WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS

Early Intervention

Ages 0-5

Early Intervention and Transition Services at Age Three
This workshop provides a detailed overview of early intervention and transition services at age three to families and professionals who serve infants and toddlers with disabilities. It also includes information about procedural safeguards and tips and pointers for a successful transition.

APPsolute Fun: Apps for Early Learning
This session will introduce and demonstrate iPad applications that help facilitate early learning. This will include preschool apps, early language and literacy, fine motor skills and much more. Join us for a fast-paced, fun-filled workshop.

AT for Early Learning
This workshop includes types of assistive technology used for young children, from birth to age five. Topics include apps and websites that facilitate early learning, toy/book adaptations, low tech items, early AAC, and much more. Come see how your little ones can benefit from assistive technology.

Toy Tips: Ideas and Options for Children with Special Needs
Buying toys for your special needs child can sometimes be difficult and frustrating. We will give you suggestions as to which types of toys work best for your child. Learn how to adapt a wide variety of toys. Get ideas on inexpensive ways to adapt everyday items such as books, puzzles and much more!

Special Education

Grades K – 12

Assessment Process
This workshop provides an overview of parent and district participation in the special education assessment process. Workshop attendees will learn about the federal laws that govern special education and Section 504, the referral and assessment processes, and options for resolving disagreements.

AT and the IEP
This workshop will help parents to understand the process of obtaining an appropriate AT assessment and how to work with the rest of the IEP team to provide effective services for their child. (Please note: this is not an assistive technology workshop.)

Basic Rights and Responsibilities
You may have heard of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, but did you know that there are other education laws that pertain to students with disabilities? Come to this workshop to learn more about these laws and how they assist your child with a disability to receive education.

Navigating IEPS
Does the IEP process seem overwhelming and confusing? This workshop will help guide you through the process, introduce you to special education terminology, and provide you with tools to help you successfully navigate special education.

Section 504
Focuses on the Section 504 plan, including accommodations in school, postsecondary education and the workplace. Sample Section 504 accommodation and individual health plans are included. Positive communication techniques are interspersed throughout the workshop.

Middle School and Adult Transition

Apps for Older Students: Middle School, High School and Beyond
This workshop will include apps for middle school and college-aged students. We will include apps for reading, writing, math, life skills, social skills, organization and more. Come join us for an informative, fast-paced workshop.

AT: Tools for Transition
Technology can play a big role in successfully transitioning from high school to the adult world. We will introduce the different types of technology that may be useful in high school, college, in the workplace and to help foster independence. Attendees will leave with an understanding of what types of technology are out there to help older students and adults with special needs and where to obtain that technology.

Getting and Keeping Your First Job
The goal of this workshop is to help families, caregivers and professionals understand the realities of today’s work world so they can help youth with disabilities earn competitive employment. Participants will learn the importance of disability self-awareness, career planning and strategies to navigate resumes, job interviews and job accommodations.

Journey through Adolescence
This workshop will provide parents with basic information about the changes that puberty and adolescence bring to every child, including their son or daughter. The information is intended to help participants feel more comfortable and confident as they help their children safely navigate this important transition from childhood to adulthood. The ultimate aim is to promote the independence, personal safety, healthy lifestyles, healthy relationships and social inclusion of youth with disabilities. This workshop is appropriate for parents of primary and middle school students.

Section 504 and Transition to Postsecondary Services
In this workshop, we will assist you to understand the ITP process as it pertains to postsecondary education and other related services. We will also provide an overview of programs and resources available to your child entering postsecondary education or employment.

Transition to Adult Services
Focuses on the development of the Individual Transition Plan and the transition process from school to adult services. Explains other system criteria and application processes, i.e. Social Security Administration, Department of Rehabilitation and Regional Center. Discusses supports for the individual to live independently and productively within the community. Positive communication techniques are interspersed throughout the workshop.

Tips and Tricks for Getting and Keeping a Job – An Interactive workshop for Teens
Join us to learn skills to be successfully employed! This interactive workshop will help teens and young adults learn tools to find a job, keep a job, self-advocate while on the job, and communicate and practice social etiquette.

