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Workshop Descriptions

Disability-Specific

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): An Overview- Participants will learn about Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).   Participants will discuss how and why Autistic Spectrum Disorders are diagnosed and by whom. The workshop will also cover learning styles, recent research and ways to promote success at home, at school and in the community.
  • ASD: Social Interventions for Home and School- This workshop discusses the social challenges ASD presents in children and adults. Participants will discover strategies to use at home, school and within the community.
  • ASD and Medications- *description is forthcoming.
  • Communication Strategies for Individuals with ASD- At this workshop participants will learn about communication disorders related to Autism Spectrum Disorders and corresponding treatment strategies to improve communication skills in children with ASD. 
  • Co-Occurring Diagnoses with ASD- Participants in this workshop will identify and understand some of the common co-occurring diagnoses found in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Participants will look at the multiple labels often attached to ASD and receive helpful resources.
  • Resolving Behavior Challenges in ASD- This workshop will provide information on how to assess challenging behaviors in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Participants will discuss how to effectively conduct a Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) and develop a Behavioral Intervention Plan (BIP).
  • Supporting Siblings of Children with ASD- Participants in this workshop will discuss the various ways children may react to a brother or sister with Autism. We will also look at how these reactions may change as the siblings mature and begin to lead independent lives.
  • Treatment Options for Individuals with ASD- This workshop will discuss evidence-based, educational treatment options for students with autism spectrum disorders. Behavioral and developmental treatment approaches will be discussed, such as applied behavioral analysis (ABA), applied verbal behavior (AVB), Greenspan/DIR, SCERTS, and TEACCH. Strategies and resources for implementation will also be discussed.
  • What’s New in ASD- This workshop will discuss current state-of-the-art research in Autism Spectrum Disorders and provide ideas on how to use and sort through the information available.

 Other Disabilities

  • Down Syndrome: An Overview- This workshop will enable participants to look beyond the myths about Down syndrome. Participants will learn the causes of Down syndrome as well as characteristics and associated conditions.
  • Nonverbal Learning Disabilities (NLD)- This workshop provides an overview of Nonverbal Learning Disabilities (NLD). Participants will learn what areas of the brain are affected by NLD. We will discuss tactics that lead to improved outcomes for individuals with NLD.
  • Sensory Integration Dysfunction- Does your child have coordination and balance difficulties? Have they shown sensitivity to sounds, textures, or touch? Have they had difficulty with speaking or learning basic sounds? This workshop provides information about Sensory Integration and the services and resources available to individuals with Sensory Integration Dysfunction.  
 

Special Education

  • Special Education: What’s it All about? (available in Spanish)- Your child needs help but you don’t know where to start! This workshop will teach you the steps to the special education process and help you understand your child’s special education rights. You will learn what to expect at a Committee on Special Education (CSE) meeting and how to advocate for your child. You will receive resources to help you along the way.
  • Development of a Meaningful Individualized Education Program (IEP)- Every child receiving Special Education services has an Individualized Education Program (IEP). What is an IEP? Where do I begin? Is it truly individualized to fit my child’s needs? In this workshop you will receive tips and tools to become more involved in the planning of your child’s education.
 

Services

  • Community-Based Services: What’s Out There- What are the options for children and young adults with disabilities? This workshop will help participants connect with available supports and services and develop an understanding of eligibility and admission processes.
  • Home Modifications- This is a great workshop for families who want to make their homes more accessible for children with physical disabilities. Participants will receive lots of helpful tips and resources.
  • Roles of the Medicaid Service Coordinator- What does a service coordinator do? Participants will learn about the responsibilities of a service coordinator and ways they can help your child with special needs get the services for which they are eligible.
  • The Office of Mental Health (OMH): An Overview- This workshop provides an introduction to the mental health system. Participants will learn how to work within the system to help their child be successful in school, at home and in the community.
  • The Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (OMRDD): An Overview- This workshop provides an introduction to the Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (OMRDD). Participants will learn about the services available for individuals with developmental disabilities and how to access them. We will discuss the role of a Service Coordinator and how to develop an Individual Service Plan (ISP).
 

Transition to Adulthood

  • Letting Go: Empowering Young Adults with Disabilities- The transition from childhood to adulthood for students with special needs can be a challenging time for parents. In this workshop participants gain an understanding of and tools to deal with the emotional issues. Participants will also acquire resources for effective transition planning.
  • Planning from High School to Adulthood- In this workshop participants will develop an understanding of the transition process from high school to adulthood for students with disabilities. We will look at life goals in the areas of “Live, Learn, Work, and Play” and discuss considerations for independence and potential directions for future planning.
  • Moving on to High School: Now What?- Participants will develop an understanding of the transition process from middle school to high school for students with disabilities. We will discuss the importance of transition planning, what schools and families can do to help and resources to make the process go smoothly.
  • Speak Up and Speak Out: Empowering your Child- Self awareness, self management, problem solving and decision making are important skills for young adults with disabilities. Participants in this workshop will gain an understanding of the importance of teaching young adults these skills to facilitate their learning.
  • Transition to Adulthood- What happens after high school for students with special needs? When should families start planning? What rights do students and families have? This workshop will help answer those questions. Participants will also learn about the concept of “Live, Learn, Work and Play” and create a transition plan using the concept as a foundation.
  • Your Mama Doesn't Work Here!- *description is forthcoming.

HELPFUL FOR EVERYONE

  • Assistive Technology (AT)- Participants will gain an understanding of what Assistive Technology (AT) is and the services involved. The workshop will highlight available AT devices and how they allow students to successfully learn and complete tasks.
  • Benefits and Financial Planning- This workshop provides information about laws and regulations that may affect financial planning for families of children with disabilities. Participants will learn about Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and other resources.
  • Can I Make It? A Student Guide to Life- Young adults with special needs planning to attend college will learn what it takes to be successful in life after high school. In this workshop participants will discuss self advocacy skills, self awareness, self management, problem solving and decision making skills.
  • Guardianship, Wills and Trusts- This workshop provides and overview of different types of guardianship and guardianship processes for children with special needs. Participants will gain an understanding of who needs a guardian and why.
  • Homework Help- This interactive workshop will help parents learn specific ways to analyze how their child learns best and how to apply this information for helpful homework strategies.
  • Inclusion: Know Your Choices- What does inclusion for people with disabilities look like? Participants in this workshop will discuss the rights of children and young adults with special needs when determining the least restrictive and most appropriate environment for them.   We will discuss different ideas on how to work with school staff and communities so that no one is left out.
  • Keys to Empowerment- This full day workshop is designed to help students with special learning needs better understand themselves as learners and to introduce them to the language and skills of self advocacy.
  • Making It Work: Effective Communication- Participants will learn how to improve communication skills to effectively work with parents and family members of children with disabilities. This workshop will help participants learn to promote collaborative relationships with the goal of improved student achievement or services.
  • Person-Centered Planning- This workshop helps young adults with special needs think about their future while focusing on the areas of “Live, Learn, Work and Play.” Participants will walk away with the beginning steps to a plan for their future. 
  • What to Do with All That Paper?: Binder Building- Having well-organized papers at your fingertips gives you the upper hand when advocating for your child with special needs. This workshop teaches participants what papers to keep, why and how this may help you receive necessary services for your student.