Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. President | St. John's University website
Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. President | St. John's University website
On April 15, 2024, the School of Education at an event in Queens, NY, brought together educators, specialists, students, and parents to address the needs of children with special educational requirements. The conference, titled “Understanding Behaviors of Children with Disabilities: Effective Strategies and Support,” aimed to foster a deeper understanding and resource-sharing among those dedicated to assisting children in need of extra support.
During the event, featured speakers Debora Thivierge, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of The ELIJA School, The ELIJA Foundation, ELIJA Farm, and ELIJA’s Transition Program and Services, and Joshua Jessel, Assistant Professor at Queens College, shared their insights and experiences in the field of special education.
Thivierge, a parent of a child with special educational needs, emphasized the importance of learning from personal experiences and passing on knowledge to others. She expressed, “It has certainly been a difficult challenge for me personally. 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.”
Reflecting on his two-decade-long dedication to behavior analysis, Dr. Jessel highlighted the significance of adapting practices to best serve clients and families. He emphasized the importance of treating individuals with dignity and respect, prioritizing their safety and quality of life. Dr. Jessel remarked, “We treat the clients and families with dignity and respect and keep quality of life at the forefront of our decision-making process. We, as clinicians, must ensure safety and trust by prioritizing a physically and emotionally safe environment where clients’ needs are met.”
The conference underscored the collaborative efforts needed to address the diverse needs of students with disabilities. As Dr. Jessel aptly summarized, “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.”
In conclusion, the event served as a platform for professionals, parents, and advocates to come together, share knowledge, and explore effective strategies for supporting children with special educational needs within the community.
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