2019 Conference Schedule
Scroll down for detailed descriptions of the breakout sessions for this year's conference!
Choices for Session 1 (10:15 am -12:00 pm):
Title: Strength Based Planning Strategies
Description: Presenters will share strength based planning tools to support people in identifying their goals for the future. This will include Person Centered Planning strategies and elements of the Charting the LifeCourse Framework. The topic is widely applicable to anyone interested in new strategies for planning.
Presented by: Beth Kessler: Family Engagement Director for the Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities, and Aniko Adany from OTAC (Oregon Training and Consultation) and ARC Oregon
This session is intended primarily for: Family Members/Guardians and Educators
Title: Problem Solving Trauma
Description: Working with those who have experienced trauma can be challenging. After a brief review of the effect of trauma on the brain, we will work together to strategize practical ways to support a person who has experienced trauma.
Presented by: Shauna Signorini
This session is intended primarily for: Educators and Service Providers
Title: Methods, Materials, Tools and Resources for Creating Assistive Technology Solutions in Minutes
Description: Discover amazing tools and materials making assistive technology devices using no power tools, no glue, no hammer, no nails or screws. Explore the magical world of specialty tapes, plastics, foam and wire. Unlock the loc – discover amazing solutions created with: dual loc, loc-lift RG and loc-line.
Presented by: Dr. Therese Willkomm: Clinical Associate Professor and Self Advocate
This session is intended primarily for: Educators and Service Providers
Title: Ready or not here we come! Pre-Employment Transition Services for Students
Description: An interactive session for students with skill introductions that focus on the 5 Pre-ETS areas. (Pre-Employment Transition Services) Including fun and interactive mini lessons for students learning how to enter the workforce.
Presented by: Toni DePeel: Pre-ETS coordinator at Vocational Rehabilitation and Nicole Perdue: Pre-ETS coordinator at Vocational Rehabilitation
This session is intended primarily for: Educators and Students
Title: Your Guide to Choosing an Employment Provider
Description: The Oregon Self Advocacy Coalition (OSAC) and the Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities (OCDD) have supported people with disabilities and their family members to understand changes to employment services in Oregon. Recently, we developed a guide about how to choose an employment provider that will help them reach their employment goals. This presentation will give participants hands on experience through role plays and other activities. We will talk about myths and truths about working in the community, how to interview employment service providers, how to prepare for an interview, and problem solving different situations.
Presented by: Gabrielle Guedon: Executive Director of OSAC, Ross Ryan: Community Advocate with OSAC, Dayna Davis: Member of OSAC
This session is intended primarily for: Self Advocates and Service Providers
Title: Taking Charge of My Health Toolkit: For and by People with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities
Description: Learn about this free online toolkit designed to provide health and health care advocacy education and resources for people with IDD and those who support them. The toolkit consists of 9 modules that cover a variety of health and health care related topics and includes written materials, Powerpoints, multiple resources and videos that can be used for individual or group learning. Attendees will be provided a workbook that they can take with them.
Presented by: Kaaren Londahl: Board Member of OSAC, Jordan Lawson: Chair of OSAC, Erin Taylor: Health Promotion Coordinator at ODDS
This session is intended primarily for: Self Advocates and Service Providers
Title: Understanding the IEP and Goal Writing
Description: Join us to understand why having high expectations is critical in IEP goal development and how to participate in the creation process. We’ll discuss the process, introduce SMART goals, and share practical tips while encouraging participants to rethink how goals can support the outcomes they dream for their child.
Presented by: Roberta Dunn, Executive Director of FACT Oregon and Parent
This session is intended primarily for: Family Members/Guardians
Title: Life Care Planning for Two Generations
Description: This presentation will include an overview how to plan for the short and long-term for an individual with special needs. Estate planning considerations, an overview of special needs trusts, and ABLE Accounts and how they affect eligibility for government benefits. Helping families understand how and when to think about special needs planning for their loved one.
