Stanford Down Syndrome Conference

Learn practical tips and take-aways you can use for everyday life! With new initiatives and interest on campus that impacts the Down syndrome population, the Stanford Down Syndrome Research Center (SDSRC) is re-invigorated and excited to host this conference for Bay Area families.

• Education: ABC’s of Effective Reading Instruction, Overview of evidence-based strategies, resources, and activities for effecting reading instruction for students with Down syndrome, Dana Halle, The Learning Program, NDSC executive committee and frequent NDSC speaker
• Education: Accommodations & Adaptations; Learning how to work with teachers to develop and implement practical accommodations and adapted assessments, Lakshmi Balasubramanian, Lecturer, Stanford Graduate School of Education 
• Inclusion through Innovations – Tech Tools for Today and Tomorrow: Digital solutions have proliferated over the past three years. Many of these tech tools can be critical in furthering the support, instruction, and overall facilitation for students with Down syndrome, and their peers, to be meaningfully included. Together, participants will explore readily available solutions application to the K-12 classroom. Sean Smith, Professor, Special Education, University of Kansas, NDSC board member & frequent NDSC speaker and Pan-Pan Jiang, Google
• Transition: Post Secondary Education Options, Educational options your student has after high school. Finding a good fit between a program and your student. Understanding what the different types of programs are looking for in an applicant. Beth Foraker, Co-Director, UC Davis Redwood SEED Scholar Program
• Transition: Supported Decision Making and Self Determination, What is Supported Decision Making? What is Person-Centered Planning and Self-Determination? What will be the impact of AB 1663? Protecting but affirming a self-advocate’s voice and rights after they turn 18 yrs old. Hear from professionals and the journey of a self-advocate. Speakers: Dr. Jennifer Pien, Clinical Assoc. Professor, Stanford University School of Medicine, Sheraden Nicholau, California State Council on Developmental Disabilities, Suzanne Bennett Francisco, Co-Chair, Human Rights Community of Practice, TASH & President/CEO, Exceptional Rights Advocacy, Linda Chan Rapp, parent and advisory committee member, Harbor Regional Center, Eden Rapp, self advocate
• Medical: Updated (2022) American Academy of Pediatrics guideline “Health Supervision for Children and Adolescents With Down Syndrome”, Noemi Spinazzi, Asst Clinical Professor, UCSF School of Medicine & Medical Director, UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Down Syndrome Clinic (Charlie’s Clinic), NDSC board member, and Co-Chair, DSMIG Down Syndrome-Autism Dual Diagnosis Subcommittee
• Small Group Discussion: We will have a block of time for attendees to be part of a small group discussion with select speakers to dig into a topic

Exact times and topic descriptions subject to minor change

Parking information to be shared with registered attendees. Current plans are for an in-person only event.

Registration cost includes all speaker sessions, small group discussion, lunch, and reception.

Reception to follow. Reception information here.