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Audrey Bartholomew, Ph.D., associate professor in the School of Education at the �鶹��ý, recently delivered trainings on special education to two local organizations in southern Maine. 

The first training, entitled “Embracing Neurodiversity,” was conducted for Portland Public Schools. The session, held this past fall, was for families of children with disabilities. The training included an overview of disabilities and highlighted the importance of collaborating with special education teachers and school staff. Families were provided with time to connect with each other and ask questions. Translation services were provided for several multilingual families. 

The second training, entitled “Fostering Connections: Supporting Neurodivergent Students in the Classroom,” was delivered to foster grandparents in southern Maine on Dec. 17 in collaboration with The Opportunity Alliance.

Foster grandparents are school volunteers ages 55 and older who support students with academics and ensure that children get one-on-one attention in school. There are currently 85 volunteers between Cumberland and York counties.

Bartholomew’s presentation provided the volunteers with tips and strategies for working with students who may present academic and/or behavioral challenges. 

“There’s so much to consider when supporting students who don’t fit into the mold we are accustomed to,” Bartholomew remarked. “Providing training to families, staff, and volunteers is critical to helping them feel knowledgeable and empowered and thereby more effective.”