All Born (In) 2013 Sessions & Schedule

Schedule

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Register for the 8th Annual All Born (In) 2013 Conference
(link will take you to registration at NWDSA.org)

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Keynotes

“Universal Design for Learning: Teaching to meet the needs of all learners”
Presented by Tracey E. Hall, Ph.D.

All students have a right to participate and progress in the general education curriculum. The principles and practices of Universal Design for Learning guide the design of flexible instructional goals, assessments, methods and materials that consider from the outset the diversity and natural variability of learners in any educational setting. This presentation will introduce the framework of Universal Design for learning and applications to instruction.

Tracey Hall is a Sr. Research Scientist at CAST, a nonprofit educational research and development organization that works to expand learning opportunities and outcomes for all individuals through Universal Design for Learning (UDL). She has been an advocate for persons with disabilities for over 20 years. She began her career as a special education teacher, conducts research on instruction and assessment, and has been a professor with a focus on design and assessment. Her current work at CAST focuses on the development of sound instruction based on the framework of UDL to meet the needs of all students.

“What’s Worth Working For? Focusing on what leads to a full life.”
Presented by Connie Lyle O’Brien, M.S.W.

Confusion has grown over the years about what supports people to have a full life in the community. Parents and people with disabilities have taught themselves that services are the answer to all the problems. Good services are extremely important, but services are not the destination. This session will offer ideas about what’s really worth working for and examples of what can happen when there’s clarity of needs.

Connie has spent thirty years learning what it takes to support people with disabilities to live, work, learn, worship and have fun as full participants in community life. Along with her husband and partner, John O’Brien, and other members of the Responsive Systems Associates network, Connie has collaborated in the development of person-centered planning methods in a group context, developed methods for teaching the principle of normalization through PASS, assisted people in implementing citizen advocacy programs, created Framework for Accomplishment, an intensive learning experience for improving service program quality; and co-authored a variety of articles and manuscripts to assist program developers to build more competent communities.

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Special National Guest Presenter

Joy Smiley Zabala, Ed.D, ATP, is the Director of Technical Assistance for CAST and the National Center on Accessible Instructional Materials. Dr. Zabala is an internationally acclaimed educator with over 25 years of leadership in assistive technology (AT) Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and accessible instructional materials (AIM). She is a strong supporter of Universal Design for Learning as the foundation for the educational participation and achievement of all students and of AT and AIM as complementary supports for those students who require them for active participation and achievement in UDL environments. She is the developer of the SETT Framework and a founding member of the QIAT Community. www.joyzabala.com

Dr. Zabala will be presenting “Accessible Instructional Materials: Keys to inclusive access, participation and achievement for all” (session #1) and “Accessible and inclusive tools: UDL techniques for successful classrooms” (session #2).

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Special Closing Speaker

“Disability Forward: Arriving at Home in the Disability Movement Nationwide”
Presented by Amber Smock

Amber Smock is the Director of Advocacy at Access Living of Metropolitan Chicago, a cross-disability Center for Independent Living led by and for people with disabilities who want to live fully-engaged and self-directed lives. Access Living promotes justice and independent living at the local, state, and national levels. Smock oversees public policy and organizing campaigns around housing, closing institutions, health care, youth/education, women/girls, employment, Latino issues, and other cross-disability issues. She is the media chair for National ADAPT and co-founded Feminist Response in Disability Activism (FRIDA). Amber is respected in the disability civil rights movement as a dedicated and talented agent of change. She is herself Deaf, wears hearing aids, and uses both American Sign Language and spoken English. She is the 2012 Paul G. Hearne Leadership Award recipient from the American Association of People with Disabilities.

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Session #1

Session 1a: Keeping your eye on the prize; How to balance rights and relationships to have a full life
Presented by Connie Lyle O’Brien

Rights can be mandated but relationships can’t. Great strides have been made over the past 30 years in clarifying the rights people with disabilities are due. This has been an important accomplishment. But the things that people need to have a good life can’t be mandated or enshrined in law. If people are to be valued and contributing citizens of the community, the focus must be on the develpment of relationships. This session will explore where the ‘rights approach’ has led and offer ways to balance rights with relationships while keeping an “eye on the prize” of a full life.

Find Connie Lyle O’Brien’s bio under “Keynotes”.

