Dr. Ann Helmus is a clinical neuropsychologist and Executive Director of NESCA (Neuropsychology and Education Services for Children and Adolescents), in its 20th year in Boston.
Stefanus Lucas is a special education teacher at Sekolah Rendah Pendidikan Khas, Sabah, Malaysia. Stefanus has advocated for and changed the perceptions of people with disabilities in Sabah, Malaysia. He has done this by sharing the beautiful experiences of individuals with disabilities on social media and through promoting his special education classes. His inspirational message of “focusing on ability, not disability†is very evident in his music classes and the impact that music can have on people’s lives. Music unites people and allows individuals to communicate ideas and feelings. It includes everyone as everyone can take part in making music together. Stefanus also focuses on our similarities and how we are all human beings who need each other’s love and support. To see his classes, click on the link: https://youtu.be/4l_CFHwHyiI
Patricia Padorsek, a Director of Teaching and Learning formerly of International School of Kuala Lumpur and now on her way to International School Nido de Aguilas in Chile.
Dr. Joan Schumann who is just beginning a new position as Director of Professional Learning and Instruction at International School Beijing.
Norman Kunc and Emma Van der Klift are well known speakers and advocates within the disability rights community, they prefer to think of themselves as modern day storytellers, continuing the long held tradition of using humour and narrative to initiate self-reflection and social change.
Lori Boll, Erin Madonna and Matt Barker discuss all things to do with working in multidisciplinary teams.
Kumaresan Muniandy is a special education teacher with a degree and master’s degree in special education. He has 10 years of special education teaching experience. At Merbok Special Education Vocational School, he trained students in vocational skills to become skilled workers and venture into the field of entrepreneurship. He also contributed in developing transition program modules for career development which was adopted by special education teachers throughout Malaysia. His expertise in the field of career transition allows him to be one of the experts in training special education teachers at Seameo Sen Malaysia. He has been given various awards such as Excellent Service Award, Outstanding Teacher Award, Innovation Teacher Award, Innovative Teacher Award and Special Education Icon Award. He has written 23 research papers related to career transition and advocacy among SEN students, as well as provided much needed training for educators, industry and the community. To see some of his work, click on the link below: https://youtu.be/0oGENqf2mx0
Sarah Ward, M.S., CCC/SLP has over 25 years of experience in the treatment of executive dysfunction.
Greg O’Connor is a long-time friend of SENIA, who has spoken at many of our conferences and has taught us so much about how we can use technology to best support our students who need it.
Charnin, also known as Ming, attends the International School of Bangkok (ISB) and is a valued member of his grade 3 class. He will be moving to grade 4 this year, has many friends and learns alongside 35 other students. He loves art, especially drawing. He is an outstanding artist and his teammates go to him for guidance and instruction. Having Ming in ISB classes, taught the school to think about differentiation in a whole new way. His presence inspired deeper thought into how students are taught, making a positive impact on everyone. Ming works in partnerships, small groups, and is more confident and proud of his accomplishments because of peer feedback. Being a valued team-member has improved Ming’s ability to follow directions, seek support from teammates and work alongside others on projects. Ming has had a profound impact on classroom culture. Inclusion means that all students develop social, communication, and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to get along with others in diverse communities. Ming’s outgoing, kind, funny nature established a network of friends that exemplifies ISB’s values of respect, care, integrity and gratitude.