St. John’s Hosts Annual Parent Conference and Resource Fair

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St. John’s Hosts Annual Parent Conference and Resource Fair
St. John’s Hosts Annual Parent Conference and Resource Fair
St. John’s Hosts Annual Parent Conference and Resource Fair
St. John’s Hosts Annual Parent Conference and Resource Fair
St. John’s Hosts Annual Parent Conference and Resource Fair
St. John’s Hosts Annual Parent Conference and Resource Fair
St. John’s Hosts Annual Parent Conference and Resource Fair
St. John’s Hosts Annual Parent Conference and Resource Fair
March 31, 2026

March 26 was a day of learning, connection, and empowerment for families of children and young adults with disabilities as The School of Education at St. John’s University, in partnership with the nonprofit organization, the Community Inclusion and Development Alliance, hosted the annual Parent Conference and Resource Fair.  The day started with a warm welcome from Rev. Aidan R. Rooney, Executive Vice President for Mission at St. John’s University. 

“St. John’s University was founded on the principle that the best education is done in and with the community,” said James D. Wolfinger, Ph.D., Dean, The School of Education. “It is always exciting to see so many people gather and bring such energy to campus as we work together to advance education in New York City.”

The fair was held in the D’Angelo Center on the Queens, NY, campus. Attendees participated in expert-led workshops on Individualized Education Programs, self-direction, and transition planning. There was also information provided on networking possibilities and community resources. Helping to meet the needs of the community, sessions were held in English, Korean, and Chinese.

Besides families, the fair was attended by professionals, community partners, St. John’s alumni and faculty, as well as Mary Carole Schafenberg ’70ED, ’80P.D., a member of The School of Education Dean’s Advisory Board, and Nadia Giannopoulos ’08M.S.Ed., ’23Ed.D., ICS Board Member & Executive Director of Marie Pense.

“Partnerships between universities and community organizations are vital, as they allow our faculty to transform research into meaningful action that addresses the strengths and needs of our communities. The parent conference and resource fair provided an opportunity to extend our long-term collaboration with CIDA, enabling us to work together to promote access to important community information and resources aimed at improving care and services for children with disabilities and their families, “ said Ishita Khemka, Ph.D., Professor of Special Education, Department of Education Specialties.

 

 

 

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