Special Education Events

These events are sponsored by the Department of Special Education. Events are listed chronologically and are coded to indicate the various purposes and intended audience. Registration information is provided within each entry. These events do fill, so registration is required.

Event Types

HOOT Colloquia HOOT Community of Learner Events presents opportunities for attendees to engage and programming related to disability studies and/or the education of individuals with disabilities. Audience: College of Education students, faculty, staff, and interested individuals.	RER RER events or research studies are designed to fulfill the Research Experience Requirement (RER) in some DSE courses. Audience: Students enrolled in EEX 4070 or EEX 2091.	Doctoral Student Research Doctoral Student Research events are presented by DSE Doctoral Students in partial fulfillment of requirements for EEX 7918, Pre-Candidacy Research in Special Education. These students will present research conducted prior to dissertation under the guidance of department faculty. Audience: College of Education students, faculty, staff, and interested individuals.	Invited Speakers These events are presented by invited speakers on behalf of DSE. Speakers will present information related to disability studies, the education of individuals with disabilities, etc. Audience: College of Education students, faculty, staff, and interested individuals.
Fall 2024 Events
Title/When	Presenter	Abstract	Audience
Policies and Practices Supporting Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Implementation in Florida Title 1 Middle Schools Friday, October 25 I 530-7pm Via Zoom Videoconferencing	Joseph Calvin Gagnon (Brojomohun-Gagnon), Ph.D., is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Special Education	Florida schools suspend a higher percentage of students than any other state (Losen, et. al., 2015) Moreover, high poverty schools suspend students at a higher rate than schools in affluent Florida communities (Gagnon, Gurel, & Barber, 2017). As such, it is important to consider if Florida high poverty schools are implementing evidence-based practices, such as positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS) within these schools. This session will focus on a recent survey study of high poverty middle school principals and the extent to which schools enact, (1) a continuum of evidence-based interventions; (2) leadership team implementation and coordination; (3) content expertise and fluency; (4) process integrity; (5) continuous progress monitoring; and (6) crisis intervention. In addition to a review of the study results, this session will address practical implications for behavioral policies and practices in Florida middle schools. Register here. View event flyer.	This session is free and intended for COE students, faculty, staff, and interested individuals. This event also satisfies the Research Experience Requirement (RER) for EEX 2091 or EEX 4070.
Fall 2023 Events
Title/When	Presenter	Abstract	Audience
The Life of Garrett Mayersohn: Spokesperson for Opening Minds for Individuals with Disabilities Friday, Nov. 3 - 5:30 pm Via Zoom Videoconferencing	Mr. Garrett Mayersohn, Disability Rights Advocate and FAU Graduate	Building awareness, knowledge, insight, and understanding of disability legislation, rights, advocacy, and goals of individuals with disabilities has been at the heart of personnel preparation in the Department of Special Education. However, awareness, knowledge, insight, and understanding are deepened when you can connect to a personal story. Just ask Garrett Mayersohn! Garrett is a spokesperson, advocate, and activist for individuals with disabilities, and a graduate of FAU. Join us to learn about changing mindsets of disability from the perspective of an individual living life with a lifelong disability. Register here. View event flyer.	This session is free and intended for COE students, faculty, staff, and interested individuals. This event also satisfies the Research Experience Requirement (RER) for EEX 2091 or EEX 4070.
Spring 2023 Events
Title/When	Presenter	Abstract	Audience
School Social Work: A Look Into the Profession Friday, Jan 27 - 5:30 pm Via Zoom Videoconferencing	Atensia Earp Bowen, LCSW FAU, Phyllis and Harvey Sandler School of Social Work	Social workers provide therapy to individuals, groups, families, and couples. They also work with larger communities and institutions through advocacy, research, and policy change. Social work expertise can be broad or specific. The most popular social work careers are in the medical field and public health, mental health, substance use/treatment, child welfare, school social work, and corporate engagement. In this session, participants will learn about the basics of the social work profession, with a special focus on school social work. Register here. View event Flyer.	This session is free and intended for COE students, faculty, staff, and interested individuals. This event also satisfies Research Experience Requirement for EEX 2091 or EEX 4070.