Session 1b: Bienvenidos; Tips and tools for advocating for your child at school and in the community (Spanish Session)
Presented by Gabrielle Bolivar, ED OrFirst; & Mirsa Lopez, parent & community trainer

With the right supports, students and parents will feel more connected to the schools and their community. This session will discuss how goal setting and basics on inclusion can help make it happen. The presenters will give ideas on how to support diverse learners in school and in the community. Attendees will learn ways to advocate for their children’s education and rights.

Mirsa Lopez is a bilingual Hispanic/Latina parent of three wonderful children, two of whom attend a PPS Spanish Immersion program. Through her experience and commitment to her community, she assumed the role of Bilingual Parent & Community Trainer with OrFIRST supporting families accessing Special Education services.

Gabrielle Mecedes Bolivar is a Cuban-American that was born and raised in Portland, Oregon. For the past 20 years Gabrielle has worked to support advocacy and inclusion in our schools and our communities. She serves as the Executive Director of OrFIRST, community and parent adviser on the State Advisory Council for Special Education, and co-chair of the Portland Public Schools Special Education Advisory Council.

Session 1c: Understanding the IEP; Rights and testing
Presented by Chris Shank, Attorney

An introduction to IEP fundamentals, special education law, parent rights, and how to keep focus on the individual. The basics will be covered, including eligibility, developing the child’s IEP, and placements.

Chris received her Law Degree from Northwestern School of Law of Lewis and Clark College. She has been practicing law, specializing in special education law, for 13 years. She has provided training on special education law and parental rights for parents and advocates around the state, and has assisted in developing DRO’s Special Education Guide for Parents and Advocates.

Session 1d: The key to inclusive best practices; Strategies for increasing student participation and success
Presented by Patti McVay & Laurie Pachl

This hands-on session will provide evidenced-based practices and processes that are proven to ensure the successful inclusion of children and young adults in schools. Parents, educators, and community members will learn:

• strategies for increasing student participation and success in general education
• ways to develop strengths-based Individualized Education Plans
• keys for curriculum planning
• benefits of visuals tools
• ways to promote student independence while preventing learned dependency
• best practices for paraeducators in the classroom

Attendees will explore a new twist to participation, visuals and curriculum to create successful outcomes for students, families and school teams. Participants are encouraged to bring their own definition of participation in general education as well as a visual that they use in their everyday life. This session will include parent perspectives, time to work with others and steps to develop an individual action plan.

Patti McVay is an Instructor with the Department of Pediatrics in the School of Medicine at Children’s Hospital Colorado. She leads child-centered team trainings that support families and schools to build inclusive communities. Patti received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Western Oregon University and her Master of Science Degree in Education & Special Education from Portland State University. She also has advanced certification in Educational Leadership. Patti was the Director of the Outreach Center for Inclusive Education, served as a special education director in Oregon and California, and has been an elementary and post-secondary school principal. Patti speaks nationally and internationally on inclusive best practices and has received numerous honors and awards.

Laurie Pachl is a community leader making a difference in the lives of children and young people throughout the Denver, CO area. She is the co-founder of Savannah’s Race (Savannahsrace.org) which supports families and agencies that serve children with disabilities. She serves as a Victim Advocate for the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office. Laurie coaches high school softball as well as Special Olympics. She serves on the Children’s Hospital Colorado Parent Advisory Board, the Hearing Aide Focus Group, and supports Hands & Voices of Colorado. She and her husband have 4 children from pre-school to college. Laurie brings a wealth of experience and information, as well as the invaluable voice of a parent.

Session 1e: Accessible instructional materials: Keys to inclusive access, participation and achievement for all
Presented by Joy Smiley Zabala, Director of Technical Assistance at CAST and the National Center on Accessible Instructional Materials; and Laura Petschauer, Oregon Department of Education

Families and educators are working to acquire and use accessible instructional materials (AIM) and delivery technologies in ways that enable students with disabilities to learn, live, work, play, and achieve personal and educational goals. The ever-changing landscape of instructional materials, available technologies, promising practices and acronyms pervasive in this area makes this is daunting task!

This fast-paced session will make all of this less daunting by sharing information and engaging participants in discussions around:

• Definition of AIM and their relationship to technology
• Guiding principles that enhance the AIM-related collaborative work of students, families and staff
• Sources of AIM for students in Oregon
• Online tools and sources for additional information

Find Joy Smiley Zabala’s bio under “Special National Guest Presenter”.

