Lois Healey, Special Education Director for the Scottsdale Unified School District send me the SARRC Training Schedule for Fall 2009 quite some time ago and asked me to share.  There are some excellent classes offered so you may want to check them out!

I’ve pulled out just a couple overviews to give you an idea of the types of training available.

• Sleep Issues  – This training focuses on quality of life issues involving sleep concerns. Families will develop an understanding of how to assess a sleep related problem and develop an appropriate intervention to establish good bedtime habits with their child so the entire family has restful nights.
• Desensitization Intervention for Sensory and Medical Issues – This training will provide an overview of systematic desensitization strategies in relation to reducing anxiety in individuals of any age with ASD to sensory stimuli such as vacuums and haircuts as well medical issues related to doctor visits. This training will also include video examples and tips on how to provide intervention.
• Decreasing Problem Behaviors & Increasing Appropriate Social Skills – Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs) are essential to identifying the reasons behind difficult behaviors and to the development of effective behavior support plans. This presentation will detail information regarding the use of interviews, observation techniques, and data collection procedures necessary for effective assessments. Practice exercises will also be conducted to assist participants in the development and implementation of behavior support strategies.

SARRC Training Schedule – FALL 2009

A great opportunity for parents!

Special Education Training for Parents

Disability Empowerment Center of Arizona  

Second Floor/Room 208

5025 East Washington Street

Phoenix, Arizona

Thursday, April 23, 2009

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

&

6:00 p.m. -9:00 p.m.

Do you have questions about the special education process?

Do you have questions about your child’s IEP?

Do you have questions concerning discipline?

Do you have questions about your rights?

Well, let’s get some answers !

The Arizona Center for Disability Law will be conducting an intensive training designed for parents to answer these questions and more. This free training will provide in depth information on the procedural safeguards set forth in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004, Bureau of Indian Education and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.  Highlights of the training will include information on the evaluation, the IEP, appropriate placement, transition services and discipline. In addition, the training will provide parents with practical advice and strategies for developing self-advocacy skills.

For more information or to reserve space in one of the trainings, please contact the Center, at

(602) 274-6287 (voice/TTY) 1-800-927-2260 or e-mail kvanhorne@azdisabilitylaw.org . Please notify the Center as soon as possible if you need any special accommodations or are unable to keep your reservation. The training is subject to cancellation if minimal registration is not achieved; you will be contacted as soon as possible if the training is cancelled. The training is limited to 25 participates.

For more information about the Center, please check our website at www.azdisabilitylaw.org

Funding for this training is provided by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Administration on Developmental Disabilities

Every child can succeed with positive direction and care.  This a wonderful opportunity to help prepare our young adults  for their lives after high school.  Register Now!

For more details, please visit the website for the conference:  www.SpectrumTrainingSystemsInc.com/Conferences.html

Read below for the conference schedule.

Career Planning for Individuals
with Autism Spectrum Disorders
April 2-3, 2009

After several years of planning, Spectrum Training is delighted to announce that our two day Autism Career Planning conferences are now ready. After much dialogue with career planners, transition teachers, parents and other ASD concerned persons we planned these conferences to meet those specific, critical needs.
This high caliber career planning is the key to a successful future with positive long-term outcomes and is ESSENTIAL for:
* Career counselors, job developers/job coaches, rehab administrators, vocational coordinators
* Special education administrators, teachers, teacher assistants, case managers, therapists
* Students, parents, caregivers, young adults with ASD (16+)

Date and Location

April 2-3, 2009 Phoenix, AZ

Topic Schedule
Conference Schedule Day One:

Career Planning
A. Communication Skills in the Initial Interview
B. Interview Communication Graffiti Activity
C. Structuring the Interview Environment
D. Interview Structure Activity
E. Theory of Mind
F. Building the Career Portfolio
G. Career Portfolio Development Activity

Career Assessment
A. Creating the Evaluation Plan
B. Assessment Processes for Job Seekers With ASD
C. Skill/Interest Testing
D. Assessing Social/Communication Skills
E. Career Assessment Activity

Workplace Supports
A. Workplace Problems
B. Natural Support Development
C. Take Workplace Supports
D. Minnesota Work Adjustment Theory
E. Work Values Graffiti Activity

Conference Schedule Day Two:
Social Communication in the Workplace
A. Basic Self-Advocacy
B. Asking for Help Activity
C. Sins of the System Overview
D. Sins of the System Graffiti Activity
E. Courtesy Rule Card Activity
F. Social Skill Supports
G. Workplace Visuals Graffiti Activity
H. Workplace Social Story Make/Take

Implementing the Career Plan
A. Career Strategies in Action
B. Working with the Business Community
C. Final Wrap Up – Q & A Session

Presented by Spectrum Training Systems, Inc.

spectrumtrainingsystems@yahoo.com

(920) 749-0332 

Please look at this wonderful workshop.

