Global Down Syndrome Educational Series Featured Speakers:
Patti McVay

Educational tools and processes to support the success of
individuals with Down syndrome

Patti McVay, M.Ed, April 2011

Patti received the Global Down Syndrome Educational Series’ first standing ovations – once from the professionals and a second time from the parents and caregivers. She made such an impact, and was so moved by the response to her lectures, that today, Patti McVay is part of the important brain-trust and is Director of Education at the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome and the Anna and John J. Sie Center for Down Syndrome.

Patti has taught special education at the high school level and was an elementary and post–secondary principal. Patti has experienced firsthand the difference inclusive practice makes in the lives of children who are differently-abled. Given the opportunity to work with children of all ages and abilities, their families and educators, Patti provides leadership and direction to create inclusive school communities for all students.

In 2005, Patti was recognized as a Partner in the Special Education Research Organization in Hokkaido, Japan where she spoke at the Research Organization Conference, and in 2011 she received the Global Down Syndrome Foundation Award of Excellence in Education.

Throughout her career, Patti has authored several articles, training materials, and books covering such topics as inclusive practice, successful learning tools, behavior and curriculum planning and effective communication processes. Read more about Patti McVay.

Testimonials for Patti McVay’s Educational Series Lectures:

“I have to say that I think this symposium was the best out of all of them, and that’s what I said about each of the other ones, but this one still topped them all.”

“Here I am, nearly nine years into this amazing journey and Patti made me realize that I have so much more to learn. I wish I had her at the start of Eliza’s educational program.”

“When Patti asked us to raise our hands if we had ever invited someone with Down syndrome (other than our child) over to our house to eat, I just about fell out of my chair. I really understood inclusion a lot better after the day!”

“I learned a lot about how technology works to help all students learn and new ways to use it.”

“As both parent of child with DS and Para who works in an elementary school with DS students, I appreciated hearing from someone with so much experience. Thank you!”

“I really appreciated Patti circulating the room, before beginning, and finding out why we were here and what we wanted to know.”

Attendee survey results on a scale of 1 to 5

Professional Survey Overall Objectives Met Relevance Knowledge of Speaker Clarity of Presentation
Average Totals 4.33 4.31 4.30 4.68 4.44
Parent Survey Overall Objectives Met Relevance Knowledge of Speaker Clarity of Presentation
Average Totals 4.84 4.72 4.65 4.94 4.85