Spring Conference on Autism March 24th in Oneonta

Integrated Self Advocacy
Supporting the Individual with Autism Spectrum Disorders


The Family Resource Network, Inc. is pleased to present a conference devoted to self-advocacy and fostering autonomy for individuals with Autism.

Conference Overview:
It takes a village to support the emerging self advocate with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Developing an integrated program that includes parents, therapists, teachers, administrators, case managers and support providers gives individuals with autism tools for a lifetime. The Integrated Self Advocacy (ISA) curriculum provides comprehensive training and support in initiating and formalizing a self-advocacy program, as it fosters ongoing collaboration among all stakeholders.

The fundamentals of self-advocacy will be introduced, followed by details on how to create, implement and adapt a self-advocacy curriculum, identify self-advocacy goals and develop focused, original lesson plans and goals for individuals with an ASD.

Participants will learn how to integrate these goals within an IEP or ISP and how to create an individualized, goal oriented transition plan. Conference attendees will also learn how to adapt the ISA curriculum to reach non-verbal students and other disability groups.

Participants will Learn:
* The fundamentals of self-advocacy.
* The significance of supporting the emerging self-advocate with autism and other cognitive, developmental, sensory or social differences.
* Real world transition plans and advocacy goals.
* How to create a curriculum that encourages greater autonomy, self- regulation, decision-making and problem solving.
* How to encourage productive growth in talent and interest areas.

Conference material is designed for both parents and professionals.
Information will be applicable to pre-school and school-aged students.


ABOUT OUR SPEAKER
Valerie Paradiz, Ph.D. develops educational programs and curricula that support children and adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and other social, cognitive and sensory differences. She is the creator of The Integrated Self-Advocacy (ISA) curriculum and training series for educators and therapists who wish to support individuals with ASDs and related conditions in achieving greater ability in self-advocacy.

Valerie's memoir, Elijah's Cup, is the compelling story of the author's experiences raising her autisitic son, their involvement together in the advocacy community, and her own ultimate diagnosis with Asperger's Syndrome. Dr. Paradiz has been featured in The New York Times, Redbook Magazine, The Guardian and on National Public Radio.

Valerie speaks nationally and internationally on parenting strategies, initiating and enhancing programs for individuals with ASD'S and strengthening advocacy skills and fostering emerging talents and focused interests.

Valerie is a member of the national board of directors of the National Autism Society. She is also a member of the Institute for Cognitive Diversity at Bank Street College. She serves as an advisor to the US Autism & Asperger Association (USAAA), Pace University's Center for Teaching and Research in Autism (TARA) and is on the editorial board of The Autism File Magazine.


Conference Details
2011 Spring Conference on Autism
March 24, 2011
Featuring Valerie Paradiz, Ph.D.

The Holiday Inn Oneonta
5206 State Highway 23
Oneonta, NY

Agenda:
8:30 - 9:00 Registration
9:00 - 12:00 Morning Session
12:00 - 1:00 lunch on your own
1:00 - 3:00 Afternoon Session

Sponsored by the following:
The NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD)


Registration Details:
Registration fee for all professionals is $50.00.
Checks may be made payable to Family Resource Network.
We will also accept school or agency purchase orders.

Fee for College or University students is $25.00.
Parents or Guardians and Individuals with Autism attend FREE of charge.

Registration Deadline is
March 15, 2011
No phone registrations please

To register on-line go to
http://www.familyrn.org/news_events/conferences.html
OR
Send an EMAIL to:
register@familyrn.org

Please include "2011 Spring CoA" on the subject line and include contact information and payment method - if necessary

OR

By FAX send
contact information including name, address, phone number and e-mail address.
You may fax purchase orders/school vouchers and registration forms to 607-432-5516

OR

By MAIL send
contact information including name, address, phone number and e-mail address to:
The Family Resource Network, Inc.
46 Oneida Street
Oneonta, NY 13820