Just wanted to let you know about an upcoming workshop for professionals and parents presented by Rick Lavoie, a well-known authority in children who learn differently. You can get information at www.lexisprep.com/lavoie. This is an amazing opportunity for all of us….I hope you take advantage of it.

Twice Exceptional (2e) Parent Group twoeparents@yahoo.com

Laura Holgate, Chair 
Affiliated with Scottsdale Supporters of the Gifted (SSG)
http://azgifted.org/ and SEPACS http://sepacs.org/

This is a wonderful opportunity for parents.

April 2-3, 2009 Phoenix, AZ

SAVE THE DATE!

After several years of planning, Spectrum Training is delighted to announce that our two day Autism Career Planning conferences are now ready. After much dialogue with career planners, transition teachers, parents and other ASD concerned persons we planned these conferences to meet those specific, critical needs.

This high caliber career planning is the key to a successful future with positive long-term outcomes and is ESSENTIAL for:

* Career counselors, job developers/job coaches, rehab administrators, vocational coordinators
* Special education administrators, teachers, teacher assistants, case managers, therapists
* Students, parents, caregivers

Topic Schedule

Conference Schedule Day One:
Career Planning
A. Communication Skills in the Initial Interview
B. Interview Communication Graffiti Activity
C. Structuring the Interview Environment
D. Interview Structure Activity
E. Theory of Mind
F. Building the Career Portfolio
G. Career Portfolio Development Activity
Career Assessment
A. Creating the Evaluation Plan
B. Assessment Processes for Job Seekers With ASD
C. Skill/Interest Testing
D. Assessing Social/Communication Skills
E. Career Assessment Activity
Workplace Supports
A. Workplace Problems
B. Natural Support Development
C. Take Workplace Supports
D. Minnesota Work Adjustment Theory
E. Work Values Graffiti Activity

Conference Schedule Day Two:
Social Communication in the Workplace
A. Basic Self-Advocacy
B. Asking for Help Activity
C. Sins of the System Overview
D. Sins of the System Graffiti Activity
E. Courtesy Rule Card Activity
F. Social Skill Supports
G. Workplace Visuals Graffiti Activity
H. Workplace Social Story Make/Take
Implementing the Career Plan
A. Career Strategies in Action
B. Working with the Business Community
C. Final Wrap Up – Q & A Session

Presenters
James Emmett is a national leader in development of employment services for persons with autism spectrum disorders as well as in assisting corporations in creation of outreach efforts to the disability and autism communities. He is an individual with a disability and a parent of three daughters with disabilities. James currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer of Integrated Behavioral Systems (www.integratedbehavioralsystems.com) and is a Partner in the consulting firm Two Steps Forward (www.twostepsforwardinc.com). He graduated with a Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Illinois Institute of Technology. James recently completed 1.5 years working as the Disability Program Manager for Walgreens helping set up the company’s national disability initiative (www.walgreensoutreach.com). He also assisted Easter Seals National in laying the foundation for their national autism services network.
Karen Steffan, MS, CRC has worked in the field of Rehabilitation and Transition for over 26 years and has been the LADSE Transition and Vocational Program Coordinator for the past 15 years. Karen’s experience spans a broad spectrum of responsibilities including job development and placement, classroom instruction, program development, grant writing, professional development and training, project management, and program administration in public and not-for-profit sectors. Karen provided employment, transition, and advocacy training to thousands of colleagues in private through university settings. She has lead the Transition Alliance Next Steps Training Team for the past 20 years, training parents on the topic of effective transition planning. Karen has been a board member on local and state boards such as G&A Human Rights Committee, Illinois Job Placement Division, Suburban Access, Seguin Services and IAPSE. She is a member of multiple professional associations including ACTE, NRA/IRA, ARC and Advocates United.

Christopher Simler is the Chief Executive Officer and Autism Consultant for Integrated Behavioral Systems, Inc. Christopher is classically trained as an Applied Behavioral Scientist specializing in the field of Autism supports, strategies, and curriculum development. As a Behavioral Scientist, Christopher applies his knowledge of leadership, program development, communication and instruction as key components in working with a person with autism. Over the last thirteen years Christopher has worked with non-profits, school districts, transition programs, national associations and co-operative special education programs providing autism trainings and behavioral support. He feels the key to success for people with autism needs to be geared towards transition and vocational placement. The process is one that is systematic and must be viewed from a behavioral, social, academic and structural point of view. Christopher continues to work with agencies in the Chicago area providing a strong and successful future for people with autism.

Prices

Two Days Professional: $205 Two Days Parent: $140
Early Bird: $175

One Day Professional: $140 One Day Parent: $80
Early Bird: $125

As more details become available, they will be listed on the following site:
www.SpectrumTrainingSystemsInc.com/Conferences.html

We will also be sending out additional emails with the updated information.