Inside academia: An up-close discussion with Dr. Janet Goodman Friday, Feb 24 - 5 pm Via Zoom Videoconferencing	Janet Goodman, Ed.D. Interim Superintendent of Pickens County Schools, Georgia	In this series, invited scholars will engage in a facilitated discussion with doctoral students about varied aspects of academia. The informal format allows for questions and answers about working and thriving in academia. This event will feature Dr. Janet Goodman, who currently serves as Interim Superintendent of Pickens County Schools, Georgia. Dr. Goodman has worked in a variety of settings: K-12 special education teacher, director of a community preschool, school administrator, district administrator, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, and interim superintendent in North Georgia. Learn more and how to register here.	This session is free and intended for COE students, faculty, staff, and interested individuals.
Research-based teaching tactics for people with disabilities: A research Pecha Kucha Friday, March 31 - 5:30 pm Via Zoom Videoconferencing	Current and Former FAU Department of Special Education Doctoral Students	A Pecha Kucha presentation is a presentation format that uses 20 slides or images that are displayed for 20 seconds each. Current and former Special Education Doctoral students, Jacqueline Wood, Susanna Launder, and Kaley Adams will present their research in this dynamic format. Register here. View event Flyer.	This session is free and intended for COE students, faculty, staff, and interested individuals. This event also satisfies Research Experience Requirement for EEX 2091 or EEX 4070.
Fall 2022 Events
School Nurses: Creating Environments that Support Health and Learning Friday, Nov 4, 2022 6-730 pm Via Zoom Videoconferencing	Shirley C. Gordon PhD, RN, NCSN, AHN-BC, HWNC-BC, Professor | Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, Florida Atlantic University	This session will explore: The role of school nurses in supporting student/community health and learning. What school personnel should know about collaborating with school nurses. Myths about school nursing that should be dispelled. Register here: http://tinyurl.com/2p85hmj2	This session is free and intended for COE students, faculty, staff, and interested individuals.
Social Relationships of Adults with Developmental Disabilities Friday, September 30, 2022 - 6 pm Via Zoom Videoconferencing	Lauren Berlingo, M.Ed. Doctoral Candidate, Department of Special Education	Acquaintances, friendships and romantic relationships. Are the ways we think about and the expectations for these relationships any different for people with disabilities? What kinds of relationships do people with disabilities enjoy? Should their relationships be any different? In this session, attitudes and perceptions people hold about social relationships for people with disabilities will be explored. People use more than looks to make decisions about potential partners. View Event flyer here. Register here.	This session is free and intended for COE students, faculty, staff, and interested individuals.
Spring 2022 Events
Inside Academia: Featuring Dr. Stacey Hardin Friday, April 22, 2022 5pm Via Zoom Videoconferencing	Dr. Stacey Hardin Program Leader and faculty in the Special Education Teaching program at Florida State University.	In this series, invited scholars will engage in a facilitated discussion with doctoral students about varied aspects of academia. The format is informal, allowing for questions and answers about working and thriving in academia. This event will feature Dr. Stacey E. Hardin (she/her/hers), program leader and faculty in the of the special education teaching program at Florida State University. Dr. Hardin will discuss her experiences working at R1 (“high research activity”) universities and preparing candidates to work with diverse populations. See Event flyer here. Register here.	This event is open to all COE Doctoral students and faculty.
Looking for a date or choosing a mate: What difference do individual characteristics make? Wednesday, January 19, 2022 1pm Via Zoom Videoconferencing	Lauren Berlingo, M.Ed. Doctoral Student, Department of Special Education	Abstract: Lauren Berlingo will discuss her research on the attitudes and perceptions of typically developing individuals toward individuals with disabilities in general, and specifically about the prospects of dating and marrying people with disabilities. A survey was created, using two preexisting instruments, to investigate possible differences when individuals without disabilities are asked about the prospects of dating and marrying people with different kinds of disabilities, for example, physical versus intellectual. View Event flyer here.	This session is free and intended for COE students, faculty, staff, and interested individuals.