Presented by: Alisha Langford: ChSNC, Special Needs Planner with the Palladio Group and Parent
This session is intended primarily for: Family Members/Guardians
Title: Working-Class Autism and a Big Green Guitar - a small-town story of a journey from “weird kid” to successful musician by late-diagnosed self-advocate TR Kelley. Comedy, insight, and original music.
Description: Together with drummer/sound engineer Randy Hamme, TR Kelley presents a dynamic show about growing up undiagnosed with stories and songs. Topics covered include all manner of sensory and social mishaps and misunderstandings with an emphasis on auditory processing differences, selective mutism, hyperlexia, social difficulties, bullying, extreme motion sickness, offbeat special interests and a gamut of other familiar autistic traits.
Presented by: TR Kelley: Musician/Entertainer and self advocate, Randy Hamme: Builder/Musician/Sound Engineer
This session is intended primarily for: Educators and Family Members/Guardians
Choices for Session 2 (1:15 - 2:15 pm):
Title: Resource Mapping – How do you want to meet your needs?
Description: Presenters will share tools to help people identify what they need in order to achieve their goals, and how they want to meet those needs. Participants will use organization and brainstorming tools to map what they currently have access to in pursuit of their goals, and what additional resources they may want to develop. This session is intended as a follow up to “Strength Based Planning Strategies”.
Presented by: Beth Kessler: Family Engagement Director for OCDD and Aniko Adany: with OTAC and ARC Oregon
This session is intended primarily for: Self advocates and Family members/Guardians
Title: Healthcare Advocacy: An introduction for families
Description: Learn tips to more effectively navigate healthcare systems, communicate effectively, and understand their child’s “medical home”. Good for those who have frequent medical and/or therapy appointments.
Presented by: Shauna Signorini
This session is intended primarily for: Family Members/Guardians
Title: Upside down, Inside Out and Backwards
Description: Exploring innovative ways for creating thousands of assistive technology solutions in minutes by looking at the world differently. This session will discuss and demonstrate hundreds of assistive technology solutions invented by Dr. Therese Willkomm who shares her innovative ways of creating solutions using everyday items in extraordinary ways. Dr Willkomm demonstrates how having Tourette’s Syndrome and Dyslexia are her greatest gifts in creating thousands of devices for individuals with disabilities.
Presented by: Dr. Therese Willkomm: Clinical Associate Professor and Self Advocate
This session is intended primarily for: Family Members and Service Providers
Title: Meet & Greet Book Signing with Zach Anner
Description: Come meet Zach! Say hi and get an autograph.
Presented by: Zach Anner: Comedian, Author, YouTube Personality
This session is intended primarily for: All conference attendees
Title: Pre-Employment Transition Services Jeopardy!
Description: When Josh Barbour was in high school, his teachers wrote him the following Post-Secondary Goal: “27 years after graduating from high school, Josh will work as a host of a Jeopardy game show at a transition conference.” Josh’s dream is about to come true! Josh Barbour, Kriss Rita and Margie Blackmore are inviting student contestants to test their knowledge on the 5 Pre-Employment Transition Services. Josh will do his (mediocre) impression of legendary Jeopardy host Alec Trebek as contestants are asked questions on: Job Exploration Counseling, Work-based Learning Experience, Counseling for Post-Secondary Goals, Workplace Readiness and Self Advocacy. This interactive session will be a fantastic opportunity for students to review skills for entering the workforce!
Presented by: Josh Barbour: Transition Network Facilitator with Linn Benton Lincoln ESD, Kriss Rita: Transition Network Facilitator with Clackamas ESD, Marguerite Blackmore: Transition Network Facilitator with High Desert ESD
This session is intended primarily for: Self Advocates
Title: Adapt & Triumph
Description: Adapt & Triumph is a local non profit with a powerful cause. Our mission is designed to make an impact on the greater community through demolishing the predispositions and barriers of the adaptive athlete. Adapt & Triumph is designed to help adaptive athletes overcome obstacles and accumulate skills which will allow them to pursue athletic endeavors with success and positive mindset, and to showcase the powerful abilities of each individual – regardless of society’s stigmas and limits.