Session 1f: Living a Whole Life; Employment starts with the end in mind
Presented by Darla Helt, Clark County Parent Coalition Coordinator

We all want our kids to grow up to be happy, healthy, and active members of their community. When our children become adults they need to build a life, just like all of us. When your child experiences developmental disabilities, they may need help with this. This presentation will help you walk through the steps of building a whole life for your son or daughter. What we as parents can do, how we can facilitate the process so our children have activities, relationships and be contributing members of our community. Please join us for this eye opening presentation.

Darla Helt is Manager and Co-Coordinator of Clark County Parent Coalition. She has a certificate in Leadership for Developmental Disabilities and is currently working on a Bachelors of Science. She relies on 21 years of experience in the field along with extensive training in cross-system navigation, Autism spectrum disorders, mediation/negotiation skills, and emotional supports. Darla’s service in the community has earned her respect as well as awards from the ARC of Clark County, Autism Society of Washington, Arc of Washington State, and others. However, her most cherished reward is the honor of being a mother to her three sons, two of which experience developmental disabilities and are her motivating force and greatest teachers.

Session 1g: Power of collaboration and team-building; Preschool and kindergarten classes that embrace all students
Presented by Dr. Ruth Falco Ph.D., Director, Research Center on Inclusive & Effective Educational Practices, Portland State University

Inclusion of a child with complex needs in preschool and kindergarten classrooms has the best outcomes when a collaborative team of family members, general and special educators, specialists, classmates and others work together. Each team member brings important expertise to contribute to the child’s success. All team members need to understand the power of combining their perspectives to support the child. In this session we will explore the ways that combining various team members’ perspectives can create improvements in membership, participation and learning for a child with significant disabilities in a general education early childhood classroom.

Ruth currently provides professional development for educators, collaborates with families and conducts research regarding inclusive and effective educational practices for children with significant disabilities. Many years as a teacher of children with significant disabilities, special education consultant, family advocate, teacher educator and researcher inform her work.

Session 1h: Having real friends and community connections; Successful social inclusion for our children
Presented by Ann Donaca-Sullivan, M.Ed. Concordia University; Stephanie McBride, M.Ed. Portland State University; & Sue Wilcox, Portland Public Schools

Cody Sullivan is funny, personable, intelligent, and everyone’s best friend. He also happens to experience Down syndrome. Join Cody and his high school peers as they share how they have grown as the result of successful social inclusion. His mother, Ann Donaca-Sullivan, will share her perspectives and specific strategies as a parent and teacher educator to help Cody navigate the academic and social life of an adolescent. Educator, Sue Wilcox will share ideas for including children with disabilities in the elementary classroom. Advocate, Stephanie McBride, will share about a secondary teacher education program which specializes in inclusion.

Participants will leave with solid ideas of how to promote social inclusion. Circle of Friends, Friends First, and Bike First! will be discussed.

Ann Donaca-Sullivan is founder and director of Bike First! that teaches people who experience disabilities to ride traditional bicycles. Ann lives in Portland, Oregon with her two children and husband. Their son Cody experiences Down syndrome. Teaching and inclusion are her passions.

Stephanie A. McBride is co-founder of the Secondary Dual Educator Program (SDEP) for Oregon licensure in general education and special education for middle level and high school teacher candidates. www.ceed.pdx.edu/sdep/

Sue Wilcox has a Bachelor of Elementary and Special Education from Western Oregon University. Susan has been in the teaching field for over thirty years working with children of all ages. She has raised three children who have all attended Portland Public Schools. Susan strongly believes that every child has the right to a rich and fulfilling public education.

Session #2

Session 2a: Accessible and inclusive tools: UDL techniques for successful classrooms
Presented by Tracey E. Hall, Sr. Research Scientist at CAST; & Joy Smiley Zabala, Director of Technical Assistance at CAST and the National Center on Accessible Instructional Materials

This is the follow-up session to the morning Keynote presentation. The presenters will provide participates an opportunity to see CAST created digital tools and resources designed based on the principles of Universal Design for Learning. Participants will see how these applications may be used with classrooms, groups or individuals to help meet their individual educational needs; Additionally, we will demonstrate for parents and children will see how to use tools independently from the classroom setting, or in concert with school curriculum. Presenters will focus on two Learning Tools freely available on the CAST website.

Find Tracey Hall’s bio under “Keynotes”

Find Joy Smiley Zabala’s bio under “Special National Guest Presenter”.

