Melissa Cornelius-Freyre
LightNews LightNews
banner
melissacf.bsky.social
Melissa Cornelius-Freyre
@melissacf.bsky.social
220 followers 350 following 150 posts
• PhD student at UTSA in Interdisciplinary Learning & Teaching
• Researching disability and entrepreneurship
• Sharing education and disability ideas and info, along with a few stories about being a mom and grad student
Posts Replies Media Videos
melissacf.bsky.social
Yesterday I attend the SACRD IDD & Disability Support Symposium. They have a newly designed portal to help individuals with IDD in the San Antonio area navigate resources. If you know someone who needs assistance, share the website! www.sacrd.org/directory/

#disability #IDD #SanAntonio #TX
A cup of coffee with the words "Good cup - see the good be the good" sits next to an agenda and a flyer for SACRD IDD & Disability Support Symposium
November 20, 2025 at 4:21 PM
melissacf.bsky.social
Last week I had the opportunity to present research I've worked on at the Division of Career Development and Transition convention. This was a first for me! It was fun to talk to people about what we've been working on. #AcademicSky #DCDT #Transition
Top of woman's head with eyes looking at the camera is in the front of the photo. Behind her are 2 posters up on a board with the logos for UT San Antonio on them, along with sections of text.
October 14, 2025 at 5:33 PM
melissacf.bsky.social
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month! #NDEAM

People with disabilities can be an asset to your team! Harvard Business Review says "Employing people with disabilities can significantly improve an organization" Read more here: hbr.org/2023/07/disa...

#disability #employment #HBR
fireworks with pictures in front of them of different people at work. The text reads: Celebrating Value and Talent, National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Office of Disability Employment Policy, United States Department of Labor, #NDEAM dol.gov/odep
October 2, 2025 at 3:03 AM
melissacf.bsky.social
UTSA's Employ210 program is having their second Job Experience Event. This event is designed for neurodiverse individuals to get hands-on experience during a series of job-training rotations in culinary and catering.

For details and registration, visit Employ210.com/Events.

#SanAntonio #UTSA #job
Employ 210’s second Job Experience Event (JEE) is coming up on October 8th and we are actively recruiting neurodivergent job seekers! Hosted at Zernona Black Multi-Generational Community Center and presented in partnership with Rosemary’s Catering (the culinary arm of San Antonio’s esteemed RK group), the free event is ideal for individuals interested in working in San Antonio’s thriving culinary and hospitality industries. During a series of job-training rotations, attendees will get hands-on experience in a variety of related areas including customer service, food preparation, health and safety protocols, event management, catering preparation and service. Upon completion, participants will be invited to enroll in additional free training sessions that will further pathways to competitive employment. For details and registration, visit Employ210.com/Events or email Employ210@gmail.com. Pictured: Employ 210 Special Research Associate Sophia Garcia perfecting her table-setting skills while shadowing front-of-house staffers at the RK Group’s headquarters in the Red Berry Mansion.
September 25, 2025 at 1:30 PM
melissacf.bsky.social
We often don't think about the mental load it takes to fit into a "regular" school day for students with #autism, #ADHD, and other #disabilities. We may provide accommodations for them, but we should recognize that they are making far more accommodations for us.

#edusky #education #sped
Picture of a man (labeled: Dr. Kerry Magro, Autistic Public Speaker) with a quote next to him: "Students with disabilities are rarely acknowledged for the heavy burden of accommodations they make to cope at school,while others who believe they are making the accommodations." -Inclusive Education Planning Speaker's website: kerrymagro.com
September 24, 2025 at 1:41 PM
melissacf.bsky.social
I found a large dry erase board at Goodwill and planned to use it to keep working notes for my dissertation. Well, the kiddo needed it more than I do right now, so a word wall and writing practice it is!

