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[Guest guest]

* ASA / ASGTC 2004 Winter Regional Conference *

March 19 & 20, 2004 * Arlington, TX

" Designing An Educational Program for Individuals Across the Autism Spectrum

Who Present Behavioral Issues "

* Speakers: Ball, Ed.D., Pratt, Ph.D. & Jeff Sell, Esq.

* When: March 19 & 20, 2004

* Where: Hilton Arlington, 2410 East Lamar Blvd., Arlington, TX

(Special hotel room rates are available for out-of-town guests,

see below.)

* Cost: Before March 1 - $75.00 for ASA members; $110.00 for

nonmembers

* Registration: Online at: http://www.autism-society.org/events or use the

enclosed form.

This one and a half-day regional conference is geared for general and

special educators, administrators, related service staff, paraprofessionals,

family members, and others interested in individuals across the autism

spectrum.

This conference will highlight the process involved in determining the

function or cause of problematic behaviors, and will highlight strategies

and techniques to reduce behavioral difficulties and to enhance learning.

As a result of this session, participants will learn:

* The role of crisis intervention when working with students who

present problematic behaviors;

* How to conduct a functional behavioral assessment and how to link

this information to the development of a behavioral support plan; and

* Evidence-based practices for teaching students alternative ways of

behavior that result in academic and social gains.

A special feature of this conference will be a presentation by Jeff Sell.

Jeff will discuss current Legislative issue facing Texas and the Nation,

with a special emphasis on Autism Omnibus Case pending in the US Court of

Federal Claims. Jeff will also provide a report on the Autism Summit that

was held on November 19-20, 2003 in Washington, DC.

The conference will conclude with a fun social and networking event (a late

lunch) on early Saturday afternoon so that attendees can mingle, continue to

discuss and digest what they have just learned and have a chance to unwind.

A separate ticket will be needed to this event.

On Friday and Saturday morning, coffee and tea, along with a light breakfast

will be available.

Attendees will be on their own for the lunch break on Friday.

* Hotel Information: For those joining ASA / ASGTC from outside the area - a

reminder that several hotel rooms have been secured at the Hilton Arlington

at a discounted rate of $99.00. You must make your reservations by Friday,

February 27, 2004 in order to secure the discount rate. You may call and

make your reservation: or 1-800-HILTONS. Please make sure to

identify that you are with the AUTISM SOCIETY OF AMERICA event. The Hilton

Arlington has a complementary shuttle to and from the Dallas-Fort Worth

International Airport (DFW) for your convenience.

(Room rate does not include 13% state and local taxes and .90 assessment

fee.)

* Questions: You may e-mail conference@... – Subject: ASA

Winter Regional

* SPEAKER BIOGRAPHIES:

" Designing An Educational Program for Individuals Across the Autism Spectrum

Who Present Behavioral Issues "

* Ball, Ed.D.

Dr. Ball is the Executive Director of the Sawtelle Learning Center Programs

located in Montclair, New Jersey with programs in Collingwood, Park Ridge,

Paramus, Fair Lawn, Ridgewood, and Kearny, New Jersey. The Sawtelle

Learning Centers provide early intervention, local and national

consultation, and educational services to individuals affected with autism

from first diagnosis to age twenty-one. Dr. Ball has lectured nationally

and Internationally on topics related to autism including inclusion

services, behavior management, direct instruction, sensory issues and

accountability. Dr. Ball is a past member of the Autism Society of America

(ASA) Board of Directors and is currently a member of their Panel of

Professional Advisors (PPA).

* Pratt, Ph.D.

Dr. Pratt is the Director of the Indiana Resource Center for Autism at

the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community located at Indiana

University. Dr. Pratt is an associate professor of the University Graduate

School at Indiana University, and presents internationally at conferences

and workshops. Dr. Pratt serves on the Advisory Boards of Maap Services,

Inc., Asperger Syndrome Coalition of the United States, Autism Society of

Indiana and Christole Group Homes. She also serves on the Board of Directors

for the National Autism Society of America (ASA) and is Chairman of the

Conference Committee, Member of the Government Relations Committee, and is

currently First Vice Chair of the Board. Dr. Pratt serves on the Steering

Committee for Training and Dissemination for the National Research and

Training Center on Positive Behavioral Support. Areas of expertise and

interest include autism spectrum disorders, functional behavior

assessment/positive behavior supports, instructional approaches, systems

change, and policy development. Prior to pursuing her doctorate at Indiana

University, Dr. Pratt worked as a classroom teacher for students with autism

spectrum disorders and other disabilities.

* Jeff Sell, Esq.

Jeff Sell and his wife of sixteen years, a, have been blessed with four

children, (10), Ben and Joe (9), and Gracie (6). Ben and Joe are

twins and they are autistic. The family lives in Spring, Texas. Mr. Sell

was first elected to serve on the national board of directors of the Autism

Society of America (“ASA”) in 1999 and re-elected in 2002. He has served as

the 1st Vice-Chairman of ASA and the Chairman of ASA’s Government Relations

Committee. He also serves on the Professional Advisory Boards of New York

Families of Autistic Children (“N.Y.F.A.C.”), the Center for Autism Spectrum

Disorders (“C.A.S.D.”) in Austin, Texas, Developmental Delay Resources

(“DDR”) and the Law Enforcement Awareness Network (“L.E.A.N.”). He is also

the Past Vice President and co-founder of Autism Resource Konnection

(“ARK”), and a State Representative of Unlocking Autism for the state of

Texas. Mr. Sell graduated from Lamar University and earned his law degree

from South Texas College of Law in 1990. He is an experienced personal

injury trial attorney, certified mediator and a co-founder of the Vaccine

Injury Alliance. Jeff is presently working as “Of Counsel” on the

Thimerosal/MMR vaccine litigation for & Associates, P.C. in Houston,

Texas. Jeff serves on the Board of Directors for the Houston Trial Lawyers

Association (2000-present) and he is a member of several professional

societies and organizations.

* ASA / ASGTC 2004 Winter Regional Conference * March 19 & 20, 2004 *

Arlington, TX *

" Designing An Educational Program for Individuals Across the Autism Spectrum

Who Present Behavioral Issues "

* When: March 19 & 20, 2004

* Where: Hilton Arlington, 2410 East Lamar Blvd., Arlington, TX

* Cost: Before March 1 - $75.00 for ASA members; $110.00 for

nonmembers

* Registration: Online at: http://www.autism-society.org/events –

Registration is Open NOW.

* Questions: You may e-mail conference@... – Subject:

ASA Winter Regional