Inclusion in Action: Empowering our community to shape tomorrow
We hope to engage educators, families, and professionals across Virginia with the knowledge, strategies, and connections needed to support individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities in their educational journeys and beyond—fostering inclusive, lifelong pathways toward independence and belonging.VDSA strives to take the dream of belonging and inclusion and transform it into actionable steps for educators, community partners, and our families.
Our conference schedule is being finalized, but sessions are currently as follows:
| Time | Lipman Auditorium | Massey LTC Multipurpose Room | Classroom 117 | Classroom 210 | Classroom 218 | Classroom 220 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9:00am-10:00am | Keynote Address by David Egan | |||||
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10:15am-11:30am
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Fostering Healthy Relationships by Renée Soniat, MS, VCU’s Partnership for People with Disabilities |
Independence and Self‑Advocacy in IEPs and Transition Planning by Jessica Kuss | Empowering Choices, Preserving Rights: A Parent’s Introduction to Supported Decision-Making by Sara Thompson, DBHDS | Addressing Behaviors Confidently by Kathleen Gibson, PEATC and VDSA | ||
| 11:45am-1:00pm |
Lunchtime Panel – Self-Advocates on Employment and Volunteering |
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1:15pm-2:30pm
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Big Voices, Smart Choices: Supporting Decision Making from Preschool Through Adulthood by Staci Carr, VCU Center on Transition Innovations |
Successful Transition Planning and the IEP by Tammy Burns, PEATC | 1-on-1 IEP Consultations by Kathleen Gibson and Cassie DiFrango, PEATC |
Special Needs Planning: Pulling Together Financial, Legal, and Advocacy Supports for People with Disabilities by Dr. Kathy Matthews, All Needs Planning |
Helping or Hovering? Does Distance Make a Difference When Launching Independence by Joanie Garro, BCBA, Garro Behavior Consulting | |
| 2:45pm-4:00pm | IPSE College Student Panel with Staci Carr and Megan Reynolds, VCU ACE-IT |
What it Means to Thrive Independently by Ryan Corrigan, Good Neighbor Village, Inc. |
1-on-1 IEP Consultations by Kathleen Gibson and Cassie DiFrango, PEATC | Coming of Age Manual session by disAbility Law Center of Virginia | Communication Success by Bright Achievements ABA |
