EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOPS & WEBINARS

​​

Our monthly workshops cover a variety of topics designed to empower individuals with Down syndrome and their families through knowledge, resources, and support. Offering the convenience to connect from anywhere, these sessions are held virtually on Zoom, and are a free service offered in part through grant funding. 

​​​

OUR NEXT WEBINAR

Pathways to Meaningful Inclusion

Wednesday, June 18

12-1 PM ET
 

To commemorate 2025 as the 50th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), let’s take special education collaboration to new heights and level up our advocacy for inclusive education.

 

Join us with special guest speaker Amy Plica to learn how to:

-Share your collaboration and inclusion journey
-Enhance student and family involvement in the special education process
-Leverage evidence-based frameworks and practices

-Create partnerships that ensure that all learners have access and opportunities to last a lifetime

​

As always, you will leave Amy’s workshop with practical next steps and useful materials based on where you are in your inclusion journey… plus tons of curated resources to keep you moving forward!
 

Use the registration link below to sign up today. Meeting details will be sent directly to the email provided.

 

If you reside in NYS and have a TABS number through the Office of Persons with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), and are not yet receiving self-directed services, please consider sharing your TABS number where indicated on the registration form. A TABS number is not required to attend the workshops but helps DSAF maintain funding to continue servicing families in need.

​​

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Amy Plica is a proud mom to an elementary-age child with Down syndrome and ADHD and has over two decades of experience in education. Throughout her career and in her other pursuits, Amy thoughtfully partners with folks to build capacities and create opportunities for change.

 

She has been a general educator across elementary grades, mentor teacher, graduate-level teaching assistant, literacy specialist, family and community engagement specialist, professional development specialist, intervention specialist, curriculum developer and consultant, testing coordinator, school leadership team member, and more. 

 

She has engaged in federally-funded systems change work to improve outcomes for students with disabilities, is a board member for the Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education and for her local chapter of the Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin, and participated as a HUB Team Member for Project ECHO Early Childhood Education at the Waisman Center.

 

Amy is founder and owner of Universal Crossings LLC providing paperless, remote, and nationwide consultation and services to promote best practices in inclusive education. Her flexible suite of services includes product creation, consultation, coaching, and online presentations.

 

She has a Master of Arts from New York University in Early Childhood and Elementary Education and a Bachelor of Arts from Temple University in Political Science and Criminal Justice. In addition, she has 36 additional graduate-level credits in Teaching American History through Literature and Educational Leadership.