#homework #EduSky #teacher #phd
A little girl with short black hair stands holding a marker and facing a large dry erase board. On the right side of the board are words with pictures (lunch, bunch, inch, pinch, ranch, branch, chip, chop, chick, check), and on the left side of the board, the little girl writes three letter words.
September 3, 2025 at 5:15 PM
melissacf.bsky.social
Education can feel like US vs THEM. It doesn't have to be! As a parent, I keep open communication with teachers & bring up concerns so we can solve them together. As a teacher, I worked to engage families & build a partnership. NTACT has info to help! transitionta.org/topics/famil... #edusky #sped
Splash of color with a white circle in front that contains the words "When schools and parents work together, students benefit"
August 19, 2025 at 2:21 PM
melissacf.bsky.social
We took a little break before school started back up and visited North Cascades National Park, which was breathtakingly beautiful! It's the 2nd least visited national park, which blows my mind. If you ever get the chance to go, take it!
#vacation #nps #northcascades
Blue skies with white clouds over three mountains coming out of the water. Water is a teal color far away and a sandy color near the beach. Looking down at a bright teal blue lake that sits in between the mountains with pine trees on the land surrounding it. There is a small island in the middle of the lake.
August 11, 2025 at 1:21 PM
melissacf.bsky.social
Hey #elementary #educators: Here is a fantastic resource for teaching #self-determination to young children. Pages and pages of lessons to use!

Check it out here: arkansastransition.com/images/Early...

#EduSky #sped #teachers
June 26, 2025 at 11:11 PM
melissacf.bsky.social
Have you heard of micro-enterprises? They're small businesses that start with a minimal amount of money. This can be a way for people with disabilities to enter the workforce on their own terms! Read more here: www.everyonecanwork.org.au/employment-s...
#disability #entrepreneurship #microenterprise
Infographic: Microenterprise, an alternative to traditional employment for people with disabilities. -70% of people with disabilities want to work. -What is a microenterprise? a small business, less than 10 employees, starts with a small amount of money, can be operated out of the home. Starting a microenterprise allows you to: be your own boss, be creative, have fun while working, earn your own income. What are the benefits? : Improved self-esteem and purpose, increased community inclusion, a larger social network, centers around your passion and skills, you create your own work schedule. 700,000 workers with disabilities are self-employed. x2: people with disabilities are self-employed at a rate of twice that of their non-disabled peers. How to get started: Create a circle of support that includes family, friends, and organizations, Create an action plan with goals and objectives, Talk to family or a bank about a small loan to start your business.
June 24, 2025 at 7:22 PM
melissacf.bsky.social
The 89th #Texas legislative session is over, and TDCC has a recap on what bills have been signed into law related to #disability. For more info on what passed and what didn't, check their session recap here: tcdd.texas.gov/wp-content/u...
#txledge
Bills Signed into Law The following bills were passed by the Legislature and have been signed into law by the governor. They each took effect immediately, except where indicated. House Bill (HB) 1041, by Rep. Chris Turner, prohibits paid caregivers from serving as beneficiaries of life insurance policies for individuals under their care. Its Senate sponsor was Sen. Judith Zaffirini. HB 1188, by Rep. Christian Manuel, requires school districts to refer students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to their local IDD authority. Its Senate sponsor was Sen. Judith Zaffirini. HB 2081, by Rep. John Bucy III, establishes the Building Better Futures Program for students with IDD. Its Senate sponsor was Sen. José Menéndez. Senate Bill (SB) 769, by Sen. José Menéndez, requires the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to issue a report on the enrollment and success of students with disabilities in higher education. Its House sponsor was Rep. Mary González. SB 769 takes effect on Sept. 1, 2025. Bills Sent to the Governor The following bills have been passed by the Legislature and sent to Gov. Greg Abbott. He has until Sunday, June 22, to take action on each bill by signing them into law, letting them pass into law without his signature, or preventing them from taking effect by issuing a veto. HB 2310, by Rep. Claudia Ordaz, will require the development of a four-year strategic plan to improve access to child care and early childhood education for children with disabilities. Its Senate sponsor was Sen. Tan Parker. SB 57, by Sen. Judith Zaffirini, will ensure that public schools have safety plans and accommodations in place for students with disabilities during safety drills, disasters, or emergencies. Its House sponsor was Rep. Mary González. SB 66, by Sen. Judith Zaffirini, will require a study on authorizing supported decision-making agreements to include assistance in legal proceedings. Its House sponsor was Rep. Jeff Leach. SB 568, by Sen. Paul Bettencourt, will restructure funding for special education programs in public schools. Its House sponsor was Rep. Brad Buckley. SB 1952, by Sen. Angela Paxton, will designate the Health and Human Services Commission as the sole administrator of the School Health and Related Services (SHARS) program in Texas. Its House sponsor was Rep. Lacey Hull.
June 8, 2025 at 7:47 PM
melissacf.bsky.social
Sharing my GOOD NEWS: Our pup, Wooferine, had surgery on a tumor last week and we just found out that they were able to get all the cancer removed! He's on his way to getting back to his perky self (and growing back all that missing tummy hair)! ❤️

#dogs #DogsofBlueSky #dogsky
A dog with mostly black fur on his body and white fur on his face, legs, and chest, lays on a wood floor looking at the camera showing his shaved stomach with an incision and a shaved area on his arm. His ears are pointy and his mouth is partially opened with his tongue showing in what looks like a smile.
June 5, 2025 at 2:30 PM
melissacf.bsky.social
For students with disabilities, the transition from school to adult life can be difficult, especially when you've had a school routine for over a decade! This resource from CCLC has ideas to help make your days meaningful.
➡️ www.iidc.indiana.edu/cclc/doc/bui...

