Presenter: Elizabeth Biggs, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Special Education, Vanderbilt University

Positive peer relationships are important for all students. But, it can be challenging to know how to provide supports that lead to students with disabilities being known, accepted, and befriended by their peers, particularly when students have complex support needs—such as students with multiple disabilities and visual impairment. This session will offer practical, evidence-based strategies to equip educators (e.g., teachers of students with visual impairment, special educators, general educators, paraeducators) to promote inclusion and belonging for students with disabilities in their general education school and classroom communities through peer relationships.