Workshops
The following FREE workshops are available for parent groups, professionals, and in-service training, etc. PIC personnel will also do presentations for service organizations, churches, civic groups and others. For local information, to schedule a workshop or presentation contact the PIC office at(307)684-2277.
- A Great New IDEA (The Key) - Ref #809 This is a basic workshop on the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 and how that law protects the rights of a child with disabilities to a free, appropriate, public education that is individualized to meet the child’s needs.
- Alphabet Soup of IDEAs - Ref #4121 The world of special education is full of acronyms and unfamiliar concepts. This workshop will define the many acronyms found in the IDEA 2004 (Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004) and explain their meaning and relevance to parents’ participation in special education as partners on their children’s IEP team.
- Early On, Transition to Kindergarten - Ref #4111 Tips and strategies will be offered to help parents plan and prepare for the transition from the developmental preschool to kindergarten including why planning is necessary, preparing for the move, and sharing information. We will also explore the necessary meetings and specifics on having an IEP for the child.
- How to Advocate for Your Child - Ref #811 This workshop provides tips and strategies to help parents advocate for their children, as well as the steps to take to work through the special education system in a positive and more productive way.
- Is Your Child a Target of Bullying? - Ref #3702 Intervention strategies for parents of children with disabilities who may be bullied is the focus of this workshop. Developed for parent audiences, this workshop provides easy-to-understand, common-sense suggestions to help encourage families as they address bullying issues.
- Preparing for the IEP - Ref #813 This is a workshop to help parents feel more comfortable and knowledgeable in the Individualized Education Plan process. Goals, short-term objectives and benchmarks will be discussed, as well as parent’s rights in the process and strategies to become effective partners with your child’s providers/teachers.
- Section 504 Accommodations for the Classroom - Ref #808 This workshop will look at Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act, which forbids discrimination on the basis of disability. Ideas for using a Section 504 Plan to access educational services for a student who needs them, but does not qualify for special education, will be presented. Accommodations and modifications for the classroom will also be discussed.
- Sensory Integration - Ref #3767 Sensory Integration pertains to the use of our senses which allows our brains to organize information and respond appropriately. Information and strategies about common sensitivities and symptoms, and early and accurate diagnosis will be covered. Examples as well as tips on the evaluations will be shared.
- Solving the Employment Puzzle – Ref #3795 There comes a time when youth with disabilities may seek employment and need support in securing the employment. A wide range of disabilities, along with experiences and issues will be covered. Parents need to be encouraged to consider what they can do to help their youth prepare for employment. We will cover what parents can do at home, the role of the school, and the role of community service providers.
- Strategies for an Inclusive Classroom - Ref #814 This workshop will cover ideas for parents and teachers on accommodations to help include children with disabilities in the typical classroom as the least restrictive environment.
- Stress - Ref #4099 Tips and strategies on how to handle stress will be included in this workshop. Stress often surfaces with families who have children with disabilities. Defining stress, noting the cause and effects, finding solutions and identifying how to deal with stress will be discussed.
- Emotional Roller Coaster Effect of Grief on Families of Children with Disabilities – Ref #2780 This workshop provides an insight of the ups and downs of living with a child with disabilities for parents, educators, caregivers and service providers. Topics discussed are the emotions and stages that families encounter when a child has been diagnosed with a disability and how to cope with each stage.
- Transition Planning for Life After High School – Ref #815 This workshop will give tips and strategies to help parents plan and prepare for the time when their child will enter the adult world. Some things parents can do to help their child prepare to live as independently as possible, be employed, and become a contributing member of their community will also be discussed.
Specific Disabilities
The following workshops provide information and strategies to help parents and professionals understand specific disabilities to help the children who experience them to become more successful at school, home and in the community.
- Attention Deficit Disorder - Ref #401 Information and strategies to help parents and professionals understand attention disorders and help the children who experience them be more successful at school and at home.
- Autism - Ref #724Tips and strategies for the classroom, home and community to help parents and teachers work with children who have autism
- Fetal Alcohol Syndrome - Ref #2938 Families learn what FAS is and its characteristics. Also included are strategies for working with children who have FAS; strategies for managing unpredictable behaviors; teaching strategies for optimal learning and what to do if you think your child has FAS.
- Learning Disabilities - Ref #812 Information and strategies to help parents and professionals understand learning disabilities and help the children who experience them be more successful at school and at home.
- Shaken Baby Syndrome - Ref #4589 Topics include: What is shaken baby syndrome, symptoms, causes, and diagnosis
