2026 1368

Presenter(s)

Event Details

Topic:

accessibility & UDL

Format:

lecture

Subject Level:

beginner

Age Span:

infant / toddler
preschool
kindergarten - grade 6
grades 7-12
adult

Target Audience:

consultant
educator
family member / caregiver
K-12 administration
special educator
university professor / personnel

Professional Development Credits

IACET CEUs:

0.01

ACVREP CEs:

1

Presentation Length: 1 hour

Date and Time (Central Daylight Time):

  • October 22, 2026
  • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Location:

Atrium 4

Description:

Research highlights that siblings of children with complex needs face unique challenges requiring targeted support. This workshop explores “Bring Your Sibling to School Day” (BYSTSD), an innovative initiative at HMS School for Children with Cerebral Palsy designed to promote belonging and community.

Through a blend of hands-on education and peer connection, siblings engage with the tools that define their siblings’ daily lives—including assistive technology, AAC devices, and adaptive equipment. Attendees will learn how the program fosters sibling interaction, demystifies the specialized school environment, and builds a supportive network for families. Furthermore, we will discuss how BYSTSD aligns with the PA Department of Education’s Attract, Prepare, Retain goals by introducing youth to rewarding career paths in special education.

Learning Outcomes:

As a result of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Analyze the key components of a "Bring Your Sibling to School Day" event, including activities that promote belonging and understanding of students with complex needs.

• Design at least three strategies for educating siblings about assistive technology, AAC, and adapted equipment used by students with disabilities.

• Develop different approaches to adapting the "Bring Your Sibling to School Day" model for use in their own school settings to support sibling relationships and promote equitable school communities.

Disclosures:

I work at HMS School for Children with Cerebral Palsy
I work at HMS School for Children with Cerebral Palsy