14th Annual Statewide Conference
Handouts
MAIN SESSION
Special Education Law: What Parents Need to Know
Jim Walsh, Attorney
Handout
This will cover the fundamental pillars of the law with an emphasis on practical application for parents in advocating for their children.
Updates from the State Department of Education – Special Education Division
Sherri Coats, Program Director of Special Education Services
Oklahoma State Department of Education – Special Education Services
Handout
This presentation will be an overview of what’s new in Special Education in Oklahoma at the State Department of Education.
AM BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Option #1
Understanding Your Child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP), Part 1 (presented in English and Spanish)
Mary Helen Holguin and Melissa Stevens
Oklahoma Parents Center, Inc.
Handout
This workshop provides a brief overview of what is included in an Individualized Education Program (IEP), preparing for meetings, solving disagreements, and the role of parents in the Special Education process.
Option #2
Get to know Oklahoma’s Assistive Technology (AT) Act Program!
Allyson Robinson, Director of Accessibility Programs
Oklahoma State University (OSU) – Department of Wellness
Handout
ABLE Tech is the Assistive Technology (AT) Act Program for the state of Oklahoma. ABLE Tech programs and staff help people of all ages and disabling conditions explore devices that would help them see, hear, learn, live, and work more independently! The staff are specialists ready to help!
Option #3
Building Social Skills Using Natural Supports
Michele DeBerry, MS, CCC-SLP, Director of The Oklahoma Autism Network & The Lee Mitchener Tolbert Center for Developmental Disabilities
University of Oklahoma – Health Science Center (OUHSC)
Handout provided by presenter – will upload link after conference
Natural supports are the relationships and connections we all have every day in our lives. They come from informal, ordinary relationships with family members, friends, teachers, etc. Building social skills using natural supports can help children learn communication skills and become more social. When natural supports are used in any setting and throughout the day, skills are more easily generalized and can be vital in helping to promote the development of a healthy life. Being active in life and in the community will add fun and purpose to your child’s life. The friendships and memories that it creates are priceless.
Option #4
Sickle Cell and the Impact on Families and Communities
Velvet Brown-Watts, Founder-Chairperson
Supporters of Families with Sickle Cell Disease, Inc.
Handout
Video
Take a journey in the lived experiences of those impacted by Sickle Cell Disease and its inherited disorders and trait. Learn what SCD is, it’s impact to families and community and how together we can change the narrative and improve the quality of those in the Oklahoma Sickle Cell Community.
PM BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Option #1
Understanding Your Child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP), Part 2 (presented in English and Spanish)
Mary Helen Holguin and Melissa Stevens
Oklahoma Parents Center, Inc.
Handout
This workshop is a continuation of Part 1 provided in an AM Session.
Option #2
Care Notebook Training
Heather Pike, Associate Director
Oklahoma Family Network
Handout
A Care Notebook is an organizational tool for maintaining personal and medical information in one central location. This tool can assist parents in sharing key information and advocating for their child’s needs and is a useful tool for youth as they transition to taking charge of their own healthcare. Providers and families who participate in this session will benefit by receiving a Care Notebook containing primary documents to get started, organizational tips, and one-on-one assistance.
Option #3
Successful collaboration with other professionals: The pros and cons of working with multidisciplinary teams that support students with ASD
Annie Baghdayan, PhD, BCBA-D, LBA, Executive Director
National Center for Disability Education & Training
University of Oklahoma Outreach/CCE
Handout
This presentation will provide an overview of school-based IEP participation and collaboration as a competence area for professionals, as well as provide research-based and practical strategies for collaborating in the K-12 setting. How can we bridge the gap?
Option #4
A Special Education Potpourri
JoAnne Blades, JD, Program Director
Special Education Resolution Center (SERC)
Oklahoma State University
Handout
Spend some time with Jo Anne Blades, Program Manager, Special Education Resolution Center. You will spend some time investigating hot topics in special education, exploring the frustrations of advocacy, and learning about resources available to support you in your journey!