InspirED Virtual Learning Series

Video: InspirED Promotional Video

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The 2020-2021 school year has proven to be different in many ways—from teaching and learning remotely to learning how to connect and engage in new ways and ensuring ALL students have access to the information and resources they need during this unique time.

In September 2020, OCALI, in partnership with the Ohio Department of Education’s Office for Exceptional Children, launched the InspirED Virtual Learning Series to support educators, education professionals, families, caregivers, and others during this pandemic and in new, remote learning environments.

Register Now for Our Latest Session

This ongoing Zoomcast series is hosted jointly by OCALI Center leads and ODE partners.

Revisiting Special Education Profile Data: Solving Problems of Practice Through Data Analysis

May 19, 2022 | 4:00pm

In this session, we will be modeling the use of a data collection template that can be populated with Special Education Profile and other data sets as a tool for problem solving. Examine a sample problem that challenges the service provision for learners with disabilities, which may include topics such as disproportionality, LRE across subgroups, access to Tier 1 instruction across subgroups, graduation outcomes across subgroups, language and literacy outcomes across subgroups, etc.

Presented by: Shawna Benson, Program Director, Teaching Diverse Learnings Center, OCALI; Andrea DiFrancesco, Education Program Specialist – Urban Support, Ohio Department of Education

More sessions coming soon!

How it Works

The learning series consists of “Zoomcast” sessions or recorded, facilitated conversations that are approximately 30 minutes each. All content is focused on increasing successful engagement of diverse learners in a remote/virtual instructional environment, linking the users with appropriate resources and tools.

Learners have the ability to earn a professional development certificate by completing a survey at the end of each learning session.

Who It's For

Our vision for this virtual learning series is to fill a need and help educators, administrators, and families find the information and resources they need to support learning and successful outcomes for their students or children during a very unique time of learning.

Educators who support students with disabilities in their continued/newer role as remote learning instructors.

Administrators and other school leaders as they guide and support educators.

Families in their new role as at-home instructors.

Video Gallery

Recent Sessions

If you missed a recent session or want to go back and re-watch, check out the most recent InspirED sessions below.

The Earlier the Better! Recognizing Autism in Young Children

April 21: Gain a deeper understanding of ASD diagnosis and educational eligibility determination, insight into differences in presentation of ASD, and considerations for decisions about services and supports.

Ohio Deaf History Month: Recognizing and Celebrating Deaf Education in Ohio

Culture is defined as “customs, languages, arts, and social achievements of a nation, people, or other social group.” Explore Deaf culture by honoring Ohio’s contributions as we celebrate Deaf History Month.

Surrogate Parent for a Child with a Disability

Some students do not have a parent to represent them in special education matters and need someone acting on their behalf. Learn about surrogate parent requirements, supports, and training.

In Focus: Secondary Transition in Ohio

Research shows that transition planning for students with disabilities leads to better employment, education and independent living. Learn more about Ohio's secondary transition planning practices for students.

Want to Search by Audience or Topic?

To easily find specific sessions or content, all videos have been organized by audience and by topic. In the Gallery for Families and the Gallery for Professionals, learners can access all previously aired sessions, which include interactive transcripts, audio description, and session materials. These galleries are also a great resource to share with colleagues, families, and others who may benefit from the information.

Banner for InspirED Gallery for Families

Banner for InspirED Gallery for Professionals

Want More?

If you have participated in one of our InspirED Zoomcasts, we know that you are interested in expanding your knowledge and capacity through online learning. So, we want to be sure that you know about OCALICONLINE, the nation’s premier autism and disabilities conference.

While we usually bring thousands of people together in Columbus, Ohio each year, this year, we’re doing it all virtually! Registration is open now! We invite you to join us November 16-19! Head over to www.ocalicon.org to learn more!

Below we've included some resources from the Special Education Leaders Fellowship that address remote learning and are available to help school leaders on the return to school.

Learning modules on MTSS and making PD engaging at a distance;
Re-entry toolkits on engaging related service providers, student-centered staffing, IEP progress monitoring, and collaborative planning; and
Distance learning webinars to help educators use distance learning tools effectively and efficiently.

Made possible through a partnership between the Ohio Department of Education’s Office for Exceptional Children and OCALI