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Thursday, April 10
 

7:30am EDT

Breakfast (Sponsored by Gallaudet University)
Thursday April 10, 2025 7:30am - 8:30am EDT
Thursday April 10, 2025 7:30am - 8:30am EDT
Admiral 300 West Station Square Drive, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

8:30am EDT

Welcome and Opening Remarks
Thursday April 10, 2025 8:30am - 9:15am EDT
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Carole Clancy

Dr. Carole Clancy

Bureau Director of Special Education, Pennslyvania Bureau of Special Education
Dr. Carole Clancy serves as the Director of Special Education for the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Her extensive experience includes more than twenty-seven years spearheading initiatives in the field of Special Education within her school districts. Ms. Clancy's role is to... Read More →
Thursday April 10, 2025 8:30am - 9:15am EDT
Grand Station 1-2 300 West Station Square Drive, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

9:15am EDT

Keynote: Building Connections That Transform Education
Thursday April 10, 2025 9:15am - 10:15am EDT
Building Connections That Transform Education
In an era of rapid change, how do we bridge the generational gap and cultivate a culture of care, connection, and community in our schools? This powerful keynote by Dr. Jason C. Jones unpacks the evolution of student experiences across generations—from Baby Boomers to Generation Alpha—highlighting how societal shifts, technology, and cultural movements have shaped the way students learn, engage, and navigate the world.

Through a compelling “Confession” moment, Dr. Jones challenges educators to reflect on their own upbringing, biases, and teaching methods, recognizing the importance of adaptability in today’s educational landscape. He explores the unique challenges faced by each generation—ranging from overcrowded classrooms and standardized testing to digital
distractions, cyberbullying, and mental health concerns—and provides practical, restorative strategies to foster meaningful connections with students.

Attendees will gain insights into:
 Understanding generational differences to better support student needs
 Strategies for transforming disconnection into meaningful relationships
 Bridging the gap between traditional and modern approaches to education
 Approaches to cultivate trust, consistency, accountability, and support for student success.

By shifting from control to collaboration, discipline to dialogue, and punishment to partnership, educators can create learning environments where students feel valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.

This keynote is an invitation to reimagine education through a restorative lens—one that fosters stronger relationships, celebrates diversity, and equips educators with the tools to inspire the next generation.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Jason C. Jones

Dr. Jason C. Jones

Director for Leadership Development, Riverside County Office of Education
Dr. Jason C. Jones is a dynamic and visionary leader dedicated to shaping the future of education through leadership development and comprehensive student support services. As the Director for Leadership Development with the Riverside County Office of Education, Dr. Jones specializes... Read More →
Thursday April 10, 2025 9:15am - 10:15am EDT
Grand Station 1-2 300 West Station Square Drive, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

10:15am EDT

Morning Break (Sponsored by Programs of WPSD)
Thursday April 10, 2025 10:15am - 10:30am EDT
Thursday April 10, 2025 10:15am - 10:30am EDT
Sheraton Pittsburgh Hotel at Station Square 300 W Station Square Dr. Pittsburgh, PA 15219

10:30am EDT

The Future Deaf Scientists Program: Creating the Deaf Scientists, Researchers and Clinicians of Tomorrow
Thursday April 10, 2025 10:30am - 11:15am EDT
The Future Deaf Scientists (FDS) program, a collaboration between the University of Rochester Medical Center and the Rochester School for the Deaf, addresses the underrepresentation of Deaf individuals in science and medicine. Deaf students face unique challenges including "Deaf tax," systemic ableism, and limited networking and mentoring opportunities, which the program aims to overcome.
Since its 2021 inception, the FDS program has provided a 4-week summer internship in cancer and STEM fields. The curriculum includes didactics, exposure to Deaf science and medicine role models, and hands-on laboratory and surgery experiences. The program has seen steady and recurring participation with multiple students returning several years in a row.
Notably, the FDS program is the first-ever collaboration between an academic medical center and a bilingual school for the Deaf. Positive outcomes include increased knowledge in science, awareness of Deaf role models, and heightened interest in medicine and science careers. The program has received NIH funding for year-long educational activities at RSD, and to create partnerships between other schools for the Deaf and their local academic medical centers for their own summer programs. The FDS program is a national model for inspiring Deaf students to envision themselves as future researchers, clinicians, and scientists.
Learning Objectives
  1. To learn about the Future Deaf Scientists program and how it may apply to other schools for the Deaf
  2. Learn more about possibilities of partnering with universities, also future opportunities to join the FDS Program
Zoom link:
Topic: CEASD 2025- The Future of Deaf Scientists Program
Time: Apr 10, 2025 10:30 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us05web.zoom.us/j/88909099242?pwd=kBrWWw1pxYFyPXiambLUgJZ7gepwac.1