Session 2b: Bodies in motion
Presented by Mary Williams, Occupational Therapist

Our bodies are made to move and yet work/school settings promote sedentary positions. Without a doubt, sensory-motor experiences are necessary for physical, mental and emotional well being and development and need to be naturally incorporated into the work, home and school settings. Come together in this interactive session and learn how to create spaces that encourage movement and sensory opportunities for every body. In this session participants will:

• Identify and understand the sensory and motor components necessary for development
• Experience and create a toolbox of ideas/strategies they can immediately integrate into their lives and help school teams to better design supports for all students in the classroom
• Leave renewed and excited to immediately make positive changes that promote movement/sensory experiences at home, work and school

Mary K. Williams has been an occupational therapist for over 30 years and presently has a private practice and works at Portland Public Schools. She is an advocate for inclusion for all students and believes in incorporating therapy into a family’s daily routine. She teaches yoga to children; does Hippotherapy and is certified in Qigong Sensory training in addition to teaching; public speaking and research. She recently assisted Dr. Louisa Silva in a published research article on the effectiveness of Qigong massage in improving speech of kids with Down syndrome.

Session 2c: Behavior in the early years; Alternatives to exclusion, resources and ideas for when the going gets tough
Presented by Stephanie Hunter, Positive Behavior Support Specialist, OTAC

In this session participants will learn about positive behavior support and how to develop strategies that will provide a foundation for the future.

Difficult behavior often meets a need for children. Once we understand the “need” we can identify what skills to teach the child and what barriers to reduce so they can explore their world and practice these skills. In this presentation participants will gain an understanding of what needs difficult behavior often meets for children and related tools and resources to address these needs with a focus on long-term success.

Stephanie Hunter is a behavior specialist for OTAC and brings over 14 years of experience in residential, vocational, foster/proctor care, and family home settings. Stephanie specializes in creating person-centered alternative communication systems, conducting functional assessment, behavior support plan development, and implementing family-centered supports. She is a 2008 graduate of Oregon Partners in Policymaking, an active special education advocate, and parent of a child with autism.

Session 2d: Discovering and Marketing Your Child’s Gifts and Strengths; person centered thinking for success in the early years (birth-5)
Presented by Dave Andrews, M.S. Supervisor MESD; & Chris Cvitanich, M.S. ECSE Teacher MESD

In this interactive session you will discover the gifts and strengths of your child and create a visual to share for a great start in the early years. We will provide insight into how person centered planning works and practice strength-based descriptions. You will leave with a tool to share with your community.

Dave Andrews is a supervisor for Multnomah ESD Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education Program and has been working with children and families since 1994.

Chris Cvitanich graduated from the University of Oregon and has taught in both Hawaii and Oregon for 10 years. She has been working with Person Centered Planning for over three years.

Session 2e: Pursuit of a College Experience
Presented by Todd Dunn & Jay Dunn

Todd and Jay will share their experience of going from wanting to go to college to making it possible. Todd will share what his college experience looks like and Jay will share some of the nuances that make it work.

Jay and Todd are 20 year old twins living a real college life in Eugene, Oregon. They live in a college house with 50 other students each pursuing individual courses of study. Jay enjoys photography and drumming. Todd enjoys listening to music and hanging out with friends. Together they are an explicit example (if not an outright marketing campaign) of inclusion at its best.

Session 2f: History of Disability and Diversity
Presented by Dean Westwood, Instructor, OHSU School of Medicine. M.S.W.

This presentation will explore the changing definition of the word “disability”, the history surrounding the treatment of persons with disabilities, the changing attitudes towards and about disability, the legislative and civil movements related to disability awareness, and the dialogue and debate over whether a “Culture of Disability” is a positive for individuals with disabilities. This discussion will be interactive and seek input from the audience as active participants in elucidating who defines the “box” that most people with disabilities and their families are categorized in and whether a self-determination model and a medical model can co-exist and complement each other.

Dean Westwood has worked extensively in clinical, academic settings, and community settings. He pushes for more progressive options for people with disabilities. Dean has both personal and professional experience with the culture of disability and of leadership building. He researches, writes, and trains others about self-determination and leadership, particularly in the areas of disability policy, implementation and systems change.

