Donna Cutler-Landsman M.S.
Educational Consultant
Donna Cutler-Landsman is an educator with over 35 years of classroom experience. She has worked as both an advisor to gifted and talented students as well as an advocate for children with learning challenges. She has served as a cooperating teacher with the School of Education at the University of Wisconsin, Madison for 15 years and as an educational consultant specializing in meeting the needs of children with VCFS/22q11 deletion syndrome. She is past president and regional director of the VCFS Educational Foundation and has spoken on issues related to 22q11 extensively in the United States and abroad. Donna works regularly with parents, teachers and school districts to craft effective IEP programs for students with complicated learning challenges.
Book Available:
Educating Children With Velo Cardio Facial Syndrome (also known as 22q11.2 Deletion and DiGeorge) 2nd Edition
Donna Cutler-Landsman M.S.
Educating Children With Velo Cardio Facial Syndrome (also known as 22q11.2 Deletion and DiGeorge) 2nd Edition
Donna Cutler-Landsman M.S.
Velo Cardio Facial Syndrome or the 22q11.2 deletion affects 1 in 2000 students, yet most educators and physicians remain unaware of the unique learning needs of these children.
Velo Cardio Facial Syndrome (22q11/DiGeorge deletion syndrome) is a relatively new syndrome--the genetic test to determine if a child has it has only been available since 1994. The first edition, published in 2007, was well received by parents and professionals who wanted to learn more about this population of students. Now an updated second edition is enhanced with information on brain and social skills, bullying, anxiety, executive function, homeschooling, cognitive rememdiation and more. Virtually 100% of children with this syndrome will need special education programming. This new book blends the scientific research completed within the past 15 years with practical and current educational strategies to better meet the needs of children with 22q11.2DS and other developmental disabilities.
The book contains chapters written by leading world experts on the 22q11.2 deletion in the areas of language and learning issues, brain abnormalities, language/learning profiles, psychiatric/behavioral difficulties, health issues and a history of the syndrome. The second section of the book is a practical guide to educating a child with 22q11.2DS from birth to young adulthood. It includes discussions on the learning challenges, educational intervention and accommodations that can be used in the classroom. The book is suitable for use as a textbook to train special educators as well as a guide for any professionals working with children with the syndrome. Parents will also find the book a helpful tool to better understand and advocate for their child.
Velo Cardio Facial Syndrome (22q11/DiGeorge deletion syndrome) is a relatively new syndrome--the genetic test to determine if a child has it has only been available since 1994. The first edition, published in 2007, was well received by parents and professionals who wanted to learn more about this population of students. Now an updated second edition is enhanced with information on brain and social skills, bullying, anxiety, executive function, homeschooling, cognitive rememdiation and more. Virtually 100% of children with this syndrome will need special education programming. This new book blends the scientific research completed within the past 15 years with practical and current educational strategies to better meet the needs of children with 22q11.2DS and other developmental disabilities.
The book contains chapters written by leading world experts on the 22q11.2 deletion in the areas of language and learning issues, brain abnormalities, language/learning profiles, psychiatric/behavioral difficulties, health issues and a history of the syndrome. The second section of the book is a practical guide to educating a child with 22q11.2DS from birth to young adulthood. It includes discussions on the learning challenges, educational intervention and accommodations that can be used in the classroom. The book is suitable for use as a textbook to train special educators as well as a guide for any professionals working with children with the syndrome. Parents will also find the book a helpful tool to better understand and advocate for their child.
Speaking/Consulting Services
Donna is available to assist school districts and families better meet the needs of children with 22q11 and other learning challenges. As an experienced educator and a parent with a grown child with 22q11, she is in a unique position to assist both parents and schools navigate the difficult task of programming for children with complicated learning and medical needs.
Webcasts and Teacher Training CDs now available.
Specializing in Special Education Issues Involving Students with 22q11 deletion syndrome
Also known as VCFS or DiGeorge
Available Services :
- Individual Education Plan Consultant
- Presentation to staff members, teachers and parents on VCFS/22q11/DiGeorge and education
- Explanation of the syndrome and how it impacts learning
- Individual student records reviews and recommendations
- Liason to schools working with students with VCFS
- Transition program ideas
- Assistance with application process for Social Security or SSI
- Information on independent living skills and VCFS
New Books for Students:
So, What's the Difference? A self-help guide to helping children and young adults understand their learning differences
Available how in four themes. This book is designed to assist students in understanding the genetic basis for their syndrome and how they can be successful in school.
Contact Donna at (608) 712-9141 or e-mail requests to:
Upcoming Conferences
VCFSEF Conference in Dublin, Ireland
July 18-21, 2013
July 18-21, 2013
Visit www.vcfsef.org for more information