Meeting ID: 889 0909 9242
Passcode: 859395

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+13017158592,,88909099242#,,,,*859395# US (Washington DC)
 
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Wyatte Hall

Dr. Wyatte Hall

Assistant Professor of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center
Dr. Wyatte Hall is an Assistant Professor of Public Health Sciences at the University of Rochester Medical Center. He is director of the Visual Language Access and Acquisition lab which focuses on the relationship between early child language experiences and long-term outcomes in... Read More →
AM

Antony McLetchie

Rochester School for the Deaf, Superintendent
Thursday April 10, 2025 10:30am - 11:15am EDT
Grand Station 3-4 300 West Station Square Drive, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

10:30am EDT

What Should Inclusion and the Least Restrictive Enviroment Look like for Deaf Students?
Thursday April 10, 2025 10:30am - 11:15am EDT
This workshop will explore the concepts of inclusion and the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) in the context of education for Deaf students in California. Participants will gain an understanding why LRE supersedes the general practice of inclusion and Universal Design for Learning approaches for Deaf students. With the recent passing of AB 1938 in California, this workshop will discuss the bill in-depth to gain a better understanding of the true intention of what inclusion means for Deaf students. Ultimately, school administrators want to ensure that Deaf students have equal and equitable access to learning, social interaction, and extracurricular activities. The session will cover legal frameworks such as IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) and how they ensure that Deaf students are educated in environments that best support their academic and social growth while maintaining meaningful communication access. We will also discuss practical strategies for creating inclusive classrooms and fostering collaboration between educators, families, and support professionals to meet the diverse needs of Deaf learners.

Learning Objectives
  1. Participants will analyze the implications of California’s AB 1938, including its goals and how it redefines inclusion for Deaf students.
  2. Participants will explore the legal frameworks, including IDEA, that support the education of Deaf students in LRE settings and ensure equitable access to education.

Zoom link:
Topic: What Should Inclusion and LRE Look Like...
Time: Apr 10, 2025 10:30 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us05web.zoom.us/j/89246618466?pwd=obrZCjBX9jUH5LJ0g7pTcMbrwoZShB.1

Meeting ID: 892 4661 8466
Passcode: 618510

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+13017158592,,89246618466#,,,,*618510# US (Washington DC)


Speakers
avatar for Dr. Nancy Hilbok Amann

Dr. Nancy Hilbok Amann

Director of State Special Schools and Services Division, California Department of Education
Nancy Hlibok Amann, Ph.D., is the Director of State Special Schools and Services Division at the California Department of Education. She oversees the California School for the Deaf-Fremont, the California School for the Deaf-Riverside, the California School for the Blind in Fremont... Read More →
Thursday April 10, 2025 10:30am - 11:15am EDT
Grand Station 1-2 300 West Station Square Drive, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

11:30am EDT

Pathways Through Uncertainty: Planning for a Sustainable Future
Thursday April 10, 2025 11:30am - 12:15pm EDT
The landscape of deaf education in America is changing.  To remain the first choice for deaf and hard of hearing students nationwide, schools for the deaf across the country must navigate these evolving times with innovation and strategic planning.  Since 1817, the American School for the Deaf (ASD) has remained at the forefront by maintaining a pulse on the emerging trends in deaf education and modifying our programs accordingly.  

