Join Us at our 4th Annual Conference!
Saturday, January 28, 2012
We are very excited to be offering our 4th Annual Conference on Saturday, January 28, 2010, at the Abromson Community Center at USM, Portland. ( 86 Bedford St, Portland Maine <map> )
Directions: From 295 take exit 6B. At your first light take a left onto Bedford Street.
This year's conference is tailored toward parents of people with special needs, emerging self-advocates (11-18 yrs) and educators. Childcare is available for MDSN parents. Lunch is included with registration. Contact hours will be provided for educators. The schedule is as follows:
- 8:30 - 9:30 Registration and Childcare Check-In
- 9:30 Welcome and Opening Remarks
- 10:00 Keynote Presentation "Behavior", presented by David Stein
- (During this time, Self Advocates will be attending a Yoga class, led by Jen Sellwood)
- 11:15-12:15 Workshop Session #1
- Educators: Selecting apps for students with unique learning challenges - Hillary Brumer
The iPad is a powerful learning tool for students with special needs. Selecting apps can be an overwhelming process. Participants will learn how to select apps to meet a variety of learning needs. An overview of iPad customizations and accessibility features will be given. A demonstration of apps and iPads in practice will also be featured.Â
- Parents: Special Education Law in Maine - James A. Clifford, Esq.
- Parents: Estate Planning - Peter Sellwood and Barbara Schlichtman
- Parents: Case Management 101 -Melissa Smith, Holly Tumiel and Sarah Mehlhorn
An oveview of Children and Adult Case management services from eligibility to intake to resources and services
-Emerging Self Advocates: Social Skills Program for Young Adults with Down Syndrome
Nadine Briggs will facilitate an hour long session with young adults (tweens and teens) with Down syndrome which will include friendship-building activities and discussion. The session will include:
Playful get-to-know-you activity
Conversation Gift or Friendship Files Scavenger Hunt Activity (depends on number of registrants)
Human Pawn Friendship Game
Clip tag game
Parents will be given a one-page handout with conversation tips.
- 12:30-1:30 Lunch
- 1:30-2:30 Workshop Session #2
- Educators: Inclusion: Where Are We? - Susan Shapiro
More than twenty years ago schools opened their doors to students with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities. During this time, we have moved from educating students with disabilities in separate schools, to separate classrooms, to general education classrooms with separate curriculum, to general education classrooms with general education curriculum modified-like-crazy, to general education classrooms with supports and accommodations built in for all students to learn from general education curriculum. Or have we???? Is this the truth in our schools, or only in the books and articles that we read? This session will be a structured, facilitated dialogue about the state of inclusive education, and what we might need to do as families and professionals with a vision that includes equity and
excellence.
- Parents: Selecting apps for students with unique learning challenges - Hillary Brumer
The iPad is a powerful learning tool for students with special needs. Selecting apps can be an overwhelming process. Participants will learn how to select apps to meet a variety of learning needs. An overview of iPad customizations and accessibility features will be given. A demonstration of apps and iPads in practice will also be featured.Â
- Parents: Siblings Have Special Needs Too
Nadine Briggs, a trained Sibshop facilitator will explore how parents can improve relationships among siblings. The seminar includes discussion about the importance of sibling relationships, the sibling’s inner struggle: compassion vs. conflict, and advice on how to nurture positive sibling relationships.
-Parents: Therapies and Down Syndrome - Jen Corbeil
This discussion will explore the different therapy models provided in the state of Maine and discuss the goals and opprtunities that exist for children with Down syndrome when accessing these services and more importantly when accessing these services EARLY.
- Parents: Neuroscience of Hippotherapy - Susan E. Grant, OTR/L
- 2:45-3:45 Workshop Session #3
- Educators: Friendship Facilitation: What to Do and UNDO - Susan Shapiro
Few topics hold more weight in our hearts than this one. Most of us would gladly trade-in the modified math tests, speech and language services, adapted equipment, and IEP, for a live, real, authentic friend for our son or daughter. Given how much we care, it's hard, then, to imagine that our words and actions are part of the problem, but they might be. Most of us know lots of strategies for facilitating friendship, but for some reason these strategies don't work sometimes. This workshop presents the barriers to friendship, and challenges us to see not only what we need to DO, but also what we need to UNDO, for all students to have friends.Â
- Parent: Parenting Children with Down Syndrome - Panel of Parents
This workshop will be an opportunity for Q&A, mutual problem solving, and sharing of experiences, led by a panel of parents of children and young adults with Down syndrome. All age ranges from birth through adulthood will be represented!
- Parents: Fitness and Young Adults with Down Syndrome - Jen Corbeil
This discussion will focus on the growing number of obesity in young adults and adults with developmental disabilities. Together we will explore opportunities for young adults to participate in fitness program safely and effectively. We will look at research supporting the importance of a healthy life style and the amazing changes that can take place for young adults and adults with down syndrome.
- Parents: New Medical Guidelines: What you need to know- Dr. Wendy Smith and Dr. Rosemarie Smith
- 3:45-4:00 Childcare Pickup, Depart for home
Sibshops, presented by Woodfords, will be offered from 10am-12pm, for siblings aged 6-12
We will also be offering, for the first time this year, a track for emerging self advocates. This session will be geared toward people with Down syndrome, ages 11-18.
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