Presented by: Joe Fonseca Coach, Adaptive Athlete and President of Adapt & Triumph
This session is intended primarily for: Self Advocates and Family Members/Guardians
Title: Grading Practices at the Secondary Level
Description: Accommodation and modification decisions can be very challenging for IEP team members. Many times there is little understanding about what an accommodation is and what a modification is and how both of them impact students’ grades and diploma options at the secondary level. This presentation will dispel myths and expose the truths behind accommodations and modifications and provide some guidance for IEP teams to consider when making these decisions.
Presented by: Martha Hinman: Student Service Executive Director for Redmond School District and Karen Jordan: Assistant Student Services Director for Redmond School District
This session is intended primarily for: Educators and Family Members/Guardians
Title: How I became employed by the state of Oregon: State as a Model Employer Initiative helped me gain employment and can help you too!
Description: Clayton Jamison will share his experience becoming a state employee through the Model Employer Program. Clayton will present with two managers within his department at ODDS and discuss how the process to become a state employee helped him gain employment. Clayton will share some of his job duties and how his employment fits his own unique skills and strengths. Managers from ODDS will explain how other agencies can utilize the State as a Model Employer Initiative to create a more diverse workforce.
Presented by: Clayton Jamison: DHS Office Assistant and Self Advocate, Acacia McGuire: Anderson DHS Employment First Coordinator
This session is intended primarily for: Self Advocates and Service Providers
Title: Raising a Self-Advocate
Description: You are invited to a conversation with a panel of extraordinary self-advocates who will share their experiences of growing up with a disability and the importance of nurturing your child’s advocacy skills at any age. The panel will answer questions such as:
1. When you were kids, how did your parents or other adults support you to become independent?
2. How did you learn to speak up for yourself?
3. What experiences in your life have made you a stronger self advocate?
4. What advice would you give to parents to help them support their children to become self advocates?
Presented by: Gabrielle Guedon: Executive Director of OSAC, Noelle Sisk: Special Education Family and Community Coordinator for Portland Public Schools
This session is intended primarily for: Educators and Family Members/Guardians
Title: Friendometry: It’s more than just learning social skills, it’s about finding friend connections
Description: There are currently millions of children who do not have friends. All children deserve a friend. It is a basic human need. Research and clinical experience indicate that children that struggle with obtaining friends are at an increased risk for sadness and higher levels of depression and anxiety. Having just one friend can protect a child from mood problems and lead to higher levels of self esteem, confidence and self worth. There are lots of resources for social skills development, but few options regarding where to find friends. It’s now commonplace that millions of adults are finding companionship online. It’s time to allow the internet to help children find a friend. Friendometry is a resource for parents to find friend connections for their child based on where they live. This presentation will focus on skill development and strategies for finding friends through matchmaking technology.
Presented by: Daniel Kriz PysD ABPdN: Pediatric Neuropsychologist at St Charles
This session is intended primarily for: Family Members/Guardians and Service Providers
Choices for Session 3 (2:30 - 3:30 pm):
Title: Working in my community: I did it, so can you!
Description: Advocates will share about how they gained employment in their community and how their team supported them along the way. They will share success, struggles and how they were supported by a team which includes family, friends, service providers and others who had an important role. Lessons learned will be shared by the panel as well as ideas for others to find a job in their community. The panel will discuss their own personal goals around employment and how they continue to reach new goals in their current job. Panel members will share with the audience what they do for work, how it has increased their independence and how employment has added to their life. Come learn what working in a person’s community means to this inspiring panel of advocates.
Presented by: Joe and Linda Carroll along with their son Tad, Erica Drake: Employment Specialist at ODDS
This session is intended primarily for: Family Members/Guardians and Self Advocates
Title: What’s new with ABLE and what’s next?
