NYC Gazette

The School of Education recently hosted a conference for educators, behavioral specialists, students, and parents of children with special educational needs to promote a greater understanding and sharing of resources between those committed to helping children in this space. Entitled “Understanding Behaviors of Children with Disabilities: Effective Strategies and Support,” the conference was held on March 20 at the D’Angelo Center on the Queens, NY, campus, and developed by the Department of Education Specialties within the School. Featured speakers at the conference were Debora Thivierge, BCaBA, CBAA, Chief Executive Officer and Founder, The ELIJA School, and Founder The ELIJA Foundation, ELIJA Farm, and ELIJA’s Transition Program and Services, and Joshua Jessel, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Queens College, and Lead Consultant, FTF Behavioral Consulting.

Joshua Jessel, Ph.D., emphasized the importance of collaboration at the conference, stating, "This is a great day for all of us to come together and learn a tremendous amount about the needs of special education students, the resources that are out there, and how we work with these students." He also highlighted the need for teamwork, saying, "We have knowledge and expertise, and so do you. We need to work together to solve the problems that confront us every day to provide opportunities for our kids and to build stronger schools. That’s what this conference is really dedicated to: understanding the needs of students."

Debora Thivierge, who shared her personal experience as a parent of a child with special educational needs, acknowledged the challenges faced by parents and professionals in this field. She expressed, "It has certainly been a difficult challenge for me personally," and emphasized the importance of learning from personal experiences and sharing knowledge with others. Thivierge highlighted the essence of teaching, stating, "What I like to tell people is that as I journey through my own personal struggles and excitement for my child with autism, I learn, and I share. I think that’s inherent in someone who is a teacher. We learn from our own experiences and want to pass that on to others."

Dr. Jessel shared his dedication to behavior analysis and the treatment of aggressive problem behaviors, stating, "I am what is termed a ‘practitioner scientist,’ which means everything I do is in the client’s best interest, but I still attempt to learn, adapt, and influence the research community with my work." He emphasized the importance of treating clients and families with dignity and respect, prioritizing safety and trust, and building a supportive environment for individuals with special needs.

The conference, organized by The School of Education, aimed to foster collaboration and understanding among professionals, educators, and parents to better support children with special educational needs, particularly those on the autism spectrum.