2019-20 Educational Programs

PAST PROGRAMS:

"Needham's Special Education Services and Programs"

Wednesday, October 16

Our annual overview of what Needham has to offer students with all types of needs at all of our schools, from preschool through age 22. We were joined by Tricia Mullen, Rebecca Sparrell, Julie Muse-Fisher AND the K-8 building coordinators.

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"Ask the Experts: IEP Meeting Do's and Don'ts"

Tuesday, November 19

Join us as we visit both sides of the table at an IEP meeting. Advocate and former administrator Tina Roy Lynde and attorney Eileen Hagerty will share strategies and insights from their many years working with families of special education students to help you communicate more effectively and productively with your child’s team.

Eileen Hagerty is an attorney at Kotin, Crabtree & Strong who specializes in special education law, and has been representing students and their parents for over 20 years.

Tina Roy Lynde has been a special education advocate for the past 15 years. Previously, she worked for the Brookline Public Schools for 27 years as a special education teacher and Out of District Administrator.

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"A Guide to Special Education"

Thursday, January 30

Attorney Michelle Moor will teach families the basics of special education, with information that will help you:

• • Understand your child’s eligibility for special education

  • Know your rights under state and federal law

  • Plan and monitor your child’s progress

  • Be an effective partner with your child’s school

Presenter Michelle Moor is an attorney whose practice is devoted entirely to helping children with special needs access appropriate educational services. She worked in the disability and special education law group at Kotin, Crabtree & Strong, LLP for several years, and is currently a partner at Moor, Perlman & Gregg LLC. 

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"Understanding Dyslexia and Supporting Struggling Readers"

Thursday, February 27

Please join us for a presentation by Dr. Alissa Talamo, a neuropsychologist from NESCA, who will address dyslexia-related topics including:

• • How to identify a student with dyslexia

  • Best practices in supporting the acquisition of reading skills

  • How changing MA laws will help identify struggling readers

Alissa Talamo, Ph.D. specializes in working with children and adolescents with language-based learning disabilities including dyslexia, attentional disorders, and emotional issues. With NESCA since 2007, Dr. Talamo practiced for many years as a child and adolescent clinical psychologist prior to completing postdoctoral re-training in pediatric neuropsychology.

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Lillian Ellmore: Empowering People with Disabilities

April 14, 7:00pm online via Zoom

Lillian Ellmore shares her experience of living with cerebral palsy to highlight the importance of appreciating and embracing those with differences, not just including or accommodating them. Currently a senior at Lexington High School, Lillian was recently named National Miss Amazing Teen Queen 2019.