Session 2g: We Dance, We Sing, We Play All Day; Creating inclusive early childhood environments that are fun for everyone
Presented by Cindy Ryan, Assistant Professor of Early Childhood Western Oregon University

We all need to come together to create spaces that promote inclusion, and community and belongingness for all children. This interactive session will provide a background and rationale for this topic area.

Participants will:

• be able to discuss the rationale and importance of building inclusive classrooms where all children belong
• examine and evaluate their own practices and classroom environments
• create a toolbox of ideas and strategies that promote community and inclusion for all children
• leave excited to make positive changes that promote inclusion and community for all children and families!

Cindy holds a B.S. in early childhood/early childhood special education, a MSpEd in Special Education, and an Ed.D. with a focus on early childhood. She has 20+ years of experience working with families and teaching in inclusive early childhood programs across the country, working closely with Head Start and community based early childhood programs.

Session #3

Session 3a: Behavior Beyond Definition, Thinking about behavior in a very different way at school
Presented by Patti McVay

Thinking about behavior in a very different way can give everyone on the team new insights about ways to build success for kids. Participants in this informative session will explore behavior red flags as well as ways to think about and approach at behavior at home and school. Successful behavior strategies should take into consideration ways to honor families and build teams that have high expectations, so everyone is working together for the child. Participants are encouraged to bring descriptors of a behavior that have been concerning to themselves or someone they know.

Find Patti McVay’s bio under “Session #1”

Session 3b: Realizing inclusive education through empowering parents
Presented by Alicia Delashmutt, Kindergarten Inclusion Cohort Coordinator

The cross-disability Kindergarten Inclusion Cohort is a one-year program that gives parents knowledge and advocacy skills to help their child gain access to an inclusive kindergarten placement. The Cohort empowers families to develop, share and realize their vision for inclusive education for their child, while building a community of other parents with whom to share their challenges and successes.

This sesssion will explore:

• positive behavior supports, skills and tools
• special education law, the legal and civil rights of students
• writing an Individualized Education Plan with goals to drive an inclusive placement
• responsibility of positive collaborative family and professional partnerships with school staff
• use of visual learning tools such as Board Maker and other assistive technologies to build success
• person-centered thinking

Participants will leave the Cohort with a strength-based portfolio about their child and their family’s vision, dreams and goals. One of the most important tools that we give families in our sessions is the value of presenting their child in a strength-based way within a deficit-based system.

Alicia is the proud mother of a beautiful young girl whose diverse interests include basketball, Frito’s and opera. Her daughter experiences Mowat-Wilson, a rare genetic syndrome whose effects are widespread and significant. Alicia has a professional background in landscape, interior and architectural design. A 2007 Partners in Policy Making graduate, she is an active participant in the Portland Public Schools Special Education Advisory Council, PPS Special Education PTA, and the Lend Program and the Oregon Pediatric Improvement Partnership through OHSU. She is currently the Coordinator for the NWDSA Kindergarten Inclusion Cohort. Alicia is a strong advocate and parent mentor who believes that the inclusion of all is necessary for a vibrant and healthy community.

Session 3c: Get Out and Get Involved! Accessing community recreation and arts opportunities
Presented by Bonnie Doyle, Lisa Gearing & Jamie Burch

Hear from Jamie Burch, parent and Girl Scout leader, about how both her daughters have accessed fun, physical activities in the community. Lisa Gearing, a parent of two high schoolers, will share stories about her son’s success and enjoyment of community sports activities. Bonnie Doyle, adaptive P.E. Specialist at Portland Public Schools, will share ways for people of all abilities to access and enjoy physical activities and provide ideas that support success in integrated settings.

Bonnie Doyle is an adapted physical education teacher. She has worked for Portland Public Schools for the past 30 years and is an advocate of inclusive practices for all students.

Session 3d: Understanding the Potential of the iPad and Technology in the Classroom; Advocacy and student centered goal development
Presented by Tom Keating, Ph.D.; & Tobias Rickard, M.S.

This session will establish the need for technology use through specific examples of goals in the areas of self-management and student-direction of the IEP process. The presentation will include demonstrations of software for iPad, desktop, and web-based applications focused on personal organization, task prompting, and accessible e-Portfolios that enable students to be more independent and to document their skills, interests, and experiences. Participants will gain an understanding of how to establish a need for assistive technology use and will learn about innovative applications accessible to students with a range of cognitive abilities.

