Description:

In comparison to peers without disabilities, students with disabilities experience higher rates of mental health challenges including academic-related distress, anxiety, depression, and peer victimization. Resilience, or the ability to adapt well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats, or significant stress, can help mitigate these challenges and is a teachable skill. This session will discuss how resilience-building and other mental health protective factors can be considered in the development of an IEP for any student who may have disability related needs in the area of mental health.

Presenters:

Tim Peerenboom, M.S.Ed. is an Education Consultant for the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction with a focus on school psychology. Tim obtained a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in 2002 and went on to earn two Master’s degrees; in School Psychology Educational Leadership. Prior to joining the DPI in August 2019, Tim has served as a School Psychologist, Autism Specialist and Director of Special Education and Pupil Services.

Eva Shaw is a consultant on the Special Education Team at the Wisconsin DPI. Her role focuses on services and supports related to autism, emotional behavioral disabilities, social and emotional learning for students with IEPs, and alternatives to exclusionary practices. She has worked in the field of special education for over 30 years, and has had the privilege to serve children, families, and schools in several states and in a wide variety of roles.

Learning Objectives:

Understand what protective factors and resilience are and why it is critical for students with disabilities to build resilience skills.

Understand how to align disability related needs, goals, and IEP services to increase protective factors and build resilience skills.