Inside Academia: Featuring Dr. Vivian Correa Friday, February 18, 2022 5pm Via Zoom Videoconferencing	Dr. Vivian I. Correa, Professor Emeritus, University of North Carolina, Charlotte	Abstract: In this series, invited scholars will engage in a facilitated discussion with doctoral students about varied aspects of academia. The format is informal, allowing for questions and answers about working and thriving in academia. This event will feature Dr. Vivian I. Correa, Professor Emerita in the Department of Special Education and Child Development at the University of North Carolina. Dr. Correa has had extensive experience providing training in the area of children with disabilities (birth to age five) and their families. She has worked with young children and their families in a variety of early intervention programs. Dr. Correa’s areas of expertise are in early childhood special education, bilingual/special education, multicultural education, unified teacher education, and working with Latinx families. See Event flyer here. Register here.	This event is open to all COE Doctoral students and faculty.
Interactive STEM/ STEAM activities for the Pre-K to 5th grade classroom Friday, February 25, 2022 530-7pm, Via Zoom Video Conferencing	Jennifer Amador, M.Ed., Doctoral Candidate, Department of Special Education	Session Abstract: Science, technology, engineering, and math or STEM/STEAM (A for art) activities can facilitate the development of creativity, collaboration, communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking (Bryan et al., 2015; Honey et al., 2014). Occupations related to STEM/STEAM are growing at an exponential rate (Nooan, 2017). Thus, equipping students with these skills will better prepare them for future employment. This presentation will explain the concept of STEM/STEAM and provide an overview of a variety of interactive, inexpensive, and exploratory activities that are designed to engage all learners, including those with disabilities in the Pre-K to 5th grade, into the growing field of learning and careers. Register here. View flyer here.	This session is free and intended for COE students, faculty, staff, and interested individuals. This event also satisfies Research Experience Requirement for EEX 2091 or EEX 4070.
Seeing the Big Picture before we get there: Designing smooth transitions for individuals with multiple disabilities Friday, March 25, 2022 530-7pm, Via Zoom Video Conferencing	Saurym Quezada, M.Ed., Doctoral Student, Department of Special Education	Abstract: Planning for the future or transition planning is vital for individuals with disabilities. Poor planning can often lead to less than desirable life outcomes. In this presentation, participants will learn about early transition planning for adults with multiple disabilities through the lens of educational policy and current laws supporting designed to support a smooth transition. Register here. View flyer here.	This session is free and intended for COE students, faculty, staff, and interested individuals. This event also satisfies Research Experience Requirement for EEX 2091 or EEX 4070.
Academy for Community Inclusion: Mission, Programming, Services, & Initiatives Friday, April 8, 2022 530-7pm, Via Zoom Video Conferencing	Dr. Diana Valle-Riestra and Ms. Lauren Berlingo, M.Ed., Department of Special Education, Academy for Community Inclusion	Abstract: In this session, participants will learn about the Academy for Community Inclusion (ACI), a postsecondary education program with the mission to increase overall independence in employment, self-determination, and community experiences for individuals with intellectual disabilities. its certificate tracks, and services and supports provided by the program to its students. Furthermore, presenters will discuss the development of a series of courses on executive functioning and how research trends in service delivery are identified, summarized, and disseminated via The Brady Bulletin. Register here. View flyer here.	This session is free and intended for COE students, faculty, staff, and interested individuals. This event also satisfies Research Experience Requirement for EEX 2091 or EEX 4070.
Fall 2021 Events
Title/When	Presenter	Abstract	Audience
HOOT: Early Academic Skills for Young Children on the Autism Spectrum October 1, 2021 530-7pm, Via Zoom Video Conferencing	Kaley Adams, M. Ed, BCBA and Michelle Giler, M.Ed., DESE Doctoral Students	Abstract: Early skill development sets the stage for a student’s academic future. Strong early literacy and numeracy competence are predictors of subsequent academic achievement. Children on the autism spectrum face challenges in social communication and restrictive/repetitive behaviors that may impede the acquisition of foundational skills. In this session, participants will learn about basic academic skills, why they are important, and how to teach them to children on the autism spectrum. Register here. View event flyer.	This session is intended for COE students, faculty, staff, and interested individuals. This event also satisfies Research Experience Requirement for EEX 2091 or EEX 4070.