Tom is Director of Eugene Research Institute and founder of Cognitopia Software where he works on development of cognitively accessible self-management software. Toby is a transition specialist and autism consultant for Eugene School District 4J and specializes in creative ways to use the iPad for student-directed education. They have been collaborating for the past five years on creation of software for use by students and adults with cognitive disabilities.

Session 3e: Employment; Real life, real dreams, an employee tells how
Presented by Eleanor Bailey, Community Advocate

Wondering how to secure integrated supported employment at a competitive wage? Follow the story of how one young woman used strong allies in the service and business communities to make that dream a reality.

Eleanor is an active self-advocate who has spoken out on behalf of individuals with disabilities at numerous events. She does presentations at schools, universities, and many other large conferences nationwide speaking about her experiences as a young woman with Down syndrome and what it means to live a fully included life.

Session 3f: Raising a Visionary; Helping a child to be a self-directed adult
Presented by Roberta Dunn, Executive Director, FACT

Roberta will share important milestones in her journey in raising a self directed young man that is dreaming his own big dreams and making them come true. Whether or child is 3 or 13, preparing to transition to kindergarten or adulthood, there are important things to know, and things to do (and not to do) when you are raising a child experiencing disability to be a self directed, independent adult. Roberta will share her experience and what she has learned along the way.

Roberta Dunn is a parent of three amazing young men and lives in Beaverton with her husband of 26 years. She has been a parent advocate and leader since the birth of her twins twenty years ago. Roberta is the Executive director of FACT, Family and Community Together, an organization dedicated to empowering and supporting families experiencing disability, and Oregon’s new Parent Training and Information Center (FACT PTI).

Session #4

Session 4a: Foundations under the dreams; employment, homes and future planning
Presented by Joe Wykowski, Executive Director of Community Vision

This session will describe an array of proven strategies and approaches for creating person-controlled individualized rental-housing, employment, matched savings accounts or IDAs, and home ownership opportunities. Community Vision will describe how they plan to implement a new effort to reach out to youth and families called the Dream Builders Life Transition Initiative. The initiative will utilize Personal Futures Planning, Mentoring and Matched Savings Accounts to assist youth and families to access new community connections, housing and employment.

Joe is the Executive Director of Community Vision in Portland Oregon, a person centered organization providing supports to individuals and families. Joe also founded the Homeownership Empowerment Program, which assists 15 individuals or families a year to purchase a home and the Future Assets for Independence Program, which provides the opportunity for persons with disabilities to create asset-building accounts. Joe served on the Multnomah County Housing Commission and the Mayor’s Vision PDX planning committee. He is the past President of the Oregon Homeownership Education Collaborative. Joe has consulted with various housing coalitions across the country concerning the creation of individual housing opportunities and personal supports for persons with disabilities.

Session 4b: IEP Workshop- Writing inclusive IEPs that drive inclusion
Presented by Michael Bailey, President, National Disability Rights Network

The IEP drives your services. Goals direct placement. Learn how to make Least Restrictive Environment work for you by writing inclusive goals.

Michael is father to two young adult women, one of whom is a person with Down syndrome. He is President of the National Disability Rights Network which is the largest cross disability advocacy organization in the world. An active member of ADAPT, he has participated in ‘actions’ and delivered trainings at dozens of national and international conferences. He is author of “Special Education: A Parent’s Guide to a Child’s Success”.

Session 4c: “Ask Susana”; Rights and laws (Spanish session)
Presented by Susana Ramirez, Special Education Advocate, Parents in Action Founder

Bring your questions and Ask Susana at this interactive round table session in Spanish. Susana will be ready to talk about rights or any other topic and answer questions from parents. There will be an opportunity to debrief and reflect with parents about their day’s experience and their next steps in advocating for their children.

Susana has been a special education advocate with Disability Rights Oregon for the last 13 years. She represents parents in committees at the state and national level. Susana combines her legal experience as an advocate and also as a parent of a son with disabilities when working with parents so they can get the necessary tools to become empowered leaders and advocates. She is also the founder of Parents in Action/Padres en Acción a non-profit parent advocacy group.

Session 4d: Universally designing behavior supports in general education settings
Presented by Sheldon Loman, Ph.D., Assistant Professor Portland State University

This session will review the practices, systems, and data used within schools to serve students with disabilities. A brief review of evidence-based practices and the implementation and evaluation of these practices may be presented.

