Young adults with ASD Seminar - Kentucky, Fairfield, Ohio ( Co)

[Guest guest]

Dear Friend of ASO:

Information on an upcoming seminar entitled "Walking the Path: Unlocking the doors to personal growth and independence for adolescents and young adults with DD and ASD". For registration details, visit http://www.independencebound.com/Trainings_Seminars.htm. FYI - Please share.

Sincerely,

Barbara C. YavorcikPresidentAutism Society of Ohio701 S. Main St.Akron, OH 44311(330) 376-0211fax: (330) 376-1226email: askASO@...home: byavorcik@...web: www.autismohio.org Please note: This is provided for information purposes only. The ASO does not endorse or recommend any providers, methodologies or services. Providing this information should not be construed as an endorsement by the ASO, either explicit or impiled.

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Hello:

We are offering two seminars on ASD and adolescent/young adult transition.

November 3, 2006 Paroquet Springs Conference Center395 Paroquet Springs Dr Shepherdsville, KY 502 955-7009

November 16, 2006 Receptions Conference Center 5975 Boymel DrFairfield, OH 513 860-4100

The seminars are Walking the Path--Unlocking the doors to personal growth and independence for adolescents and young adults with ASD. They are being held on November 3 in Louisville and on November 16 in Cincinnati. Detailed information including registration is on the web site: www.independencebound.com

Please share this email with families and educators who want to learn more about establishing a quality of life and independence based upon experiences of 28 families who have made this journey. If you can post the information and provide a link to www.independencebound.com we would sincerely appreciate it.

Thank you,

Jackie Marquette

author, researcher, speaker, and parent

7514 Warrenton Hill Ct.

Louisville, KY 40291

502 417-6063

jackie@...

Details:

What is included with the seminar? 1) A comprehensive handout with specifically stated learning objectives, activities, and strategies from the Walking the Path model. 2) A demonstration of realistic activities the student can do to help reveal hidden strengths and gifts and grow personally, 3) A comprehensive list of additional resources to access and study.

Who should attend?

The WP seminar is for school personnel, professionals, and family/advocates who are interested in learning more about how adolescents and young adults with DD and ASD can reach living their own life with goals and purpose. Their outcomes become powerful when viewed in terms of having the support to pursue goals.

How Much Does It Cost? Registration at the door is $105 per professional and $85.00 per Family / Advocate. Register early and save $10 per person.

When should I Register? Register now--space is limited. Once this seminar is full, additional registrations cannot be accepted.

How do I register? There are 4 easy ways to register: 1) on our website, 2) by telephone, 3) by fax, and 4) by mail. Just give us a call or use the handy registration form. Click here to download and print the registration form (Download the PDF) 1.7MB

What is the cancellation policy? 30 or more days prior to the seminar: 100% refund, 10 or more days: 50% refund, Less than 10 days prior to the seminar: sorry no refunds.

Seminar Schedule

8:00 Check-in and continental Breakfast

9:00 Welcome and Introductions

9:15 What Doesn’t Work and What Does:

Guiding youth with ASD and DD to a meaningful life with greater independence

10:45 Break - Talk with Jackie

11:15 Identifying and Building Upon Students Strengths, Gifts, and Interests to use in:

Employment, leisure, and living in the community

12:00 Noon—Lunch provided

1:15 Introduction to a new tool (CAIS) that measures capability and independence.

2:30 Break—Talk with Jackie

3:00 Practical Activities to Develop Student’s Self Awareness and Capability

4:00 Workshop Ends - Stay and talk with Jackie 4:30.

My Mission: to guide professionals and advocates who help people with all levels of disabilities to live with a sense of well being and independence, by using their best strengths and gifts

What are the learning objectives?

1) Discuss how youth can develop personal growth and reach increased independence, based on Jackie’s research on adults with ASD ranging from severe limitations to functioning at higher levels. All individuals eventually reached greater capabilities and independence, well beyond expectations. Other related resources also support these findings.2) Explain the WP model that shows how to develop an individual’s positive self awareness and the positive actions necessary to face daily challenges.3) Demonstrate activities and self assessments that can be used with the student/young adult to highlight their personal strengths and gifts.4) Use an inexpensive research based tool, the Capability and Independence Scale (CAIS) to assess and plan. The CAIS scale can help highlight areas of capability and direction, employment, self employment, training, relationship development, and increased independence.

How developmental problems affect the transition years? Many young adults often exist in isolation because of limited resources. Individuals with DD or ASD can develop a sense of self through meaningful shared experiences and become intrinsically motivated as they build resilience to the challenges of their disability. The solution is to create with supports the personal climate that promotes the individual’s unique growth and maturity. Parents know that decisions must be made. We may feel compelled to help our young adult make decisions that are ‘right’ and ‘protective’. Yet standing at that threshold of the decisions, we become fearful asking….But what if……… ?

As for professionals, we are struggling within a system of limited resources and know many resources and options are not available for individuals with disabilities and their families. This model empowers all to move forward using best practices.

How to unlock the doors to developing the student’s social and emotional side? Behavior plans and treatment selections are often significant in addressing the negative behavioral aspects of a person’s disability. But using therapy and independent skills taught in classroom settings alone will not lead the individual into a life of personal growth and well being. We must 1) initiate a change of focus from deficits to capabilities, 2) dispel societal myths about limitations surrounding persons with DD and ASD, 3) explore interests through a process leading to self awareness, 4) determine supports, then network to create realistic opportunities to meaningful daily living, having friends, employment, self employment, college, and independence.

Practical, fun and age appropriate activities to promote personal growth and independence It is natural that adolescents and young adults have a deep desire for purpose and independence within their day. Although disability limitations are a reality, most individuals have skills, personalities, and strengths that when identified and applied can open doors to inclusive settings, employment, and relationships. There are activities and strategies for networking that can illuminate the next step along the path. These activities are informational and enjoyable for all.