Coming Together for Students with Exceptionalities – A Community Outreach October 15, 2021 430-630pm, Via Zoom Videoconferencing	Panel Moderator: Daniely Lins da Silva – DESE Honors in the major (HOOT) student, Founder and Director of a support group for Brazilian families of special needs children living in South Florida, Autism activist, and mother of neurodiverse children. Panelists: Ms. Riane De Melo - FAU alumni, former Broward Early Steps Service Coordinator, Consutant; Ms. Fabiola Ana Torrez-Chalifour - Parent Coach & Advocacy Coordinator at United Community Options of Broward, Palm Beach & Mid-Coast Counties UCO, and Broward Autism Foundation president; Ms. Kelly Thomas - FAU alumni and PBCSD Teacher; and, Dr. Marissa Kase - Palm Beach County School District, Florida CEC President.	Through empowerment and unison, we can better the life and education of students with disabilities. This moderated panel discussion will address the importance of early intervention, how to prepare yourself for an IEP meeting, roles of the educator-activist, and how teachers can support their community to become more inclusive, as it truly takes a village! Register here. View event flyer	This session is intended for COE students, faculty, staff, and interested individuals. This event also satisfies Research Experience Requirement for EEX 2091 or EEX 4070.
Behave or Else! The hidden coercion in school discipline. October 29 2021 530-7pm, Via Zoom Videoconferencing	Michael Bonevento, Ed.S., School Psychologist, DESE Doctoral Student	Abstract. Under the guise of discipline, coercion is often used as a means to influence student behavior in schools. Coercive practices are seen as necessary and even preferred to positive discipline alternatives. In this presentation, attendees will learn about the origins and subtle (and not so subtle) effects of coercion in school and classroom discipline as well as positive alternatives for teachers and administrators. Register here. View event flyer here.	This session is intended for COE students, faculty, staff, and interested individuals. This event also satisfies Research Experience Requirement for EEX 2091 or EEX 4070.
Inside Academia: Featuring Christopher J. Rivera, Ph.D. November 12, 2021 5-545pm, Via Zoom Videoconferencing	Moderated Discussion with Christopher J. Rivera, Ph.D., Moderated by Dr. Charles Dukes.	In this series, invited scholars will engage in a facilitated discussion with doctoral students about varied aspects of academia. The format is informal, allowing for question and answers about working and thriving in academia. This event will feature Dr. Christopher Rivera, Associate Professor of Special Education at East Carolina University (ECU). Register here. View event flyer.	This event is open to all COE Doctoral students and faculty.
English language learners with extensive support needs: Where do we go from here? November 12, 2021 6-720pm, Via Zoom Videoconferencing	Christopher J. Rivera, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Special Education at East Carolina University (ECU).	Over the past 10 years, research has emerged depicting methods to improve academic outcomes for English language learners with extensive support needs, still there is much to be desired. This presentation will focus defining the population, examine current practices, discus limitations in the field, and provide suggestions for future research. Register here. View event flyer.	This event is only open to COE Graduate Students and Faculty.
Spring 2021 Events
Title/When	Presenter	Abstract	Audience
Department of Special Education Virtual Mixer Friday, January 29, 2021 530 to 7 pm	ESE Faculty	This event is intended to introduce attendees to the programs and faculty in the Department of Special Education. View event flyer and registration information here.	This event is intended for all who are interested
These Images Don’t Represent Us: A New Civil Rights History of Anti-Blackface Friday, February 5, 2021 3-415pm	Dr. Rhae Lynn-Barnes, Assistant Professor, Princeton University	Imagery is powerful. Think about the images seen on television, movies, or the internet. Sometimes entertaining, sometime hurtful, but also educational. Learn how images were used in the past and ultimately shaped our present. This session will present a new history of the American Civil Rights Movement’s fight for racial representation. All are welcome to attend. Register here: View event flyer and registration information here.	This event is open to all COE students, faculty, staff, and interested individuals.
