Connected Kansas Kids Presentations

Many educational presentations are available on the web, both as a video and as a pdf file that you can use.

Opportunities for Staff Development and Inservice Programs

(This list of topics is also available as a .pdf file)

Each presentation is approximately 60 minutes in duration, including time for questions and answers. Specific presentations and conferences can be arranged for case-specific needs or to plan for individual students with special health needs. Presentations are supported through the generous support of Kan-ed, and are provided at no cost to participating districts.
The complete list of topic areas is too lengthy to include on one page. The list has been spread to two pages, First page (this page) and Second page.

The topic areas, which are listed below, will link you to the proper page:

    Featured Presentation

  1. The KU Kids Healing Place
    The KU Kids Healing Place is a new program at the University of Kansas Medical Center which offers holistic care to children with chronic or life-limiting diagnoses and their families. By partnering with schools and other community organizations that care for children, the KU Kids Healing Place is enhancing care for children with serious illnesses, and enabling them to achieve their maximum potential. Training is available for all who are working with children who are very ill.

    2. Overview

  2. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
    Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act is civil rights legislation which discourages discrimination based on a disability. This presentation outlines the Act itself, requirements of a 504 Plan, compliance issues, and ideas for the development of effective 504 Plans.
  3. No Child Left Behind (NCLB)
    Adequate yearly progress, highly qualified teachers, limited English proficient students, high stakes testing ... What does it all mean to educators, students and parents?
  4. Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
    IDEA is the legislation that drives special education services for students. This presentation provides an overview of IDEA, including the 2004 reauthorization, and examines how it may support the needs of students with special health needs. Differences between IDEA and Section 504 are reviewed.
  5. From IDEA to NCLB
    This presentation offers a review of educational and civil rights legislation (IDEA, Section 504, ADA, NCLB) that may impact programming for students with special health needs.
  6. Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education Services
    Much has been written in recent years about critical periods of development for the very young child. This presentation will discuss the advantages of early intervention, describe models for supporting the very young child and family, and highlight the goals of early intervention programs. Differences between the IFSP and IEP will be discussed, as well as new directions for early intervention services under IDEA.
  7. Inclusion
    IDEA supports educating all students in the least restrictive environment. Inclusion is a belief that every person has a right to participate fully in society, which necessitates and implies an acceptance of differences. Inclusion therefore requires collaboration, teamwork, flexibility and a willingness to take risks. This presentation demonstrates strategies to make inclusion work for everybody involved.
  8. Communicating and Teaming with Physicians and other Health Care Providers
    The "Med-Ed Gap" is sometimes very wide, with physicians and educators having differing perceptions on how to care for a young person with special health needs. Just obtaining information from a physician or other health care provider may be challenging. This presentation offers tips for how, with parental permission, to make and maintain a connection with health care providers to further enhance the team approach of caring for a child with a special health need.
  9. Historical Perspectives in Special Education
    Special education is a relatively new field. Not until P.L. 94-142, were schools required to provide educational services for students with disabilities. Parents, civil rights activists, legislators and others have paved the way for all young people to be guaranteed a free and appropriate public education. This presentation examines the history of special education and projects future advances.
  10. Other Health Impaired
    IDEA defines a student who is "other health impaired" as having limited strength, vitality or alertness due to chronic or acute health problems (such as a heart condition, rheumatic fever, asthma, hemophilia, or leukemia) which adversely affect educational performance. This presentation discusses several chronic conditions of childhood that might hinder the student's educational success.
  11. Accommodations and Modifications for Students with Special Health Needs
    Accommodations and modifications are indicated for students with special health needs who have Section 504 plans or IEPs. This presentation helps educators and school nurses determine and identify this population of students, evaluate what type of accommodations and modifications to consider for a variety of diagnoses.
  12. Partnering with Parents
    Despite the greatest of efforts, there are still times when parents and professionals may not agree on how to provide the best services for a child. This presentation focuses on ways to limit disagreement, effective forms of communication, and techniques for building a true team to support the young person with special needs.

    13. Return to the list.
    A Few Presentations Specific to Certain Illnesses

  13. These presentations identify each population of students, their characteristics, the necessary program planning, the usual health care plans, learning implications of both disease and treatment, etc.
      Examining X-ray.
    1. Young People with Physical Impairments
    2. Young People who are Other Health Impaired
    3. Young People with Orthopedic Impairments
    4. Young People with Asthma
    5. Young People with Cancer
    6. Young People with Cystic Fibrosis
    7. Young People with Dandy-Walker Syndrome
    8. Young People with Depression and Anxiety
    9. Young People with Diabetes
    10. Young People with Epilepsy
    11. Young People with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
    12. Young People with Lupus
    13. Young People with Muscular Dystrophy
    14. Young People with Sickle Cell Anemia
    15. Young People with Spina Bifida
    16. Young People with Tourette's Syndrome
    17. Young People with Traumatic Injuries

    14. Return to the list.
    Learning Disabilities and Related Issues

  14. Learning Disabilities
    LD is a disorder that affects people's ability to either interpret what they see and can show up in many ways: as specific difficulties with spoken and written language, coordination, self control, or attention. Such difficulties extend to schoolwork and can impede learning to read, write, or do math. This presentation provides an overview of LD and provides information on ways to help support the learner.
  15. Dyslexia
    Dyslexia is a life-long language processing disorder that hinders the development of oral and written language skills. Children and adults with dyslexia can be highly intelligent; however they have a neurological disorder that causes the brain to process and interpret information differently. This presentation is an overview of dyslexia, and includes strategies and tips for teachers.
  16. Communication Disorders
    Speech and language disorders are among the most commonly diagnosed disability of younger children. Learn about various speech and language disabilities and disorders, when to refer a student for evaluation, and how to provide modifications in the classroom.
  17. Pervasive Developmental Disorders
    Providing education and behavioral support for a student with an autism spectrum disorder requires unique skills and the knowledge to apply them. This presentation offers an overview of autism, Asperger's syndrome, pervasive developmental disorders, and other autism spectrum diagnoses, and provides suggestions on how to provide support for the student.
  18. Hearing and Vision Impairments
    Students who are blind, visually impaired, deaf or hearing impaired will likely need special support at school. Learn more about these conditions, and their educational implications.
  19. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Diagnoses
    Children who are exposed to alcohol in utero have unique challenges. This presentation offers an overview of FASD, the cognitive and behavioral affects, and interventions for caregivers.
  20. Attention Deficit Disorder
    Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity (ADHD) are among the most common diagnoses of childhood, and among the most misunderstood. This presentation provides current findings regarding the neurobiological basis of the condition, recommended treatment methods, and classroom strategies for helping the student with ADD or ADHD.
  21. School Interventions for Students with ADHD
    Students with attention deficit disorder may benefit significantly from simple interventions and strategies in the classroom and school setting. Learn ways to make the journey easier for students, educators and parents.

Return to the list.

See the second half of this list.

All presentations are available in person, or via interactive televideo. For more information, or to schedule a presentation, please contact:

Kathy Davis, MSEd, PhD
Associate Professor
Project Director, Connected Kansas Kids
Director, KU Kids Healing Place
University of Kansas Medical Center
913-588-6305
kdavis2@kumc.edu