This presentation will offer perspective on the shift in student demographics at schools for the deaf over the last 200+ years – looking first at the profile of students served following the rubella epidemic in the 1960s and contrasting this profile to that of students served today. The changing perspective of deaf education will also be examined as enrollment among deaf students with special needs has increased exponentially over the past several years. Data highlighting these trends in student demographics will be shared.

Finally, the presentation will highlight the need for innovation among schools for the deaf to meet the individual needs of a diverse student population. Examples will be provided to offer insight into how schools can ensure a sustainable future by differentiating their programs to meet tomorrow’s demands.

Learning Objectives
  1. Gain a deeper understanding of the evolving landscape of deaf education in America.
  2. Develop a vision for the future of deaf education that emphasizes innovation and adaptability.

Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82661859608
Speakers
avatar for Jeffrey Bravin

Jeffrey Bravin

Executive Director, American School for the Deaf
Jeffrey S. Bravin has been the Executive Director of the American School for the Deaf since 2002. He oversees all aspects of the school, from educational programs to fundraising and public relations. Before joining ASD, he worked at the Lexington School for the Deaf and Gallaudet... Read More →
Thursday April 10, 2025 11:30am - 12:15pm EDT
Grand Station 1-2 300 West Station Square Drive, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

12:15pm EDT

Lunch (Sponsored by Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind (AIDB))
Thursday April 10, 2025 12:15pm - 1:15pm EDT
Thursday April 10, 2025 12:15pm - 1:15pm EDT
Admiral 300 West Station Square Drive, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

1:15pm EDT

The Federal Landscape in Education: Threats and Opportunities
Thursday April 10, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm EDT
In recent months, chatter has become louder about reforming how the country approaches education. There are numerous policy positions and legislative attempts being introduced and discussed and this workshop will bring to light the conversations surrounding and shaping education policy that leads to a variety of bills being introduced in state legislatures and Congress. The participants will learn about the potential impacts on deaf/special education and steps to take to become aware of potential effects on individual schools and programs.

Learning Objectives
  1. Learn the current legislative bills on Special Education/Education
  2. Discuss policy shifts in education
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83571746908  
Speakers
avatar for Claire Bugen

Claire Bugen

Interim Executive Director, CEASD
avatar for Kim Bianco-Majeri

Kim Bianco-Majeri

Government Liaison, Gallaudet
Thursday April 10, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm EDT
Grand Station 1-2 300 West Station Square Drive, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

2:15pm EDT

ASL Immerson- An Action Palette for Language and Cognition Spectrum
Thursday April 10, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT
The State of Kansas Language Assessment Program (LAP), and the state of California’s Parent Feedback forms (from LEAD-K) show that at least 70% of DHH children face language deprivation and delays between the ages of 0 and 8 years. With 16 years of experience utilizing ASL Immersion classes at KSD, we offer a radical, yet simple and cost effective approach to quickly lessen the effects of language delays in school-age DHH children. Identifying student areas of need in ASL development with various language assessments, teachers can quickly meet the student needs of ASL acquisition with daily lessons over specific communication skills. Hands-on and real-world activities allow students to seamlessly acquire ASL and learn content information about the world around them. Students exit this class once conversational proficiency is reached. Often new goals are established and serviced through ASL tutoring to tackle more of the academic communication skills required for higher-level communication. ASL Immersion classes can be implemented at the elementary and secondary levels to accommodate students of any age. The presenters will share sample lessons, pictures of group activities, and videos of students in action.

