A Recipe for Summer: Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
A recipe for success with augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) starts with consistency and opportunity. Join us to learn how to create communication opportunities over the summer using AAC. During this session we will practice modeling on an AAC system and review other tips and tricks to include it in summer routines and activities. This session will be presented by Elizabeth Barry, Assistive Technology Specialist at PACER Center, and Meghan Kunz, Augmentative Communication Consultant with Prentke Romich Company.
18 days ago
Getting and Keeping the First Job
Competitive employment is the cornerstone of a successful transition to adult living for youth with disabilities. In this workshop, co-presented by Transition Specialists from PACER and Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS), youth and parents will learn about preparing for and keeping a job.
Older
Becoming an Active Partner in Your Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP)
This workshop will help parents of children birth to age 3 understand Early Intervention services, the IFSP, and how families can be involved in writing child and family outcomes and become an active participants in the IFSP process.
Switch It Up! Understanding Switch Access for Computers and Tablets
Switches can help individuals with disabilities control a variety of devices, including computers, tablets, and communication devices. This workshop will provide information about how to set up switch access on an iPad, Android tablet, and computers.
Working with Culturally or Linguistically Diverse Families in Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education (EI/ECSE)
Cultural liaisons and language interpreters will learn about using effective communication to enhance parents’ understanding during Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) and Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings for children ages birth to five.
2 months ago
Making the Transition Beyond High School: Technology to Support Success for College and Career
This workshop will feature assistive technology to support youth with disabilities at college and in their career. Demonstrations will include tools and apps for executive function, computer access, reading, writing, and notetaking.
Improving Learning Outcomes for Your Young Child
Families of young children with disabilities ages birth to five will learn about evidence-based practices and how they can be used to increase family engagement and improve learning outcomes.
3 months ago
Being an Active Participant in Your Child’s Transition from Early Childhood Special Education to Kindergarten
Kindergarten is a big step in any child’s life. Parents of young children with disabilities will learn how to plan for the transition and learn strategies to help their child be successful.
Off to College: What You Need to Know Before You Go
This interactive workshop for families of youth with disabilities heading off to post-secondary education programs will provide essential information about changing rights, roles, and responsibilities, along with practical tips for student success.
Anxiety and School Success: Creating a Plan that Works
The most common emotional difficulty experienced by youth in school is anxiety. When anxiety contributes to challenging behaviors parents and others may struggle to know how to help. Topics addressed will include: understanding behavior as communication, learning about behaviors that may reflect anxiety, discovering alternatives to consequences and punishment, exploring effective interventions for support at school, including the role of Section 504 and special education.
Family Participation on Committees and Councils
This workshop will help prepare parents of children ages birth to five who are on Individual Family Service Plans (IFSP) or Individualized Education Programs (IEP) to actively participate on committees at the local, regional, and state level.
Being an Active Participant In Your Child's Transition Before Age Three
Families will learn to understand and take an active role in the transition process from Part C Early Intervention services to Part B preschool services or other services in the community.
Planning an IEP Team Meeting When Your Child has Mental Health Challenges
Individualized Education Program (IEP) team meetings can be challenging when a child has complex mental health needs. This workshop will provide parents and others with information to help prepare for a positive team meeting to support the child’s mental health needs in school.
4 months ago
Assistive Technology for Reading and Writing: An Overview of Innovative Tools for School, Work, and Home
This workshop will introduce you to new tools that support reading and writing. Demonstrations will include devices from the STC lending library, mobile apps, Chrome extensions, and Microsoft learning tools.
4 months ago
Consumer-Directed Community Supports
Learn how to self-direct services available to individuals on Medical Assistance Waivers. Design your person-centered plan utilizing traditional/non-traditional supports, a support team, and a process for better health outcomes.
Parent Leadership Training on Children’s Mental Health
Parents of children and youth who have behavioral health challenges play an important role in their child’s services and supports and can use those experiences to help others. This training will cover information for parent leaders in Minnesota including: Parent leadership opportunities, systems advocacy: an overview for parent leaders, and influencing change through the parent story.
Assistive Technology in Adult Settings: Postsecondary, Employment, Community
Professionals who work with youth with disabilities will learn information on the role of assistive technology (AT) in the transition process, including specific AT skills students need to know. Explore examples of AT in a variety of adult settings, such as employment, postsecondary education, and community and independent living.
5 months ago
Take Control of Your New Year’s Resolutions – Apps to Track Habits, Get Reminders, and Stay Healthy
Need help sticking to those New Year’s resolutions? This ‘APPy Hour’ will showcase mobile apps to support establishing new habits. Apps will include daily habit trackers, motivational reminders, wellness support, and fitness tracking. These apps are great tools for people with disabilities seeking to build independent living skills. Mobile apps for both Apple and Android devices will be demonstrated.
6 months ago
Ins and Outs of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Benefit Planning for Youth with Vision Loss
Wondering what help is available for transition age youth who are blind, visually impaired, or DeafBlind who want to prepare for a career or find a job? This workshop, presented by Kristina Petronko and Anna Solowiej, attorneys at Minnesota Disability Law Center (MDLC), will provide an overview of SSI and discuss how youth can work while preserving benefits.
School Engagement and Avoidance: What to do when your child is struggling
This training will help parents and others consider positive approaches to working with a child’s school to increase school engagement when attendance becomes a concern. Special attention will be paid to children struggling with mental health needs and challenging behaviors.