The results of our annual Special Education Survey are in:  Over 400 respondents – special education administrators, teachers and other professionals – from all over the country weighed in on a range of topics related to special needs education.

Although Autism-specific training and resources continue to be a primary focus, one of the largest increases was seen in the area of student mental health.

In light of these recent findings, IBCCES is hosting the 2019 Space Summit in Houston, TX on May 3rd, and mental health will be a primary focus of this unique one-day event.  Located on-site at the Houston Space Center – an IBCCES Certified Autism Center – this symposium will feature TED style talks by some of the leading authorities in the areas of Autism and mental health.  Attendees will benefit from sessions led by global experts on autism, cognitive disorders, mental health concerns, and innovation in these areas. These topics affect ALL students and adolescents, as well as many educators themselves.

Speakers include:

Kerry Magro, an award-winning disability advocate, best-selling author, movie consultant, non-profit founder and full-time employee at Autism Speaks. Magro who was completely non-verbal until 2.5 and diagnosed with autism at 4 had to overcome countless challenges.

Dr. Pamela Rollins, a Professor in the Communication Disorders program within the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences at the University of Texas at Dallas, Callier Center for Communication Disorders. She conducts research in developmental pragmatics, early social communication and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Other speakers scheduled to appear:

• Martha Aki – ECI Project TYKE Program Director, Katy Independent School District
• John B. Charles, Ph.D. – Scientist in Residence, Space Center Houston Manned Space Flight Education Foundation
• Jancy McPhee, Ph.D. – Director, Humans in Space Art Program
• Cissy Carter – Elementary Coordinator, Special Education: Programming & Campus Support, Humble ISD

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn practical strategies and the latest information from experts, while gaining valuable professional development in an area that impacts all students.  Collaborate with other educators and professionals to share best practices so you can positively impact your students and staff.  Register today at ibcces.org/spacesummit/

For more information, please visit ibcces.org.