Description: Two years ago, people with disabilities were finally able to start saving money without losing their state and federal benefits. A lot (of good!) has happened since then. Come learn about the basics of ABLE plans, what new features have launched, what legislation has passed, and what legislation has been proposed to make ABLE even better.
Presented by: Kaellen Hessel: Advocacy & Outreach Manager at Oregon Savings Network/Oregon State Treasury and Tobais Read: Oregon State Treasurer
This session is intended primarily for: Self Advocates and Family Member/Guardians
Title: Being a Self Advocate: It is time to hear your voice
Description: Come join us for a panel presentation – A self advocate and his team will share how you can become a voice in your community and represent the needs of others who experience disability. Being a stakeholder in your community efforts turns voice into action! You will hear the personal experience of a self advocate and his journey of becoming a part of his community by joining local committees and teams as well as starting his own efforts.
Presented by: Sam Robinson: Self Advocate and Sheila Conroy: Personal Agent at Full Access High Desert
This session is intended primarily for: Self Advocates and Family Members/Guardians
Title: Behavior Support Services: What are they?
Description: Join us for a discussion about Behavior supports and services with a panel of families who have accessed behavior support services and professionals to hear about their experiences and get your questions answered!
Presented by: A panel including Allison Faucher: Professional counselor and family member, Jenny Fisher: ABA professional, Shannon Pugerude: Professional and Parent, Lisa McCormick: Foster mom, Kirsten Rodin: Parent, Stephanie Hunter: Professional and Parent
This session is intended primarily for: Family Members/Guardians and Self Advocates
Title: Put the “I” in ISP, IEP and IPE
Description: Join this interactive workshop and learn how to make YOUR plans represent YOUR voice. Do you get confused about your plans, all the acronyms and what questions to ask in your meeting? This workshop will help you get prepared so you can be the best self advocate.
Presented by: Marguerite Blackmore: Transition Network Facilitator
This session is intended primarily for: Self Advocates
Title: Assistive Technology & Accommodations: Employment for low vision and legally blind job seekers
Description: We will define what an on the job accommodation is and discuss the associated myths and relevant resources. This training will focus on an overview of assistive technology used for low vision and legally blind job seekers, a demonstration of how these devices are used and successful on the job accommodations stories will be shared.
Presented by: Molly James: Business Relations Coordinator for the Oregon Commission for the Blind, Larry Lake: Assistive Technology Instructor for the Oregon Commission for the Blind
This session is intended primarily for: Service Providers and Educators
Title: Mindfulness and Movement: An Experiential Introduction to Yoga Calm
Description: Participants will learn about Yoga Calm, a program developed in Portland that integrates physical yoga, mindfulness practice, and social-emotional learning (SEL) activities. Participants will be taken through a Yoga Calm lesson as the rationale and theory behind the exercises and activities are discussed.
Presented by: Suzy Hayes and Katie Diez: Occupational Therapist with High Desert ESD
This session is intended primarily for: Educators and Family Members/Guardians
Title: SPROUT Film Festival
Description: We will show 3-5 short films from the SPROUT Film Festival followed by a discussion about the message, education, lessons and exposure to art.
Presented by: John Livingston: Lead PA at Full Access High Desert
This session is intended primarily for: Family members/Guardians and Self Advocates
Title: Abilitree’s Assistive Technology Program – Powering up Independence
Description: What is AT? Learn about what AT services Abilitree provides such as: training and support for families and care providers, working with individuals enrolled in our program, as well as success stories and the vision for the future.
Presented by: Charlene Weirup: Assistive Technology Coordinator at Abilitree, Jen Michelson: AT Specialist at Abilitree
This session is intended primarily for: Family Members/Guardians and Service Providers
Title: Smart Homes Made Simple: Accessing Technology to Increase Independence
Description: Develop a greater understanding of how generic smart home technology devices can help individuals with disabilities live more independently and safely in their own home by integrating these new devices into their everyday lives.
