​Abstract

Dr. Greg Hanley’s Universal Protocol offers a clear, compassionate approach for supporting students with complex needs in school settings while keeping both students and staff safe. This presentation will focus on how prioritizing safety, dignity, trust, and peaceful progress can reduce escalation and improve daily school experiences. Participants will learn how the Universal Protocol helps teams respond consistently and calmly during challenging moments, while building strong, trusting relationships with students. Real-life case studies will be shared to highlight student growth and team success, showing how this approach can lead to safer classrooms, stronger collaboration, and more positive outcomes for everyone involved.

Objectives​​

1. Understand the purpose and core values of the Universal Protocol

2. Implement Universal Protocol strategies to prevent and de-escalate challenging behavior

3. Recognize the impact of the Universal Protocol on students and teams

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Speaker Bio

Ali Sweitzer taught elementary special education for Papillion-LaVista Public Schools and Westside Community schools for a combined 10 years. She continued with Westside Community schools for 3.5 years as a Behavior Facilitator and Verbal Behavior Coach. Ali is currently a Behavior Specialist for the Nebraska ASD Network. As a behavior specialist, Ali presents on a variety of topics related to Autism and behavior and provides consultation and coaching for educators working with students with Autism and challenging behavior, Birth-21. Ali holds a Master's Degree in Special Education and a Special Education Leadership Endorsement from the University of Nebraska-Omaha. She is also a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Ali has received direct coaching on PFA/SBT and Universal Protocol from FTF Behavior Consulting and has earned her Level 6 credentials for PFA/SBT. She supports teams with implementation of this intervention for students of varying age levels and disabilities.