Awareness to Action

Kean University is hosting a World Autism Awareness Day panel discussion focused on turning awareness into action and exploring the educational experience from Pre-K through postsecondary from the perspective of advocates, including policymakers, faculty and parents.

Kean is creating connections across the continuum from early childhood to undergraduate college education to promote a seamless experience for students with autism. From establishing a new pre-K autism classroom at Kean’s Child Care and Development Center to joining forces with industry partners to enhance workforce development for high school students on the spectrum, Kean is prioritizing students with autism every step of the way and working to build a comprehensive Pre-K to bachelor’s pipeline.

The panel will include stakeholders representing various perspectives that are critical to consider in building out a cohesive continuum of support. Panelists will be asked to speak about their experience with the educational system through their lens — what's worked, what's needed, and where we're headed moving forward.

Moderator:

Katherine Gallagher, Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of the President, Kean University

Panelists:

Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D., Kean University President

Stephen M. Sweeney, New Jersey Senate President

Barbara Ridener, Ph.D., Dean, College of Education, Kean University

Kenneth Green, Esq., Associate Vice President for Employee Relations and Chief Labor Counsel, Kean University, Parent Advocate

Ashley Tufuga, Kean University Senior, Marketing Major, Member of President's Student Advisory Council, Parent Advocate