Presented by: Diane Belnavis: self employed, family member
This session is intended primarily for: Self Advocates and Family Members/Guardians
Title: Strength Based Planning Strategies
Description: Presenters will share strength based planning tools to support people in identifying their goals for the future. This will include Person Centered Planning strategies and elements of the Charting the LifeCourse Framework. The topic is widely applicable to anyone interested in new strategies for planning.
Presented by: Beth Kessler: Family Engagement Director for the Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities, and Aniko Adany from OTAC (Oregon Training and Consultation) and ARC Oregon
This session is intended primarily for: Family Members/Guardians and Educators
Title: Problem Solving Trauma
Description: Working with those who have experienced trauma can be challenging. After a brief review of the effect of trauma on the brain, we will work together to strategize practical ways to support a person who has experienced trauma.
Presented by: Shauna Signorini
This session is intended primarily for: Educators and Service Providers
Title: Methods, Materials, Tools and Resources for Creating Assistive Technology Solutions in Minutes
Description: Discover amazing tools and materials making assistive technology devices using no power tools, no glue, no hammer, no nails or screws. Explore the magical world of specialty tapes, plastics, foam and wire. Unlock the loc – discover amazing solutions created with: dual loc, loc-lift RG and loc-line.
Presented by: Dr. Therese Willkomm: Clinical Associate Professor and Self Advocate
This session is intended primarily for: Educators and Service Providers
Title: Ready or not here we come! Pre-Employment Transition Services for Students
Description: An interactive session for students with skill introductions that focus on the 5 Pre-ETS areas. (Pre-Employment Transition Services) Including fun and interactive mini lessons for students learning how to enter the workforce.
Presented by: Toni DePeel: Pre-ETS coordinator at Vocational Rehabilitation and Nicole Perdue: Pre-ETS coordinator at Vocational Rehabilitation
This session is intended primarily for: Educators and Students
Title: Your Guide to Choosing an Employment Provider
Description: The Oregon Self Advocacy Coalition (OSAC) and the Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities (OCDD) have supported people with disabilities and their family members to understand changes to employment services in Oregon. Recently, we developed a guide about how to choose an employment provider that will help them reach their employment goals. This presentation will give participants hands on experience through role plays and other activities. We will talk about myths and truths about working in the community, how to interview employment service providers, how to prepare for an interview, and problem solving different situations.
Presented by: Gabrielle Guedon: Executive Director of OSAC, Ross Ryan: Community Advocate with OSAC, Dayna Davis: Member of OSAC
This session is intended primarily for: Self Advocates and Service Providers
Title: Taking Charge of My Health Toolkit: For and by People with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities
Description: Learn about this free online toolkit designed to provide health and health care advocacy education and resources for people with IDD and those who support them. The toolkit consists of 9 modules that cover a variety of health and health care related topics and includes written materials, Powerpoints, multiple resources and videos that can be used for individual or group learning. Attendees will be provided a workbook that they can take with them.
Presented by: Kaaren Londahl: Board Member of OSAC, Jordan Lawson: Chair of OSAC, Erin Taylor: Health Promotion Coordinator at ODDS
This session is intended primarily for: Self Advocates and Service Providers
Title: Understanding the IEP and Goal Writing
Description: Join us to understand why having high expectations is critical in IEP goal development and how to participate in the creation process. We’ll discuss the process, introduce SMART goals, and share practical tips while encouraging participants to rethink how goals can support the outcomes they dream for their child.
Presented by: Roberta Dunn, Executive Director of FACT Oregon and Parent
This session is intended primarily for: Family Members/Guardians
Title: Life Care Planning for Two Generations
Description: This presentation will include an overview how to plan for the short and long-term for an individual with special needs. Estate planning considerations, an overview of special needs trusts, and ABLE Accounts and how they affect eligibility for government benefits. Helping families understand how and when to think about special needs planning for their loved one.
