BOSTON – The Federation for Children with Special Needs is pleased to announce that Sherry Elander of Westfield has been awarded a Community Partnership Award for her exemplary work as a special education teacher.
Elander, M.Ed, Transition Specialist/Special Education Teacher, has been working with individuals with developmental disabilities for over 25 years. Ten years ago, she created the Westfield Public School Transition Program, which provides community based transition services to 18-22 year old individuals with disabilities. Having started the program within a high school, the program is in its 3rd year of operation within a community-based setting. She has been involved in the Holyoke Community College ICE partnership since 2007 and the Westfield State University ICE partnership since 2013 and has supported more than 35 students with ID to include college in their post-secondary planning. The focus of her work has been on helping students to achieve their post-secondary goals through person centered planning with an emphasis on community integration and self-advocacy skill development. With the support of her parents, students, staff, school administration, and numerous business owners and leaders she has successfully integrated her students into all aspects of community life. Her work has been highlighted in DDS and Think College publications and she has presented at many conferences and webinars on a variety of transition related topics.
Elander will receive her award at the Federation’s annual Visions of Community Conference, to be held on Saturday at the World Trade Center in Boston. The Visions of Community conference features the presentation of eight Community Partnership Awards, given to individuals who have made a significant impact in their community for children with special needs as parents, educators, advocates, or through community-based activities.
The conference also features topical strands and information covering Early Childhood, Special Education, Elementary and Secondary Education, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Health Care for Children with Special Needs, Transition, Social/Recreation Opportunities and more.