Participants will:

• identify evidence-based practices for supporting students with disabilities in general education settings.
• identify tools and procedures for helping school teams to better design supports for students with disabilities within general education settings
• develop a plan to ensure that data, systems, and practices are in place within schools to support students with disabilities.

Participants will be provided tools and taught how to use these tools to plan, implement, and monitor their supports for students with disabilities within the general education context.

Dr. Loman is an Assistant Professor at Portland State University. His areas of instruction and research include: inclusive practices for students with severe disabilities, positive behavior supports, and educational systems change. He was helped establish inclusive processes with school districts in diverse urban settings.

Session 4e: Inclusive literacy for all; Tools and techniques
Presented by Shar Powell, AT Resource Specialist; & Nancy Jo Vogel, Trainer OTAP Coordinator

Come explore ideas, tools and strategies to help “even the playing field” for all readers. Participants for this session will take away resources and ideas to help all students be successful at and enjoy reading. Assistive technology tools and strategies will be shared that offer students access to reading and support for achieving goals and educational standards.

Shar Powell brings to the table 20+ years of diverse knowledge in several aspects associated with Assistive Technology; from building your own basic switch to the latest Augmentative Communication Device. Her abilities include building, training and implementation whether in the classroom or one on one setting.

Nancy Jo Vogel is the Coordinator for Oregon Technology Access Program. She has been an educator in both general education classroom and Special Education. She has served as a Consulting Teacher, providing consultation and assistance to educatorsm, and as a member of the Douglas ESD Assistive Technology Team. In addition to her experience in education, Nancy Jo also has a diverse background in technology outside of the education system.

Session 4f: The role of paraprofessionals in enhancing student progress in the classroom
Presented by Dr. Regina Moreno, Ed.D College of Education; Director of Special Education Programs

This session will discuss paraeducator roles, practices and impact in the inclusion classroom. As inclusion practices are increasing, the role of the paraeducator has also expanded. Paraeducators are often recognized as the personnel who spend significant time with students with disabilities, as compared to teachers and other service providers. As a result, paraeducators play an important role in the education of the students with disabilities. This session will explore the various roles and types of responsibilities often assigned to paraprofessionals, the purpose and impact of paraeducators proximity to student, important aspects of the parent- paraeducator relationship, and the support of students with disabilities in included school settings.

Prior to joining Concordia University, Dr. Regina Moreno served in the Special Education Teacher Preparation Program at Portland State University. She has a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and a Master’s of Science in Special Education. Regina has over thirty-five years of experience in the field of special education and has an unwavering commitment to the pursuit of an equitable and quality education for individuals with disabilities. She has an expertise in the assessment and curriculum program development for children and youth with moderate to severe intellectual ASD. She provides consultative services to public schools and families in Oregon and Washington.

Session 4g: Pathfinders: Doing person centered planning in a group
Presented by Connie Lyle O’Brien

Having people do their individual plans in the context of a group offers opportunity for learning. This session will describe the process of group person centered planning, discuss some of the most important ways to make it successful, and offer examples of what has happened the five countries where it has been tried. The focus is on taking action based on what a group of people discover as they work with a person to identify the person’s gifts and interests and identify places in the community where these gifts could be offered.

Find Connie Lyle O’Brien’s bio under “Keynotes”.

Session 4h: Successful inclusion in preschool; Team presentation with real examples of things that work
Presented by Holly Ingram

We know that inclusion of young children with disabilities in early childhood programs has important behavioral and social benefits. Inclusive preschools are a work in progress, and much remains to be learned about the nature of early childhood inclusion.

Many modifications need to be considered, including environmental, instructional, or curricular adaptations, specialized instructional strategies, peer supports and training, team teaching strategies, assistive technology, or additional adults in the classroom. A child’s therapy and other related services can also be provided within the classroom. Classroom teachers and support staff will need specific support and training, in order to address IFSP goals within the classroom.

Come and find out what’s working for preschool teachers, staff and children.

Holly Ingram is the parent of two young children. She is currently an itinerant Special Education teacher at MECP. She has a Masters in Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education from PSU with an undergraduate degree from OSU. Her teaching philosophy can be summarized by this quote: “An understanding heart is everything in a teacher, and cannot be esteemed highly enough. One looks back with appreciation to the brilliant teachers, but with gratitude to those who touched our human feeling. The curriculum is so much necessary raw material, but warmth is the vital element for the growing plant and for the soul of the child.” – Carl Jung