Iuliia Sterpinska, Special Needs Teacher
State/Country: Ukraine, Europe
School/ Organizations: Pechersk School International
JUL
By Brigid Rankowski, Autism Advocate & National Speaker
For many professionals in the educational fields, the countdown to summertime has been going on for months. As the students yearn to be outside the classrooms, so do the educators long for a respite. However, when the classrooms are all packed up sometimes that’s the best opportunity to get some more work done. During the school year, it is difficult if not impossible to keep up to date on the newest books or educational tools while still maintaining the day to day operations. The free time allowed during the summer months can offer valuable time to reflect on the past year, prepare for the upcoming school year, and work on improving their skills working with disability community.
By Elayne Pearson, Special Needs Preparedness Specialist, Author, and National Speaker
July is great for recalling our amazing heritage in this choice land. I adore the patriotic music, programs, and parades. However, there were many years when even attending a local July 4th parade with Miss Heidi, our cute daughter with Down syndrome and autism, was very stressful. Personally, I loved the spirit of patriotism, the scalloped star-spangled bunting, and creating parade floats. Our four daughters in their crisp red, white, and blue outfits (and matching hair bows) undoubtedly felt the excitement in the air too, but our youngest, Heidi (who craved peace, quiet, and predictability) probably felt like she was entering a war zone, with random firecrackers, flashing police lights directing the excited mobs, smoke and BBQ odors from vendors, and bands playing with true vigor. More than once, Heidi darted off in a “parade panic” and our family (also in a panic) thankfully always found her.
Contributed by Awake Labs
At Awake Labs we are developing a tool to empower autistic individuals and their caregivers to better understand anxiety with the goal of preventing behaviour meltdowns. This tool is called Reveal. It’s a wearable device (it looks a bit like a fitbit) and app that measures and tracks anxiety in real time. I’m new to the team and the first couple of months have been eye opening. So far, these have been my main takeaways.
Our Global Providers’ Conference is our biggest and most exciting event every year! Join practitioners of Social Thinking from around the world to share ideas, network, and learn new strategies. As the “Social Thinking movement” grows, this annual conference has been essential for sharing best practices and creative strategies that attendees then implement in their communities across the globe. Please note that our Providers’ Conference isn’t for those just beginning to use Social Thinking. It is intended for those who are well versed in the methodology, have been using it in their school, clinic, home, or community, and would like to expand their skill set and be inspired by new ideas.
The theme this year is Perspectives, with a special focus on Applying the Social Thinking Methodology School-Wide. On Friday and Sunday, a variety of speakers will present on a wide array of topics, and Saturday will offer a full day of keynotes from thought leaders in the field. You won’t want to miss it!
By Elayne Pearson, Disability Advocate, Motivational Speaker & Consultant
Hope everyone is having a great summer. I bet your thoughts have turned more than once to the students affected with autism in your sphere of influence. As a mom of Heidi, a young lady on the spectrum, I can tell you, summer is a difficult season with lots of open doors and windows, time on our hands and restless kids. UGH!
IBCCES is excited to introduce new Executive Director Dr. Melanie Bolt to the global community of autism specialists. As Executive Director of IBCCES, Dr. Bolt draws on her expertise in educational research and evaluation to unite people, processes, and productivity for the purpose of providing autism training and certification for professionals who work in the fields of healthcare and education. Her goal is to better-equip teachers, paraprofessionals, therapists and other healthcare professionals to successfully address the needs of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Classroom 360 is dynamic and intensive 4 day training series for teachers supporting students with autism in a classroom setting. Strategies and procedures covered in the Classroom 360 training are supported by research addressing critical areas of instruction for students with autism.
Participants gain knowledge to assist in providing quality services to their students on the autism spectrum. A wide range of teaching materials to support students in the classroom is provided.
The 360 trainers bring a multitude of years of training and experience in the areas of ABA, Structured Teaching, Communication, Positive Behavior Supports, andacademic/cognitive supports.
The focus of Classroom 360 training is to address the needs of students with moderate to severe autism receiving instruction in elementary classrooms.
Participants earn 24 CPE hours of continuing education experience.
With the demand for autism experts and autism therapists on the rise, it is more important than ever for teachers and health professionals to have some form of ASD training. At IBCCES, we are committed to providing professional development training through our Autism Certification.
Who should attend?
The TCASE Autism Conference is designed for educators and paraprofessionals who are responsible for supporting individuals on the autism spectrum.
Topics Include:
Featured Speakers:
Kathy Fad, B.A., M.Ed., Ph.D; Edward Clouser, MA, M.Ed, BCBA; Melanie Johnston, MA, SLP, CAS; Paula Roalson, JD