Presented by: Alisha Langford: ChSNC, Special Needs Planner with the Palladio Group and Parent
This session is intended primarily for: Family Members/Guardians
Title: Working-Class Autism and a Big Green Guitar - a small-town story of a journey from “weird kid” to successful musician by late-diagnosed self-advocate TR Kelley. Comedy, insight, and original music.
Description: Together with drummer/sound engineer Randy Hamme, TR Kelley presents a dynamic show about growing up undiagnosed with stories and songs. Topics covered include all manner of sensory and social mishaps and misunderstandings with an emphasis on auditory processing differences, selective mutism, hyperlexia, social difficulties, bullying, extreme motion sickness, offbeat special interests and a gamut of other familiar autistic traits.
Presented by: TR Kelley: Musician/Entertainer and self advocate, Randy Hamme: Builder/Musician/Sound Engineer
This session is intended primarily for: Educators and Family Members/Guardians
Choices for Session 2 (1:15 - 2:15 pm):
Title: Resource Mapping – How do you want to meet your needs?
Description: Presenters will share tools to help people identify what they need in order to achieve their goals, and how they want to meet those needs. Participants will use organization and brainstorming tools to map what they currently have access to in pursuit of their goals, and what additional resources they may want to develop. This session is intended as a follow up to “Strength Based Planning Strategies”.
Presented by: Beth Kessler: Family Engagement Director for OCDD and Aniko Adany: with OTAC and ARC Oregon
This session is intended primarily for: Self advocates and Family members/Guardians
Title: Healthcare Advocacy: An introduction for families
Description: Learn tips to more effectively navigate healthcare systems, communicate effectively, and understand their child’s “medical home”. Good for those who have frequent medical and/or therapy appointments.
Presented by: Shauna Signorini
This session is intended primarily for: Family Members/Guardians
Title: Upside down, Inside Out and Backwards
Description: Exploring innovative ways for creating thousands of assistive technology solutions in minutes by looking at the world differently. This session will discuss and demonstrate hundreds of assistive technology solutions invented by Dr. Therese Willkomm who shares her innovative ways of creating solutions using everyday items in extraordinary ways. Dr Willkomm demonstrates how having Tourette’s Syndrome and Dyslexia are her greatest gifts in creating thousands of devices for individuals with disabilities.
Presented by: Dr. Therese Willkomm: Clinical Associate Professor and Self Advocate
This session is intended primarily for: Family Members and Service Providers
Title: Meet & Greet Book Signing with Zach Anner
Description: Come meet Zach! Say hi and get an autograph.
Presented by: Zach Anner: Comedian, Author, YouTube Personality
This session is intended primarily for: All conference attendees
Title: Pre-Employment Transition Services Jeopardy!
Description: When Josh Barbour was in high school, his teachers wrote him the following Post-Secondary Goal: “27 years after graduating from high school, Josh will work as a host of a Jeopardy game show at a transition conference.” Josh’s dream is about to come true! Josh Barbour, Kriss Rita and Margie Blackmore are inviting student contestants to test their knowledge on the 5 Pre-Employment Transition Services. Josh will do his (mediocre) impression of legendary Jeopardy host Alec Trebek as contestants are asked questions on: Job Exploration Counseling, Work-based Learning Experience, Counseling for Post-Secondary Goals, Workplace Readiness and Self Advocacy. This interactive session will be a fantastic opportunity for students to review skills for entering the workforce!
Presented by: Josh Barbour: Transition Network Facilitator with Linn Benton Lincoln ESD, Kriss Rita: Transition Network Facilitator with Clackamas ESD, Marguerite Blackmore: Transition Network Facilitator with High Desert ESD
This session is intended primarily for: Self Advocates
Title: Adapt & Triumph
Description: Adapt & Triumph is a local non profit with a powerful cause. Our mission is designed to make an impact on the greater community through demolishing the predispositions and barriers of the adaptive athlete. Adapt & Triumph is designed to help adaptive athletes overcome obstacles and accumulate skills which will allow them to pursue athletic endeavors with success and positive mindset, and to showcase the powerful abilities of each individual – regardless of society’s stigmas and limits.