Learning Objectives
  1. Discuss my school’s existing practices and devise a plan of action to address students’ language and cognition delays in my school.
  2. Identify resources, including personnel and services, available in my school to implement ASL immersion.
Zoom link:
Topic: CEASD 2025- ASL Immersion- An Action Palette...
Time: Apr 10, 2025 11:30 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us05web.zoom.us/j/83400031607?pwd=nNi5MYSLZ1gyl4RcjCUVslmLvTlX0g.1

Meeting ID: 834 0003 1607
Passcode: 370796

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Speakers
avatar for Kester Horn-Marsh

Kester Horn-Marsh

AEBPD bilingual mentor & Bilingual Specialist, Kansas School for the Deaf
Kester L. Horn-Marsh has a BA in English education from Avila University with an MA in Deaf Education from the University of Kansas. He was a secondary language arts teacher at Kansas School for the Deaf before becoming the Bilingual Specialist. He is also an AEBPD bilingual mentor... Read More →
Thursday April 10, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT
Grand Station 3-4 300 West Station Square Drive, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

2:15pm EDT

When "One More Thing" Becomes "The Thing": A Systematic Approach to Professional Learning (A)
Thursday April 10, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT
Student progress monitoring, needs assessment, and school initiatives are a vital, ongoing occurrence in the educational setting. FSDB offers a wide range of professional learning opportunities for all academic leaders, specialists, and teachers to develop common language and purposeful instructional planning with the common goal to support teacher effectiveness and student success.  Learn how FSDB is using an intentional and systematic approach to professional learning leveraging technology tools and face-to face engagement to improve practices based on identified barriers and in alignment to school and state initiatives. FSDB’s comprehensive professional learning opportunities include a range of delivery methods: whole campus mini-workshops, school-level meetings, small group professional learning communities, or individual teacher coaching.

Learning Objectives
  1. By the end of the session, participants will be able to use strategies to develop a system with their professional learning, needs assessment, and progress monitoring.
  2. By the end of the session, participants will be able to identify barriers and next steps to successfully implement systems.
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87189106348
Speakers
avatar for Tracie Snow

Tracie Snow

President, Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind (FSDB)
Tracie has dedicated nearly 30 years to the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind (FSDB), where she currently proudly serves students, staff, families, and alumni as President. Throughout her career, she has provided leadership in instruction, compliance, and exceptional education... Read More →
avatar for Randi Mitchell

Randi Mitchell

Executive Director of Curriculum and Professional Development, Florida School for the Deaf and Blind (FSDB)
Randi Mitchell is Executive Director of Curriculum and Professional Development at the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind (FSDB) and an Adjunct Instructor at Flagler College. Her career started in Kindergarten where she used creative and innovative methods to teach before pursuing... Read More →
Thursday April 10, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT
Grand Station 1-2 300 West Station Square Drive, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

3:00pm EDT

Afternoon Break (Sponsored by American School for the Deaf)
Thursday April 10, 2025 3:00pm - 3:15pm EDT
Thursday April 10, 2025 3:00pm - 3:15pm EDT
Sheraton Pittsburgh Hotel at Station Square 300 W Station Square Dr. Pittsburgh, PA 15219

3:15pm EDT

School Leadership: What We Know and What We Don't
Thursday April 10, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm EDT
We all know that the leadership of a Deaf school defines the success or struggles of the school. Although that is known collectively, what does research tell us? The earliest known unpublished dissertation on Deaf school leaders, “Leadership Practices Of Superintendents at Residential Schools for the Deaf,” by Balk surfaced only in 1997. The earliest article on the subject, “Preparing future teacher and doctoral level leaders in deaf education: Meeting the Challenge,” by Andrews and Covell was published in 2007. Since then there has been little research and/or peer reviewed literature that might offer ideas and data to serve as resources for all Deaf school and program leaders as well as aspiring leaders both in and out of our field. Despite this lack of research-based data and practices, there have been efforts to address the shortage of deaf leaders, particularly educational leaders. There were programs like Leadership Training Program and Gallaudet Leadership Institute. Both have been discontinued. The closest effort is our own Leadership Academy, which is a 4-day training program. However, even with these efforts, these programs (and we as a field) are still lacking the research, data, and documented best practices to provide our leaders what they need.