#disability #transition #EduSky #sped
A woman with down syndrome wearing a sweater stands with a smile. She has short brown hair and wears glasses. One hand has her first finger pointing up. The other hand is holding a notebook and she is wearing a backpack. Underneath the picture it says: "BUILDING A MEANINGFUL DAY, A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE. Indiana Institute on Disability and Community, Center on Community Living and Careers"
May 28, 2025 at 9:18 PM
melissacf.bsky.social
Mental health professionals: Texas Center for Disability Studies is offering FREE autism training!
All sessions provide CEUs and are held virtually via Zoom. See flyer for more info.

6/10 session: tinyurl.com/solve61025
6/11 session: tinyurl.com/solve61125

#autism #mentalhealth #LPC #LMFT #LCSW
UT Austin Texas Center for Disability Studies Autism Training for licensed mental health professionals CEUs provided What you'll learn: Session 1 (June 10th, 2025 from 5:30-7:30) The basics of Autism and how to be more inclusive in your practice Session 2 (June 11, 2025 from 5:30-7:30) Key techniques of solution-focused brief therapy and adaptations made to this model for working with the autistic community. All sessions are free and will be held virtually via Zoom. Please register for each individual session. (links in post)
May 26, 2025 at 12:22 AM
melissacf.bsky.social
Did you know that 30-35% of people with #IDD are also diagnosed with mental health conditions? It's difficult to get support when you have a #DualDiagnosis. Project TEDD through #TexasTech offers free curriculum for educators. Info here ➡️ www.depts.ttu.edu/education/ou...

#EduSky #disability #sped
Logo with the shape of Texas that has a person reaching for a star on the top and part of an apple on the bottom. Logo says "Project TEDD, Training Educators in Dual Diagnosis"
May 23, 2025 at 3:30 PM
melissacf.bsky.social
The kid loves books. She is just starting to learn to read some words, but she loves to try and remember the story and read to the pups. Hopefully, we are raising a little lifelong reader!
#read #reading #BookSky #DogSky
A little girl sits on the floor with a book open while a large black dog lays beside her looking at the book and a medium white and brown dog lays at her feet looking at her.
May 20, 2025 at 1:08 PM
melissacf.bsky.social
This message about inclusion is both powerful and true.

Shared by The Center on Transition Innovations at VCU.
#inclusion #EduSky
#Quotesforclarity "Inclusion works to the advantage of everyone. We all have things to learn and we all have something to teach" - Helen Henderson
May 19, 2025 at 4:04 PM
melissacf.bsky.social
Sharing a quote from Coach Pop in honor of his retirement this month. He was a fantastic coach and an even better human being. #spurs #coachpop #SanAntonio
A photo of Spurs former coach Gregg Popovich with a quote next to it that reads "The measure of who we are is in how we react to something that doesn't go our way:
May 16, 2025 at 1:56 PM
melissacf.bsky.social
For Global Accessibility Awareness Day, I wanted to share my favorite way to make assignments & communication more accessible: emojis! Added visual of emojis/icons make written text more accessible & inclusive. Flaticon & Google Emoji Kitchen are helpful tools.
#accessible #disability #EduSky #sped
A teal slide with an emoji party face (blowing a noisemaker and wearing a hat) and a heart emoji are in the background. The slide says: Why I love emojis and icons as an educator: They enhance understanding (brain emoji): Adding emojis provides a visual to enhance the message the text is trying to communicate They improve independence (person with arms up and a star emoji): Non-readers can use them to communicate a wide array of messages without needing written words They're inclusive (group of people cheering icon): By adding enojis to text, you are including a wider group of individuals in the message without singling anyone out.
May 15, 2025 at 8:46 PM
melissacf.bsky.social
My girl Bea Arfur had a vet checkup today and this pic was so cute I just had to share! 😍 #dogs #dogsky
A dog with a white face and brown and white body sits on her back legs and looks at the camera with her ears partially back and mouth open in a way that looks like a smile.
May 14, 2025 at 3:58 PM
melissacf.bsky.social
UTSA and Morgan's MAC are offering a disability research forum in San Antonio focused on inclusive research that improves the lives of individuals with disabilities. Interested? Sign up here: utsa.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...