Presented by: Joe Fonseca Coach, Adaptive Athlete and President of Adapt & Triumph
This session is intended primarily for: Self Advocates and Family Members/Guardians
Title: Grading Practices at the Secondary Level
Description: Accommodation and modification decisions can be very challenging for IEP team members. Many times there is little understanding about what an accommodation is and what a modification is and how both of them impact students’ grades and diploma options at the secondary level. This presentation will dispel myths and expose the truths behind accommodations and modifications and provide some guidance for IEP teams to consider when making these decisions.
Presented by: Martha Hinman: Student Service Executive Director for Redmond School District and Karen Jordan: Assistant Student Services Director for Redmond School District
This session is intended primarily for: Educators and Family Members/Guardians
Title: How I became employed by the state of Oregon: State as a Model Employer Initiative helped me gain employment and can help you too!
Description: Clayton Jamison will share his experience becoming a state employee through the Model Employer Program. Clayton will present with two managers within his department at ODDS and discuss how the process to become a state employee helped him gain employment. Clayton will share some of his job duties and how his employment fits his own unique skills and strengths. Managers from ODDS will explain how other agencies can utilize the State as a Model Employer Initiative to create a more diverse workforce.
Presented by: Clayton Jamison: DHS Office Assistant and Self Advocate, Acacia McGuire: Anderson DHS Employment First Coordinator
This session is intended primarily for: Self Advocates and Service Providers
Title: Raising a Self-Advocate
Description: You are invited to a conversation with a panel of extraordinary self-advocates who will share their experiences of growing up with a disability and the importance of nurturing your child’s advocacy skills at any age. The panel will answer questions such as:
1. When you were kids, how did your parents or other adults support you to become independent?
2. How did you learn to speak up for yourself?
3. What experiences in your life have made you a stronger self advocate?
4. What advice would you give to parents to help them support their children to become self advocates?
Presented by: Gabrielle Guedon: Executive Director of OSAC, Noelle Sisk: Special Education Family and Community Coordinator for Portland Public Schools
This session is intended primarily for: Educators and Family Members/Guardians
Title: Friendometry: It’s more than just learning social skills, it’s about finding friend connections
Description: There are currently millions of children who do not have friends. All children deserve a friend. It is a basic human need. Research and clinical experience indicate that children that struggle with obtaining friends are at an increased risk for sadness and higher levels of depression and anxiety. Having just one friend can protect a child from mood problems and lead to higher levels of self esteem, confidence and self worth. There are lots of resources for social skills development, but few options regarding where to find friends. It’s now commonplace that millions of adults are finding companionship online. It’s time to allow the internet to help children find a friend. Friendometry is a resource for parents to find friend connections for their child based on where they live. This presentation will focus on skill development and strategies for finding friends through matchmaking technology.
Presented by: Daniel Kriz PysD ABPdN: Pediatric Neuropsychologist at St Charles
This session is intended primarily for: Family Members/Guardians and Service Providers
Choices for Session 3 (2:30 - 3:30 pm):
Title: Working in my community: I did it, so can you!
Description: Advocates will share about how they gained employment in their community and how their team supported them along the way. They will share success, struggles and how they were supported by a team which includes family, friends, service providers and others who had an important role. Lessons learned will be shared by the panel as well as ideas for others to find a job in their community. The panel will discuss their own personal goals around employment and how they continue to reach new goals in their current job. Panel members will share with the audience what they do for work, how it has increased their independence and how employment has added to their life. Come learn what working in a person’s community means to this inspiring panel of advocates.
Presented by: Joe and Linda Carroll along with their son Tad, Erica Drake: Employment Specialist at ODDS
This session is intended primarily for: Family Members/Guardians and Self Advocates
Title: What’s new with ABLE and what’s next?