Thank you!
Spectrum Training Systems, Inc.
spectrumtrainingsystems@yahoo.com
(920) 749-0332

(I have to apologize for being so late on getting this info out to you.  I’m not sure if it’s possible to still register, but it’s always worth a try.)

For Middle and High School Students
Be better prepared for AIMS testing, prepare for college entrance exams, and get better grades!! Learn life-long organizational skills! Feel Successful!

Since we have received so many requests from parents for additional study skills programs, SPI has developed an 8-week after-school program. The eight week program entails lessons and activities on the following main topics (topics may be added/changed as necessary):

· Identify students’ learning styles and complete a baseline measure of current study habits
· Organize students’ study environments (including organizing their own backpack)
· Prioritize all areas of students’ responsibilities; learn stress management skills
· Practice skills to avoid distractions and stamp out procrastination
· Learn outlining skills through hands on activities
· Learn note taking skills through hands on activities
· Identify main topics and effectively utilize abbreviations and symbols
· Learn to use index cards and strengthen memory skills

One free make-up class/review per session!

All classes will be held at Arabian Library which is adjacent to Desert Canyon Middle School (Thompson Peak Parkway and McDowell Mountain Ranch Rd.) from 4:00- 5:30 pm.

Middle School Students grades 6-8th from 4:00- 5:30 pm. Tuesdays: 2/3; 2/10; 2/17; 2/24; 3/3; 3/10; 3/17; 3/24; 3/31 Make Up Class/Review

High School Students grades 9-12th from 4:00- 5:30 pm. Thursdays, except Tuesday 4/7. Thursday: 1/29; 2/5; 2/26; 3/5; 3/12; 3/26; 4/2; Tuesday 4/7; 4/9 Make Up Class/Review

Cost is $120 per student. To register call Sandra Nichols at: (480) 443-3100 Ext. 225. Registration is limited and must be completed by Jan. 28, 2009. Checks made payable to Scottsdale Prevention Institute and can be sent to 8102 E. Jackrabbbit, Scottsdale 85250.

Scottsdale Prevention Institute Phone: 480-443-3100
8102 E. Jackrabbit Road, #B Fax: 480-443-3272
Scottsdale, AZ 85250 United Way # 0077
info@spi-az.org

The Scottsdale Parent Council
Scottsdale Parent Council

Wrightslaw Advocacy Training

Special Education Law & Your Child’s Rights

presents Peter Wright, Esq.& U.S. Special Ed Law Expert

www.wrightslaw.com

A Supreme Court Winning Lawyer 

Save the Date!

When: Thursday, March 12, 2009

Time: 9:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.

Where: Tucson, Arizona

Place: Tucson Convention Center,

260 South Church Avenue 

Price:

• Individual: $35*
• Couple: $60* (1 set of books)
• Professional: $85*

*Continental breakfast, lunch and snacks are included in the registration price.

Participants will receive two books for use during the training: Wrightslaw: Special Education Law, 2nd Edition and Wrightslaw: From Emotions to Advocacy, 2nd Edition.

To become involved and/or to receive the latest details go to www.pilotparents.org, e-mail ppsa@pilotparents.org  or call 520-324-3150 

This special education and advocacy conference is being brought to you by:

• The Arc of Tucson
• Autism Society of America, Pima County Chapter
• Martinez-Ross Marketing
• Pilot Parents of Southern Arizona
• Southern Arizona Network for Down Syndrome
• Tucson Community A.C.T.I.O.N. Team
• Tucson Unified School District Exceptional Parent Project

Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT)

for Supporting Young Children with ASDs in Home, School and Community Settings

Speaker: Daniel Openden, Ph.D., BCBA

Clinical Services Director, SARRC

When: Monday, December 15

Where: University of Arizona

Student Union, Kiva Room

Tucson, Arizona

Time: 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Cost: No Fee

This workshop is designed for parents and professionals working with young children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Daniel Openden, Ph.D., BCBA, SARRC’s clinical services director, will describe the devel­opment and implementation of Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT), an evidence-based intervention for teaching children with autism. PRT is a family-centered approach that may be implemented throughout the day and across natural environments such as in the home, at school or in the community. Dr. Openden will discuss procedures for improving the pivotal response of motivation to produce generalized improvements in language and social skills and reductions in disruptive behaviors. Video examples will be used to illustrate how professionals can implement the procedures throughout the day and across settings. Participants will receive a certificate of attendance for professional development.

The Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC) is a nonprofit, community-based organization dedicated to autism research, education and resources for children and young adults with autism and their families. SARRC undertakes self-directed and collaborative research projects, serves as a satellite site for national and international projects, and provides up-to-date information, training and assistance to families and professionals about autism and related disorders. For more information about SARRC, call (602) 340-8717 or visit www.autismcenter.org.

Registration: PRT Workshop

Please contact SARRC’s

Intake Coordinator at

602-340-8717

SARRC, 300 N. 18th Street

Phoenix, AZ 85006

Phone (602) 340-8717

FAX (602) 340-8720