Navigating Academic and Education Initiatives Around Blackface and White Supremacist Backlash Friday, February 5, 2021 5-6pm	Dr. Rhae Lynn-Barnes, Assistant Professor, Princeton University	Dr. Barnes will follow her "These Images Don’t Represent Us: A New Civil Rights History of Anti-Blackface" talk with this event, "Navigating Academic and Education Initiatives Around Blackface and White Supremacist Backlash." This event is intended for academics and those who work in academia. View event flyer and registration information here.	This event is only open to COE Graduate Students and Faculty.
Students with Disabilities in Inclusive Classroom Settings: Speech and Language Interventions Friday, February 19, 2021 530 to 7 pm	Hannah Kammet, M.S., CCC-SLP and Kaley Robinson, M.Ed. ESE Doctoral Students	Speech and language interventions are part of the many common services for students with disabilities in schools today. General and special educators alike will likely have students with speech and language impairments in their classrooms and thus will have the opportunity and responsibility to collaborate with speech language pathologists (SLPs). In this session, participants will learn about approaches to implementing speech and language services within the inclusive classroom setting to include push-in, co-teaching, and pull out approaches to service delivery. View event flyer and registration information here.	This session is intended for COE students, faculty, staff, and interested individuals. This event also satisfies Research Experience Requirement for EEX 2091 or EEX 4070.
Be an Educator Activist! Join your Professional Organization to Advocate for Education Friday March 5, from 3:30-4:30pm	Dr. Jacqueline Rodriguez, Vice President for Research, Policy & Advocacy, American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE).	Advocacy is an important skill for teachers and educational professionals to understand and utilize. This speaker will discuss ways that educators can advocate on behalf of their students while utilizing an important tool, their professional organizations. View event flyer and registration information here.	This event is open to all COE students, faculty, staff, and interested individuals.
Beyond Dominant Narratives of Teaching & Learning: Culturally Relevant Pedagogy in Higher Education Friday, March 19, 2021 4-5pm	Dr., Bianca Nightengale-Lee Assistant Professor, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Curriculum, Culture, and Educational inquiry	In this session we will explore the curricular and instructional practices, which align with a culturally relevant educator outlook to promote culturally efficacious learning experiences for students of Color. View event flyer and registration information here.	This event is intended for all who are interested
Culturally Competent Special Education: How do I know when I see it and what I am supposed to see? Friday, April 9, 2021 530 to 7 pm	Dr. Charles Dukes, Ed.D., Ph.D., Professor, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Special Education	In this session we will explore what it means to be culturally competent and how teacher educators know culturally competent teacher candidates when they see them. View event flyer and registration information here.	This session is intended for COE students, faculty, staff, and interested individuals. This event also satisfies Research Experience Requirement for EEX 2091 or EEX 4070.
Exploring Dancehall Culture and Its Masculine Debates. Thursday, April 22 2021 5-6pm	Donna P. Hope, Ph.D., Professor of Culture, Gender and Society in the Institute of Caribbean Studies at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus in Jamaica	This moderated discussion will explore: an overview of dancehall culture, key manifestations of masculine debates, gendered power dynamics, female deejays as key players in a traditionally male-dominated space and dancehall’s reflections on sexual orientation. The implications of these masculine exemplars for within and beyond the dancehall will be assessed. View event flyer and registration information here.	This event is intended for all who are interested.
Fall 2020 Events
Title/When	Presenter	Abstract	Audience
Fall 2020 All events will be conducted virtually, via Zoom Videoconferencing
Virtual education for students with cognitive disabilities Friday, September 18 6:30-8 pm	Charles Dukes, Ed.D., Ph.D.	HOOT & RER Event The presentation will highlight the features of effective virtual educational experiences for students with significant cognitive disabilities. View event flyer and registration information here.	This session is intended for COE students, faculty, staff, and interested individuals. This event also satisfies Research Experience Requirement for EEX 2091 or EEX 4070.
Teachers of color: Characteristics and trends in attrition and retention from a large urban school district in Florida from 2009 to 2019 Friday, September 25 2-3:30 pm	Kerry Wittel, M.S., Ed.	Doctoral Student Research Ms. Wittel will discuss her research on the attrition and retention of teachers of color in a large urban school district. View event flyer and registration information here.	This two-presentation session is intended for COE students, faculty, staff, and interested individuals. Ms. Wittel will present from 2-245pm.
