Saturday, February 27, 2010
9 am - 5 pm
Aikin Elementary
3100 Pine Mill Road, Paris, Texas
Powerpoints from the conference are available by clicking on the title of the session.
Keynote Speaker:
Charlene Comstock-Galagan
You Wanna Be Where Everybody Knows Your Name
(So do Your Kids!): Why Inclusive Education Should Begin in Kindergarten
Charlene Comstock-Galagan is committed to creating schools in which each child belongs, contributes, and is treasured. As a special education teacher Charlene taught students of varying disabilities in self-contained and resource settings for over 10 years. Serving as the special education instructional specialist in a pilot inclusive education program changed everything for Charlene. As a result, she dedicated her career to promoting inclusive practices in schools by working as a staff development consultant and advocate for inclusive schools for nineteen years, twelve years as an employee with The Arc of Texas.
Now, as Coordinator of Training and Development for Families Helping Families of Jefferson, Charlene continues the activities she has long been engaged in-providing training and consultation on special education issues to families, parent organizations and school districts.
With Special Opening Plenary Guest:
Marth Vincent, M.Ed. Region 8 ESC
What attendees said about last year's conference.....
"I drove from Dallas on a Saturday. I am a Special Ed director and diagnostician. I have 6 ARD’s next week to prepare. This conference was worth my time and my Saturday. It inspired me to do a lot of the things I know have let a too-busy schedule stop me. It also inspired me to learn more and incorporate new strategies in our special ed dept that truly benefits our children."
"Great speakers!"
"Kudos on a wonderful workshop!"
Conference Agenda (may be changed at any time)
8:30 am - 9:00 am Check-in/Continental Breakfast
9:00 am - 10:00 am Opening Plenary
Marth Vincent, M. Ed. "How Does It Feel"
10:00 am - 11:30 am Breakout Session #1
A1: Special Education Issues: It's a New IDEA (Rona Statman, Arc of Texas) Learn the basic component of the Individuals with Disabilites Education Act (IDEA) including, Referral & Assessment, the ARD and IEP, and Dispute Resolution and how to use the It's A New IDEA Manual to effectively advocate for a free appropriate education for your child with disabilities.
A2: Your Dependent with Special Needs: Making Their Future More Secure (Michael Scott Slayton, MBA, Sr. Financial Planner, MetLife) Planning for your child's future is a daunting task - in this session, you'll get professional advice from an expert!
A3: Let's Talk About School (Janis McClure, Region VIII ESC) This training will review ideas to help improve behavior at school.
A4: Understanding the Sensory System (Margaret Bates, OTR) This session will explore the 7 basic senses through experiential learing. Expect to get your hands dirty and have some fun!
11:30 am - 1:00 pm Lunch Break/Master Session
Keynote Speaker: Charlene Comstock-Galagan
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm Breakout Session #2
B1: Becoming a Partner in Building Inclusive Schools (Charlene Comstock-Galagan) In theory, we an all get behind the IDEA of Inclusive Education; what we don't always know is HOW to get inlusive programming for your own child. Join Charlene to learn how to use the IEP process and a few good communication skills to lay the foundation for an inclusive education for your child.
Handout 1
Handout 2
Handout 3
B2: Medical Issues for Children with Down Syndrome (JoAnna Spahis, RN, CNS, APNG) Children with Down syndrome have risks for a number of medical complications throughout their lives. This session will describe some of the most common medical problems and give strategies for preventive management using the Down Syndrome Preventive Medical Checklist.
B3: Sexuality and Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (Debbie Clark, LCSW) Individuals with intellectual disabilities typically have age appropriate onset of puberty, ad the same feelings of sexual interest as the general population. This session will discuss common areas of concern and strategies to facilitate healthy sexuality.
B4: Biomedical Intervention for Neuro-Immune Disorders (Lisa Hunter-Ryden, MBA, MT (ASCP)) This session discuss the scientific research which links many of the disorders of the neurological and immune systems, the growing prevalence of these disorders worldwide, and evidence-based interventions which can help many of these individuals to recover from medical symptoms associated with these disorders. Lisa will discuss real world applications for parents and professionals, and how underlying medical symptoms can impede learning and development in many children.
2:30 pm - 2:45 pm Afternoon Break
2:45 pm - 4:15 pm Breakout Session #3
C1: Use Your Voice: How To Advocate Effectively (Ginger Mayeaux, MSSW) The Arc of Texas will provide advocacy information that combines traditional training strategies geared towards self-advocates. Participants will learn why advocacy is important, how a bill becomes a law, when and where to advocate, and how to tell their stories effectively.
C2: Music Therapy 101: The Basics & More (Linsey Fredericksen, MT-BC, NMT) Learn more about what music therapy is and how it an be used to bring the developentally delayed to new heights. An informative, yet fun and interactive session for parents, teachers and professionals.
C3: Starting Out Right: Inclusion Strategies Beginning at the Beginning! (Tasey Cates) Inclusion works best if began at an early age. This session will explore a successful inclusion program, strategies for making it work in your classroom, as well as how to modify the curriculum for your student with special needs. A must for any teacher!
C4: Diet & Nutrition in Treating Autism (Nagla Moussa) The session will introduce different diets that help heal inflammation of the gut and celiac-like problems. It will also introduce general nutrition and supplement tips as well as some hints on how to help a picky eater and introduce new foods to your child.
4:15 pm - 5:00 pm Closing Session/Door Prizes
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