual meeting, the Center gave a presentation on our mission, upcoming events, how we share our resources, and how the consultation process works for parents/caregivers. This event gave the Center the opportunity to meet and make valuable connections with some of the nonprofit leaders in the MetroWest area, who will share our Center's mission and resources with those in need. We thank MWNN for this experience!

Also on January 11, Center Coordinator Therese Ajtum-Roberts hosted a table at the Framingham Public Schools' Kindergarten Education Night. At this table, two book raffles were held for copies of The Identity Conscious Educator by Dr. Liza Talusan and Sincerely, Your Autistic Child by by Autistic Women and Nonbinary Network. Ajtum-Roberts said she enjoyed meeting all of the prospective kindergarten parents.

Raffles Winners:

Jamie Kaiser - The Identity-Conscious Educator

Holly Hardes- Sincerely, Your Autistic Child

Congratulations winners!

On Nov. 17, The Chris Walsh Center interns Philippe Raphael and Amanda Bedard hosted a table in the McCarthy Center Lobby, where students could provide their answer to the prompt, "What I Wish My Teacher Knew About Learning Disabilities.” Students were able to write their response to the question on a sticky note. These notes were then compiled and made into a video by Bedard that highlights common themes among the students’ answers, with the intention of spreading awareness about the importance of being compassionate and aware of the stigmas that exist about learning disabilities. This is important for educators to help them be aware of ways they can promote inclusivity and work toward making learning more accessible for everyone.

The Identity-Conscious Educator: Building Habits and Skills for More Inclusive Schools, written by Dr. Liza Talusan, discusses powerful, practical strategies for creating an inclusive school community that honors the different identities expressed by students and peers. Join the Chris Walsh Center staff as we discuss the book and the strategies presented to make school community more inclusive.

This event will take place via Zoom March 7, 2023 from 7p.m. to 8p.m.

Register now!

Based on Dr. Talusan’s recent book of the same title, this 90-minute workshop is focused on building knowledge, engaging in reflection, and moving to action. Identity very much informs our daily work, even if we have not built the habits and skills for seeing its impact. Building an identity-conscious practice means realizing that who we are informed and impacts how we act, interact, and how we see the world around us. To do this, we need tools to explore what our identities are, how they shape our views, and how we might work towards greater inclusion and equity.

This event will take both in person in Framingham State University's McCarthy Campus Center Forum and via Zoom March 21, 2023, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Register now!

Autism Goes to College is a film with honest insights for students, parents and educators offering an eye-opening look at what a growing number of neurodiverse students are bringing to campus. After the screening, we will have Executive Producer and FSU alumni Jan Blacher with us to take questions from the audience.

This event will take place in person at Framingham State University's McCarthy Campus Center Forum or via Zoom April 4, 2023, from 7 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.

Register now!

The Chris Walsh Center has implemented a new social media plan. One of which is known as "Technology Tuesday," where staff will share helpful technology tools for various disabilities. Let us known if you have any suggestions or what tools have helped you!

The National Association for Gifted Children published this brochure authored by Keri Guilbault, Ed.D., and Michele Kane, Ed.D. that explains asynchronous development in gifted children. The organization is made up of dedicated families, education professionals, academics, and researchers striving to help all gifted and talented children to reach their potential. NAGC's mission is to support those who enhance the growth and development of gifted and talented children through education, advocacy, community building, and research. Their goal is to support parents and families; K-12 education professionals, including support service personnel; and members of the research and higher education community.

More resources and information about NAGC can be found at their website, https://www.nagc.org/

Mission: To provide information for families and educators about the continuum of educational support available to students with disabilities, students who are gifted, and students with unmet needs. The center will offer support, workshops and other programming for families, educators, student support professionals, administrators, and advocates in the MetroWest area. The center also will engage in scholarly research, educator preparation, and professional development.

Email: chriswalshcenter@framingham.edu
Website: https://linktr.ee/chriswalshcenter
Location: 100 State Street, Framingham, MA, USA
Phone: (508) 215-5630