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Affinity Groups

Affinity Groups are a way to connect with other members that have similar backgrounds or interests.  Join an online community, connect at events and network with peers. Members can join affinity groups by logging into their account and reviewing their opt in/opt outs.  There is no cost to join affinity groups

How to Join:

  1. Login to your CEC account here

  2. Under Account Actions on the right, select “Opt in and Out”

  3. Check the box of those affinity groups you wish to join on the bottom of the page

If you have any questions or trouble please don't hesitate to contact Brannan Meyers at bmeyers@exceptionalchildren.org

Affinity Groups

The American Indian, Alaska Native Affinity Group is a group of advocates who come together to support, advocate, and share research, and resources, to increase awareness. Planning, and promoting the unique and special educational needs of American Indians, Alaska Natives, and families.

Chair: Brooki Beasley

Email: Brooki@ou.edu

The AAAPI Affinity Group aims to create a safe space for all Asian-identifying educators. The group celebrates and seeks to grow in understanding of the diversity of its members, who vary in their nationality, ethnicity, culture, religion and gender identity.

Chair: Francesca de La Torre-Shu Email: fran.delatorre-shu@westtown.edu

 

The Black Affinity Group seeks research issues, develop policy/ strategies, and recommend solutions to the CEC executive board that reflect equity, inclusion, quality in exceptional needs education for students and educators particularly those of the African Diaspora.

Chair: Katina Fox Email: knfox@learnexcelgrow.org

This group educates CEC and the field of special education on needs and approaches for educators with disabilities.

Chair: Terry Friedrichs Email: tpfriedrichs56@gmail.com

The Educators and Families of Individuals with Disabilities affinity group aims to raise awareness of the issues and perspectives that professional members who are parents of individuals with disabilities share and use our experiences to help inform CEC activities. Our members possess unique insights based on our lifelong role as parents, extending from early intervention beyond transition to post-secondary education and employment, including the potential for independent living. We will share lessons learned from being both the provider and recipient of services and advocates for services. Support dissemination includes programming (professional development, webinars, conference sessions), advocacy, and research (including family voices). Our goal is to support CEC members and family affiliates as they seek ways to empower and engage families throughout the education and life of children, youth, and adults with exceptionalities.

Membership in the Educators and Families of Individuals with Disabilities affinity group is open to CEC members who belong to the family affiliate category and CEC members who are kith or kin of individuals with exceptionalities. Our goal is to support and enhance the engagement of families and professionals as they work together to implement the promise and reality of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. By forming an affiliate group, we can support the range of CEC activities and strategic planning while identifying and enhancing ways in which these activities embrace the life-long role of families in their children's lives.

Co-Chair: Danielle Kovach Email: dkovachcec@gmail.com

Co-Chair: Susan Fowler Email: safowler@illinois.edu

The purpose of this affinity group to provide a source of support and networking for members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies during the national conference and throughout the year

Chair:Bryan E. Cichy-Parker Email: chairceclgbtqpluscaucus@gmail.com

The CEC Hispanic/ Latino Affinity Group is a network of educators interested in advancing the education of Hispanic children with disabilities and supporting the professional advancement of Hispanic American special educators. The Hispanic/Latino Affinity Group serves as a forum for pre-service students, faculty, educators, administrators, and parents to exchange information, share concerns, and make recommendations to CEC

Chair: Dr. Diana Morales Email: dlmorales@lynn.edu

                  Interested In Developing a New Affinity Group?

If you are interested in starting an affinity group please complete this form and send to bmeyers@exceptionalchildren.org

If you have any questions please contact bmeyers@exceptionalchildren.org

Last Updated:  15 December, 2022

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