Description: Two years ago, people with disabilities were finally able to start saving money without losing their state and federal benefits. A lot (of good!) has happened since then. Come learn about the basics of ABLE plans, what new features have launched, what legislation has passed, and what legislation has been proposed to make ABLE even better.
Presented by: Kaellen Hessel: Advocacy & Outreach Manager at Oregon Savings Network/Oregon State Treasury and Tobais Read: Oregon State Treasurer
This session is intended primarily for: Self Advocates and Family Member/Guardians
Title: Being a Self Advocate: It is time to hear your voice
Description: Come join us for a panel presentation – A self advocate and his team will share how you can become a voice in your community and represent the needs of others who experience disability. Being a stakeholder in your community efforts turns voice into action! You will hear the personal experience of a self advocate and his journey of becoming a part of his community by joining local committees and teams as well as starting his own efforts.
Presented by: Sam Robinson: Self Advocate and Sheila Conroy: Personal Agent at Full Access High Desert
This session is intended primarily for: Self Advocates and Family Members/Guardians
Title: Behavior Support Services: What are they?
Description: Join us for a discussion about Behavior supports and services with a panel of families who have accessed behavior support services and professionals to hear about their experiences and get your questions answered!
Presented by: A panel including Allison Faucher: Professional counselor and family member, Jenny Fisher: ABA professional, Shannon Pugerude: Professional and Parent, Lisa McCormick: Foster mom, Kirsten Rodin: Parent, Stephanie Hunter: Professional and Parent
This session is intended primarily for: Family Members/Guardians and Self Advocates
Title: Put the “I” in ISP, IEP and IPE
Description: Join this interactive workshop and learn how to make YOUR plans represent YOUR voice. Do you get confused about your plans, all the acronyms and what questions to ask in your meeting? This workshop will help you get prepared so you can be the best self advocate.
Presented by: Marguerite Blackmore: Transition Network Facilitator
This session is intended primarily for: Self Advocates
Title: Assistive Technology & Accommodations: Employment for low vision and legally blind job seekers
Description: We will define what an on the job accommodation is and discuss the associated myths and relevant resources. This training will focus on an overview of assistive technology used for low vision and legally blind job seekers, a demonstration of how these devices are used and successful on the job accommodations stories will be shared.
Presented by: Molly James: Business Relations Coordinator for the Oregon Commission for the Blind, Larry Lake: Assistive Technology Instructor for the Oregon Commission for the Blind
This session is intended primarily for: Service Providers and Educators
Title: Mindfulness and Movement: An Experiential Introduction to Yoga Calm
Description: Participants will learn about Yoga Calm, a program developed in Portland that integrates physical yoga, mindfulness practice, and social-emotional learning (SEL) activities. Participants will be taken through a Yoga Calm lesson as the rationale and theory behind the exercises and activities are discussed.
Presented by: Suzy Hayes and Katie Diez: Occupational Therapist with High Desert ESD
This session is intended primarily for: Educators and Family Members/Guardians
Title: SPROUT Film Festival
Description: We will show 3-5 short films from the SPROUT Film Festival followed by a discussion about the message, education, lessons and exposure to art.
Presented by: John Livingston: Lead PA at Full Access High Desert
This session is intended primarily for: Family members/Guardians and Self Advocates
Title: Abilitree’s Assistive Technology Program – Powering up Independence
Description: What is AT? Learn about what AT services Abilitree provides such as: training and support for families and care providers, working with individuals enrolled in our program, as well as success stories and the vision for the future.
Presented by: Charlene Weirup: Assistive Technology Coordinator at Abilitree, Jen Michelson: AT Specialist at Abilitree
This session is intended primarily for: Family Members/Guardians and Service Providers
Title: Smart Homes Made Simple: Accessing Technology to Increase Independence
Description: Develop a greater understanding of how generic smart home technology devices can help individuals with disabilities live more independently and safely in their own home by integrating these new devices into their everyday lives.
Presented by: Diane Belnavis: self employed, family member
This session is intended primarily for: Self Advocates and Family Members/Guardians