Agenda is subject to change.

Supporting One, Supporting All: Collaborative Classroom Support Models for Inclusive Classrooms

Keynote Session
Shelley Moore, Ph.D., Outside Pin Consulting

The goals of inclusion are continuing to shift and evolve as we learn more about diversity and identity. The Inclusive planning process is aiming to situate Disability as an identity, not a deficit, and so to determine what supports and strategies students require, teams are shifting to look at needs, instead of disabilities, as a reference point. In this way, planning for inclusive classes can be universal, and anticipate the needs of everyone in a community.

In this session we will start by looking at what inclusion means and why it is important in classrooms and schools today. Then we will connect to Universal Design for Learning principles and look at how we can plan for a student with a disability, in ways that can support many students in a classroom.

Shelley Moore, Ph.D.

Presenter Bio: Based in British Columbia, Canada, Dr. Shelley Moore is a highly sought-after inclusive education researcher, teacher, consultant and storyteller. She has worked with school districts and community organizations around the world. Her research explores how to support teachers to design for all learners in grade level academic classrooms that include students with intellectual disabilities using strength based and responsive approaches. Shelley completed her undergraduate degree in Special Education at the University of Alberta, her Masters at Simon Fraser University, and her Ph.D. at the University of British Columbia.

To Be Included Means to Belong: Neurodiversity-Affirming Ways to Build Meaningful Connections Among Students with Autism and their Peers

Keynote Session
Elizabeth E. Biggs, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Special Education, Vanderbilt University

Belonging is the heart of inclusion. This session will take a neurodiversity-affirming look at how schools can foster meaningful engagement and relationships among students with autism and their peers. Drawing on research and lived experiences— including experiences of students with autism and their peers— we will consider the “stuff of friendship” and identify factors that support true connection. Participants will leave with practical, evidence-based strategies for promoting inclusion and belonging through peer relationships.

Elizabeth E. Biggs, Ph.D.

Presenter Bio: Dr. Elizabeth Biggs is a nationally recognized educator, researcher, and speaker with over 15 years of experience working with students with autism and other related disabilities. As an Assistant Professor at Vanderbilt University, she teaches courses about inclusive education, general education access, and literacy instruction for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She is also a prominent researcher whose research focuses on developing evidence-based practices to promote authentic peer relationships and meaningful language and literacy learning for students with disabilities, particularly who use or would benefit from augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). She has received two national early career awards for her research, including from TASH and the Association of University Centers on Disability (AUCD). Dr. Biggs brings real-world experience to her work as a parent to a child with autism and as a former special education teacher on the Navajo Nation in New Mexico. She aims to use her research, teaching, and speaking to partner meaningfully with professionals, families, and school systems to build inclusive environments where every student can thrive.

Real Talk About AAC: Lessons From The Boy With the Talking Box

Keynote Session
Mateo Moreno, Voices 4 All, LLC - Presenter

During this session, Mateo will share his AAC journey, pointers for communication partners, his pet peeves and what it's like to grow up being the only AAC user in the room. Mateo will tell participants about his visits to classrooms, discuss the role AAC users should play in educating peers and outline the benefits of inclusive educational placements for students. He will discuss how important it is for peers to learn how to communicate with their friends who just happen to talk differently. He will challenge participants to help bring together AAC users and their families to create a much-needed peer-to-peer support system. Mateo will share his perspective on why AAC users should play a big role in professional development. His presentations serve as a springboard and help make the professional advice stick. Plus, educators see what’s possible when the entire team works together to support emergent AAC users.

Mateo Moreno

Presenter Bio: Mateo Moreno has used AAC since the age of 4. Today, he's confident and eager to talk with new people and spread awareness about AAC. He enjoys talking with families and professionals about his experiences. He presents nationally at conferences, school districts and universities to share his AAC journey, recommendations for communication partners, his pet peeves and what it's like to grow up being the only AAC user in the room. He’s visited classrooms to present to over 2,500 students ranging from kindergarten to 6th grade to talk openly about AAC, disability, inclusion and just plain kindness. He’s a PRC-Saltillo Ambassador and Mentor. He meets with other AAC users virtually and in person. Check him out on Disney+ in a short documentary entitled Camp ALEC as part of the People and Places series.

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