CONFERENCE OVERVIEW:
The Learning Together, Focusing on Possibilities Education Conference is a one-day conference with specialized tracks focusing on topics related to early childhood, school age, and transition through adulthood. The conference also features sessions for self-advocates with Down syndrome ages 18 and older and sessions in Spanish.
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE & TRACKS:
The conference includes the opening plenary sessions featuring Jawanda & Rachel Mast in English or Eliana Tardio in Spanish, three breakout sessions per age group, lunch, and access to all conference handouts. Attendees will also have the opportunity to browse and speak with exhibitors throughout the day as part of the conference Resource Fair.
Early Childhood Sessions (Most Applicable for Ages 2-5 Years):
From ECI to ECSE to Kindergarten: Navigating Evaluations, IEPs, and ARD Meetings Together presented by Ali Ackles, M.Ed. & Jillian Robertson, M.S., CCC-SLP
The ABCs of Challenging Behaviors: Approaches to Help Young Children Succeed presented by the team from The Down Syndrome Clinic at Children's Health℠
Growing Communication Together: Practical Strategies for Early Communication Success presented by Erin Bernett, MS, CCC-SLP, Monkey Mouths Pediatric Therapy
School Age Sessions (Elementary-Middle School):
The ABCs of Challenging Behaviors: Approaches for School Age Children presented by the team from The Down Syndrome Clinic at Children's Health℠
Collaboration and Communication Are Essential for Student Success presented by Eliana Tardio
Using Sensory Tools to Support Your Child's Success presented by Stacy Wright, Stacy's Sensory Solutions
Transition-Adult Sessions (High School-Adulthood):
Transition in Action: Lessons from Rachel Mast’s Journey presented by Jawanda Mast, NDSC
Benefits of Continued Therapy for Adults presented by Caleb Davis, Soundly Speaking Therapy Services
Guardianship 101 presented by Rachel Dickison, The Weeks Law Firm
Self-Advocate Sessions (Self-Advocates 18 and Older):
Please note that the conference will serve as our Supper Club for the month of February. Parents may attend the General Conference or drop off their adult for our Self-Advocate sessions. Our trained volunteers will be assisting throughout the day.
Adult Connections: Communicating and Practicing Skills to Build Healthy Relationships presented by Dr. Molly Denny, Ph. D.
Smart, Safe, and Kind Online presented by David Chalker
Dance It Out: Jazzercise with Rachel presented by Rachel Mast
En Español (Todas las edades):
Promoviendo la Independencia a lo Largo de la Vida, Eliana Tardio
Nadie Puede Defender a Tu Hijo Mejor que Tú, Eliana Tardio
Programas de Exención de Medicaid y Servicios de Metrocare, Dallas Metrocare Services
La transición a la edad adulta, Mariangeles Bezich, Partners Resource Network
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Parents, family members, educators, medical professionals, service providers, direct care staff, and self-advocates ages 18 and older are encouraged to attend. Certificates of attendance will be available for continuing education credits. However, please note that the Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas may not be approved and accepted by all professional associations.
REGISTRATION:
$65 - General Conference
$45 - Self-Advocate Conference
All conference registrations include light breakfast, coffee, lunch, and access to all conference handouts.