Growing older with autism: The lived experiences of aging adults with Autism Friday, September 25 2-3:30 pm	Jacqueline Wood, M.Ed.	Doctoral Student Research Ms. Wood will discuss her research on the lived experiences of older individuals with ASD. View event flyer and registration information here.	This two-presentation session is intended for COE students, faculty, staff, and interested individuals. Ms. Wood will present from 245-330pm.
Last Backpack Generation... Who are also diverse learners Friday, October 2 11 am – 12:15 pm	Zachary Walker, Ph.D.	Invited Speaker Dr. Walker will discuss his work examining modern learners whose lives have been transformed through technology and what this means for schooling and teacher education. View event flyer and registration information here.	Event is for DSE Doctoral Students and interested DSE faculty only.
Working Internationally in Special Education Friday, October 2 1-2 pm	Zachary Walker, Ph.D.	Invited Speaker Dr. Walker will host this Q & A session about his professional experiences and working in the field of special education personnel preparation outside the United States. Event is for DSE PhD doctoral students.	This session is intended for DSE Doctoral Students and interested DSE faculty.
The victimization of individuals with ASD: Bullying in the school setting Friday, October 16 6:30-8 pm	Susanne Lauder, M.S. Ed., & Jacqueline Wood. M.Ed.	HOOT & RER Event The presenters will describe strategies for preventing, recognizing, and addressing instances of bullying students with ASD may experience in schools. View event flyer and registration information here.	This session is intended for COE students, faculty, staff, and interested individuals. This event also satisfies Research Experience Requirement for EEX 2091 or EEX 4070.
Identifying and implementing AAC support needs for children with disabilities Friday, October 23 2-3:30 pm	Hannah Kammet, M.S., CCC-SLP	Doctoral Student Research Ms. Kammet will discuss her research on the implementation of a professional development session intended to teach pre-services teachers basic knowledge and skills in Augmentative and Alternative Communication systems. View event flyer and registration information here.	This two-presentation session is intended for COE students, faculty, staff, and interested individuals. Ms. Kammet will present from 2-245pm.
Educator perceptions that lead to suspension and expulsion of young children from early childhood education programs Friday, October 23 2-3:30 pm	Jennifer Amador, M.Ed.	Doctoral Student Research Ms. Amador will discuss her research on early childhood educators’ perceptions of policies and practices related to the suspension and expulsion of young children. View event flyer and registration information here.	This two-presentation session is intended for COE students, faculty, staff, and interested individuals. Ms. Amador will present from 245-330pm.
Implementing interventions in real-world settings: Where do we go from here? Friday, November 6 11-12:15pm	Brian Boyd, Ph.D.	Invited Speaker The standard in applied science and community-based research is to implement interventions in real world contexts such as homes or schools. Yet, we continue to face many hurdles in our efforts to bridge research and practice. Using the Advancing Social-communication and Play (ASAP) intervention as a case study example, this talk will address the current state of behavioral intervention research for children with autism spectrum disorder as well as barriers and potential solutions to moving behavioral intervention research forward. View event flyer and registration information here	This session is intended for COE doctoral students, faculty, staff, and interested individuals.
Moving from evidence to implementation: Understanding the role of implementation science Friday, November 6 1-2pm	Brian Boyd, Ph.D.	Invited Speaker Implementation science is focused on the use of systematic methods to facilitate the adoption, uptake and sustainment of evidence-based innovations. This presentation will provide an overview of implementation science, relevant conceptual frameworks, stages of implementation, and application to autism intervention research. Event is for DSE Doctoral Students and interested DSE faculty only.	This session is intended for DSE Doctoral Students and interested DSE faculty.
Examining the Impact of Virtual Instruction Using Procedural Facilitators on the Opinion Writing of Elementary School- age Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders Friday, Nov. 13 2-3pm	Susanna Launder, M.S. Ed.	Doctoral Student Research Ms. Launder will discuss her research on the implementation of virtual instruction designed to teach a planning strategy for writing to elementary school students with autism. View event flyer and registration information here.	This session is intended for COE students, faculty, staff, and interested individuals. Ms. Launder will present her research, then host a brief Q&A.