#AcademicSky #disability #research
@utsaroadrunners.bsky.social
2025 San Antonio Disability Research Forum presented by Morgan's MAC and UTSA. Community Members, researchers, and serviiiiiiiiiiice providers are invited to join us in highlighting the innovative and inclusive research aimed at improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities in the San Antonio area. Friday, June 6, 2025, 8:00AM to 1:00 at Morgan's MAC. You can click the link in the post to sign up.
May 14, 2025 at 3:32 PM
melissacf.bsky.social
I am SO PROUD of my daughter for participating in her first #IEP meeting today! She is in kinder and was able to talk about what she learned and what helped and didn't help her with the use of pictures. When I say it is never too early to work on #Self-Determination skills, I mean it!
#Sped #EduSky
picture of a giraffe waving with the work "hi" Pictire of a happy face holding a thank you and another picture of people sitting around a table. Underneath it says "thank you for coming to my meeting". This year i learned: picture of butterflies with one flying away and the word "separating". picture of the book Brown Bear Brown Bear and the word "reading", and a picture of a grass craft and the words "grow grass". What helped and what didn't help: Taking deep breaths and a thumbs down enoji. Thinking to 10 and a thumbs up emoji, sounding out a letter and thumbs down, earplugs and thumbs down. Spongebob saying done and done with the words "thats all!"
May 12, 2025 at 3:06 PM
melissacf.bsky.social
It's never too early to help your students and their families start planning for the future! The Institute of Education Sciences has a detailed infographic about how to help students prepare for life after high school. Link for more info:
ies.ed.gov/learn/blog/r...
#EduSky #transition #sped
Helping Your Student Prepare for Life After High School infographic What planning activities can help my student prepare for life after high school? There are many pathways to success in life. But no matter the path a student chooses, parents and caregivers should start planning early to ensure their child is prepared for life beyond high school. To guide families, we draw on research to highlight planning activities in middle school and high school that can help prepare students for college and careers. Pathways to success after High School: Employment, 2 or 4 year college, Career Program, Apprenticeship, Military service, Public Service. Click the link in the post to go to a webpage with the full infographic.
May 8, 2025 at 1:54 PM
melissacf.bsky.social
As an educator, I strived to work as a team with students and families. Now, as a parent whose child has an IEP, I recognize even more how important collaboration is for my child's success. This info on working with families from kyspin.com gives some helpful parent perspectives.
#EduSky #sped #IEP
KY-SPIN, Inc. Information Sheet Series “Working with Families”* Below is a list of things many families who have a child with a disability would like you to know. By no means is this list to be critical of professionals, instead it is intended to help build healthy and lasting partnerships.  We have dreams for our children with disabilities just as all parents do, even if you do not feel they are realistic or feasible, we are still entitled to them.  Please call us by our names versus, “Mom” or “Dad” we are people first just as our child with a disability is a child first.  Pity or pats on the back in sympathy are not needed; we need our personal space just like anyone else. We value each member of our family no matter the level of their disability.  It is overwhelming to come into a meeting with a whole group of professionals and it is just you. It by nature is very unbalanced and can feel as if you are the only one on your child’s side.  When we request something in writing, whether you are a parent or professional, it is nothing personal. If it is not in writing it does not exist.  Please do not get offended when we ask for a policy/procedure/law in writing; we want to be informed and on the same page.  Please give us all the options upfront so that we can make an informed decision for our child. This will also help avoid tension if we realize later all the facts were not shared.  We want to work together and build a support system for our child.  We do not want to argue or fight, we just want what is best for our child’s future.  We know our child best and expect to be an equal member of the team.  Through partnership and communication we can do wonders for our children! *This is not intended to represent how all families of children with disabilities feel. Rather it is a compilation of things many families have shared with KY-SPIN, Inc. and it’s purpose is to help strengthen parent and professional relationships to benefit the children.
May 6, 2025 at 1:20 PM
melissacf.bsky.social
We startled each other for a moment there. Just need to get to my car, little buddy!
A squirrel is still, holding on on the side of a tree with his head facing the ground and his tail facing the tip of the tree
April 28, 2025 at 10:32 PM