State of the State: What the Colorado Department of Education does for SLPs and SLPAs

Date:  September 12,  2023
Time:   6:00 pm – 7:30 pm (MT)

Presenter: Shani O’Brien MA CCC-SLP

Abstract: This webinar session outlines the key features of the Colorado Department of Education’s Office of Special Education, specifically regarding support, technical assistance, and professional development for school-based Speech-Language Pathologists and Speech-Language Pathology Assistants. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and connect with Shani O’Brien, the Speech-Language Pathology Specialist at the CDE.

Learner Outcomes:

1. Describe the Speech-Language Pathology Specialist role at CDE
2. Identify the supports and services CDE offers
3. Identify the free professional development opportunities offered through the CDE website

About the Presenter:
Shani-headshot.JPG Shani O'Brien joined CDE on July 18, 2022 as the Speech-Language Pathology Specialist for the ALL team in the Exceptional Student Services Unit. Shani will be responsible for supporting speech-language pathologists and their students across the state. Previously, Shani worked with Boulder Valley School District as a speech-language pathologist and the SLP liaison, and she has been working with students with special needs since she was 19 years old. In her free time, she has been working on her PhD in Education Research and Evaluation Methods, specifically around using the game Dungeons & Dragons as an opportunity for neuro-diverse teens and young adults to practice social communication skills. Shani is also an avid gardener, quilter, and reader.

Time-Ordered Agenda:

• 10 minutes: Introduction
• 25 minutes: CDE structures
• 20 minutes: Shani’s 23-24 Initiatives
• 10 minutes: The SLI Website
• 5 minutes: The Listserv
• 5 minutes: Free Professional Development
• 15 minutes: Questions and Answers

Online Registration

Free for Members and Non-Members
Members:  click here to register.
Non-Members:  click here to register.

Continuing Education

Relevant Financial Relationships:  The presenter is a paid employee of the Colorado State Department of Education and will be referencing her place of employment.

Relevant Non-Financial Relationships:  The presenter has no relevant non-financial relationships to disclose.