Motivating Students with Autism
“All Who Wander Are Not Lost”
Speakers: Ann Garfinkle and Michelle & Renee Manfredi
Every unique child will have something that drives them to engage and learn. It’s up to us to find out what it is and how to use it. This presentation will walk you down the path to understanding what motivates your child and how to use that motivation to help your child learn and grow.
Developmental Delay:
“What Comes Next: Finding Your Stride”
Speakers: Verna Chinen and Dr. Jeff Okamoto
Find your stride as you learn about the criteria for Developmental Delay in both Part C (Early Intervention) and Part B (Department of Education) under IDEA. Pick up the pace to understand the process of re-categorizing eligibility for special education and related services when a student in Hawaii turns 9 years old.
ADHD & Executive Functioning:
“ADHD Wilderness Survival Guide”
Speaker: Dr. Rockey Knox
Hike over to this workshop and meet your expert guide on Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Uncover the secrets to how executive functioning affects all aspects of our lives and get survival tips on how executive functioning is impacted by ADHD.
Teacher-Family Partnerships:
“Finding Trees in the Forest”
Speakers: Derek Govin and Linee Reeves
For students with disabilities, the relationship between parents and teachers is key to future success. Learn tips from these expert guides–a savvy parent consultant and an outstanding special education teacher–on how to travel the path of partnership.
Educational Inclusion:
“Stay with the Group”
Speakers: Frances Stetson and Amanda Kaahanui
This presentation will help families understand the paths to inclusion and why inclusion is beneficial to all students. One size of inclusion does not fit all, but it can fit many, if done right. Join our guides to learn more abut the benefits of inclusion and how to talk to your school about inclusive education.
Out-of-the-box Thinking on Employment:
“It’s a Jungle Out There”
Speakers: Dr. Rhonda Black and Jared Galeai
This presentation will help families understand the road to employment is not a one-way street. It is an expedition of skills building, following interests, and connecting to programs and people. Employment can look different for each individual, and finding the right fit can take time, effort and patience, with the journey as important as the destination.
Early Intervention:
“From Surviving to Thriving”
Speaker: Sheri Umakoshi
Families of young keiki will learn about a team approach–PSP–that promotes positive outcomes for both children and families. Parents are coached by a primary service provider (PSP) who has access to the knowledge and resources of the whole IFSP team.
Social Emotional Learning:
“S’more Emotional Learning
Speakers: Susan Wood and Fern Yoshida
Grab some chocolate and join us around the campfire as we unearth the impacts COVID-19 has had on our students and how the Department of Education is using evidence-based tools to support each student’s self-awareness, social awareness, responsible decision-making, self-management and relationship skills.
Preparing for Your IEP:
“Field Guide to IEP Prep”
Speakers: Rosie Rowe and Trixy Tambaoan
This presentation will help families understand how to prepare for the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) team meeting to set annual goals and commit resources based on their children’s unique strengths and needs
Pre-recorded Workhops:
Benefits Planning
A trio of benefits planning experts from the Hawaii Center on Disability Studies walk the audience through government benefits available to children and young adults with disabilities and how to protect them through financial planning. The Executive Director of the State Council on Developmental Disabilities will share news of two programs on the horizon that help maintain benefits and grow wealth–the Hawaii ABLE Savings Program and Kal’s Law, an income disregard program for Medicaid eligible youth and adult who are employed.
Extended School Year (ESY)
The Hawaii Department of Education updated their Extended School Year policy document in 2021. This pre-recorded workshop reviews the new Hawaii Extended School Year guidelines. It will discuss what ESY is and isn’t, along with the 6 factors that should be discussed with your IEP team every year, to determine if ESY is right for your child.