Transition to Middle School
Transitions can be filled with anticipation and questions about what happens next. This workshop will guide parents and professionals on the ins and outs of what you can be doing now to prepare for middle school, as well as tips and strategies that can be used once students make the transition.

AT Workshops

Apps for Older Students: Middle School, High School and Beyond
This workshop will include apps for middle school and college-aged students. We will include apps for reading, writing, math, life skills, social skills, organization and more. Come join us for an informative, fast-paced workshop.

APPsolutely Amazing: Apps for Students with Special Needs
We will introduce applications with the following focus areas: basic concepts, language and vocabulary building, communication, social and life skills, fine motor skills and more. Join us for a fun, fast-paced session.

APPsolute Fun: Apps for Early Learning
This session will introduce and demonstrate iPad applications that help facilitate early learning. This will include preschool apps, early language and literacy, fine motor skills and much more. Join us for a fast-paced, fun-filled workshop.

APPtastic Adventures: Fun and Educational Apps for Special Education
In this workshop, we will introduce some wonderful applications that can be used on iDevices for children with special needs. Some of the applications discussed and demonstrated will include early learning, reading, interactive books, writing, spelling, fine motor skills and much more. Join us for a fun, fast-paced workshop! (Please note: prior technology and iDevice knowledge is recommended but not required.)

AT 101
This workshop provides information on the laws as they pertain to assistive technology, the AT evaluation process, and some ideas for writing AT into the IEP. It also includes a brief introduction to the various types of AT available.

AT for Autism and Other Disabilities
We will introduce technology specifically related to disorders on the autism spectrum and for those with developmental disabilities, including software and apps with the following focus areas: video modeling, social skills, life skills, vocabulary building, language development, communication, interpreting emotions and more. We will offer many solutions, from low tech interventions to high tech AAC devices.

AT for Early Learning
This workshop includes types of assistive technology used for young children, from birth to age five. Topics include apps and websites that facilitate early learning, toy/book adaptations, low tech items, early AAC, and much more. Come see how your little ones can benefit from assistive technology.

AT: Tools for Transition
Technology can play a big role in successfully transitioning from high school to the adult world. We will introduce the different types of technology that may be useful in high school, college, in the workplace and to help foster independence. Attendees will leave with an understanding of what types of technology are out there to help older students and adults with special needs and where to obtain that technology.

Fabulous Freebies: Assistive Technology at No Cost and Adaptation Ideas for Very Low Cost
In this workshop, we will introduce some great ideas for adapting everyday items for little or no cost, demonstrate free software that can be accessed online or downloaded to your computer, and demonstrate free iPad applications that we have found to be helpful. We will also show you built in accessibility features on your computer and iDevices. Join us for a fun workshop and learn how to access technology for free!

Let’s Talk Low Tech: AAC Basics
What is AAC? What is low tech vs. high tech? This workshop includes a thorough explanation of Augmentative and Alternative Communication, types of low and mid tech AAC available, an explanation of various communication symbols and more. Examples of low and mid tech AAC will be shown including hands-on trials. Join us for a fun, informative session learning about low and mid tech AAC!

Reading and Writing Solutions, Tips and Tricks
Ever thought about using assistive technology to help bridge the gap in reading and writing? In this workshop, you will learn about visual and auditory reading and writing support tools, adapted and alternative writing tools, incredible software and helpful specialized apps. Join us for a fast-paced, informative session.

Special Topics

Bullying Prevention: What Parents Need to Know
This workshop was developed by PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center. It is intended for parents and professionals to explore the dynamics of bullying so they can learn what to do and help children address the issue. Topics consist of: who is bullied; why children are bullied; the role schools play; laws and policies; and bullying prevention strategies.

California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP)
This workshop will help participants better understand the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) assessments, and their application to students with disabilities. Participants will learn about the assessments included in the CAASPP: Smarter Balanced Assessments, the California Alternate Assessment, and the California Science Test. They will gain an understanding of CAASPP accessibility supports including Universal Tools, Designated Supports and Accommodations.

Disaster Preparedness
This workshop provides an overview of how to prepare for natural disasters and highlights specific concerns related to children with disabilities and special health care needs.