Learning Objectives

  1. What is already out there in the literature? 
  2. What do you want to know?
  3. How can leadership research support your programs?
Zoom link:
Topic: CEASD 2025- School Leadership: What We Know & What We Don't
Time: Apr 10, 2025 03:15 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us05web.zoom.us/j/86377085299?pwd=IoP20MN7dru6SvQi157TLbPjG2omBc.1

Meeting ID: 863 7708 5299
Passcode: 782949

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Speakers
avatar for Dr. Nathan Harrison

Dr. Nathan Harrison

Lecturer in the MSSE program, Rochester Institute of Technology
Dr. Nathan Harrison is the husband to Mackenzie and father to three children. He is a lecturer in the MSSE program at the Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, NY, and focuses on digital teaching and learning, D/HH pedagogy, bilingual instruction, and Deaf Educational Leadership... Read More →
avatar for Russell West

Russell West

Visiting Assistant Professor-Master of Science in Secondary Education (MSSE) Program, Rochester Institute of Technology's National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID)
Mr. Russell O. West is a Visiting Assistant Professor at Rochester Institute of Technology's National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID) Master of Science in Secondary Education (MSSE) Program. He has served on several accreditation teams for the Conference of Educational Administrators... Read More →
Thursday April 10, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm EDT
Grand Station 3-4 300 West Station Square Drive, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

3:15pm EDT

When "One More Thing" Becomes "The Thing": A Systematic Approach to Professional Learning (B)
Thursday April 10, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm EDT
Student progress monitoring, needs assessment, and school initiatives are a vital, ongoing occurrence in the educational setting. FSDB offers a wide range of professional learning opportunities for all academic leaders, specialists, and teachers to develop common language and purposeful instructional planning with the common goal to support teacher effectiveness and student success.  Learn how FSDB is using an intentional and systematic approach to professional learning leveraging technology tools and face-to face engagement to improve practices based on identified barriers and in alignment to school and state initiatives. FSDB’s comprehensive professional learning opportunities include a range of delivery methods: whole campus mini-workshops, school-level meetings, small group professional learning communities, or individual teacher coaching.

Learning Objectives
  1. By the end of the session, participants will be able to use strategies to develop a system with their professional learning, needs assessment, and progress monitoring.
  2. By the end of the session, participants will be able to identify barriers and next steps to successfully implement systems.
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86027994875
Speakers
avatar for Tracie Snow

Tracie Snow

President, Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind (FSDB)
Tracie has dedicated nearly 30 years to the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind (FSDB), where she currently proudly serves students, staff, families, and alumni as President. Throughout her career, she has provided leadership in instruction, compliance, and exceptional education... Read More →
avatar for Randi Mitchell

Randi Mitchell

Executive Director of Curriculum and Professional Development, Florida School for the Deaf and Blind (FSDB)
Randi Mitchell is Executive Director of Curriculum and Professional Development at the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind (FSDB) and an Adjunct Instructor at Flagler College. Her career started in Kindergarten where she used creative and innovative methods to teach before pursuing... Read More →
Thursday April 10, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm EDT
Grand Station 1-2 300 West Station Square Drive, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

4:15pm EDT

Special Interest Groups: Dual Schools
Thursday April 10, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm EDT
Faciliator: Brian Darcy
Thursday April 10, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm EDT
Grand Station 3-4 300 West Station Square Drive, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

4:15pm EDT

Special Interest Groups: Outreach
Thursday April 10, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm EDT
Faciliator: Jennifer Herbold
Thursday April 10, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm EDT
Grand Station 1-2 300 West Station Square Drive, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

4:15pm EDT

Special Interest Groups: Principals Roundtable
Thursday April 10, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm EDT
Facilitator 1: Jennifer Labriola-Megee
Faciliator 2:
Thursday April 10, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm EDT
Grand Station 1-2 300 West Station Square Drive, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

5:00pm EDT

Night on the Town
Thursday April 10, 2025 5:00pm - 10:00pm EDT
Check out Station Square for restaurants in the area you could visit.

Check out The Terminal at the Strip District for restaurants and points of interest in the area you could visit.

Check out North Shore for restaurants and points of interest in the area you could visit.

Ride the incline for a gorgeous view of the city!
Thursday April 10, 2025 5:00pm - 10:00pm EDT
Pittsburgh, PA
 
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