Time: Monday, April 8 7 PM – 8 PM via Zoom
How to Talk to Your Kids About Disability Overview: Empowering parents with effective strategies and insights, ‘How to Talk to Your Kids About Disability’ explores navigating conversations around disability with sensitivity, openness, and inclusivity, fostering understanding and acceptance.
Our speakers:
Kristine Nellenbach is the program coordinator for Resource Finder, a project of the Maryland Center for Developmental Disabilities at Kennedy Krieger Institute. She connects professionals, families and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to resources tailored to their needs. Kristine holds a master’s degree in instructional technology and was an elementary school teacher for twelve years, prior to her current role. Kristine is diagnosed with autism and ADHD and works to advocate for individuals with disabilities within her role and beyond.
Brianne Burger serves as the Director/Liaison inside the US Department of Education (ED), Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services. Brianne is a certified Diversity Change Agent, actively involved in streamlining the Accessibility efforts across the government to recruit, retain, and support career advancement for employees with disabilities. Brianne has more than 25 years of experience in vocational services on education and employment access for people with disabilities. Her in-depth knowledge of public policy on disabilities led to her appointment as the Americans with Disabilities Act Access Coordinator for both the 2004 Democratic National Convention and the 2010 VSA International Arts and Disability Festival. As a DC resident, Brianne advocated and persisted for the successful draft and passage of the Bill to Establish the DC Office for the Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing; furthering ensuring the DC Office was funded in the DC Government’s Budget. Brianne has served as the Vice Chair of the WMATA Accessibility Advisory Council. Brianne currently serves as the Vice Chair for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Consumer Advocacy Network (DHHCAN) and the President of Deaf In Government (DIG). She is a member of the New Leaders Council’s Washington DC Chapter.