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Pre-Conference Sessions Friday 8:30 AM - 3 PM The NDSC Pre-conference Sessions offer opportunities to explore topics central to Down syndrome in-depth with leading subject matter experts. The sessions are held on Friday immediately prior to the general convention from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm and will require separate registration for a specific session. |
A.Why Not College? Conversations about Postsecondary Education for Students with Down SyndromeCandee Basford, M.A.(invited), author, artist and mother of young adult with DS, Seaman, OH Rich Robison, D.Min., NDSC President; ED, Federation for Children with Special Needs; father of two young adults with DS; Boston, MA Madeleine Will , Vice President of Public Policy and Director of National Policy Center, NDSS; mother of young adult with DS, Silver Spring, MD |
Like their peers, many students with Down syndrome want to continue their education after high school. This session will explore various possibilities to make that happen, including attending college with individually tailored supports developed by families, as well as participating in specialized programs established by community or 4-year colleges. Family members and professionals will offer their perspectives with lots of time for questions and dialogue. |
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B.Living Inclusive and Self-determined Lives through Individual Control of Funding and Creative Use of ResourcesMartha Blue-Banning, Ph.D., Assistant Research Professor at the Beach Center on Disability, University of Kansas; mother of an adult son with DS; Lawrence, KS |
This session will focus on the realities of adults with intellectual disabilities having the support needed to create a life of inclusion and participation in the community through individual control of funding, supports, and services. Issues addressed include creating “funding packages” by merging funding streams, asset building, person-centered planning, budgets/fiscal intermediaries, support brokerage, and inclusive supports/services. | ||
C.From Infant Babbling to Adult Speech: Helping Children with Down Syndrome Develop Understandable SpeechLibby Kumin, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, founder of the Down Syndrome Speech and Language Center for Excellence at Loyola College, Columbia, MD |
Why is it often difficult to understand the speech of people with DS? What can we do to help infants, toddlers, children, adolescents and adults develop speech that is easy to understand? Dr. Kumin will present a framework for identifying and analyzing factors that affect speech intelligibility. Through video examples, she will demonstrate successful techniques and home activities and will present examples of IFSP and IEP goals that can help children with DS develop more understandable speech. | ||
D.Recharging Your Relationship: a Workshop for CouplesThe Rev. W.C. Hoecke M.Ed., National Trainer, Friends National Resource Center and Catherine Hoecke, M.A., parents of a son with DS; Columbia, SC |
An expanded version of last year’s popular workshop, this session will address the needs of couples parenting a child with DS and offer suggestions on how to make families stronger by strengthening the intimacy in marriages. Learn how to resolve conflict more effectively and how to communicate so you feel understood. Couples will learn how to team to solve problems, manage conflict without damaging closeness, and preserve and enhance love, commitment, and friendship. | ||
E.There’s No Place Like Home for Sexuality Education: Strategies for Teaching and Supporting Healthy SexualityTerri Couwenhoven, M.S., AASECT Sexuality Educator/Consultant, mother of teen with DS; Milwaukee, WI |
Parents are the primary sexuality educators of their children but research indicates parents often need help and support. This workshop will help parents explore concepts of healthy sexuality and understand roles they play in helping their child with Down syndrome move towards a sexually healthy adulthood. Recommendations for key concepts that can be introduced at home and practical teaching strategies & resources will be presented. | ||
F.Building Capacity and Resiliency When Life with DS Involves Complex NeedsConvened by George Capone, M.D., M.S. – Research scientist, Kennedy Krieger Institute; Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, John Hopkins University, School of Medicine; Baltimore, MD Dr. Capone will be joined by NDSC Board members who are mothers of people with DS to explore key aspects of living with complex needs. |
A family’s journey with DS may include complex medical, developmental and/or behavioral issues. Life can quickly become difficult when parents and care providers face DS combined with leukemia, mood instability, gastrointestinal disorders, challenging behavior, sleep apnea, autistic spectrum traits, and/or infantile spasms and seizures. At such times, families may struggle to meet the challenges. This session will explore key aspects of complex needs. We will identify strategic tools to help meet needs for information and support. We will also explore strategies that promote enviable lives in the midst of complex needs. Please note: Those registering for this session will be contacted in advance and asked to identify questions and concerns to help plan discussions and activities. |
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G.Creating Classroom Success for Students with Down SyndromeSusan Peoples, B.S., Founder of “Special Offspring,” with 30 years experience as an elementary teacher and clinician; mother of son with DS; Fort Wayne, IN |
This session addresses instructional needs of students with DS and identifies the instructional design needed to provide remediation for deficits in short and long term memory, transfer of learning, and concept development skills. Based on 30 years as a teacher and clinician, Ms. Peoples has developed materials designed to help children with DS achieve academic success. You will explore these strategies and find out how to incorporate them into your child’s lesson plans. Great practical session for parents and teachers. | ||
H.Assistive/Instructional Technology Solutions for Individuals with DSSean Smith, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Special Education at the University of Kansas; parent of a son with DS; Lawrence, KS |
This workshop will focus on technology-based solutions that teachers, parents, and related service professionals can use with individuals with DS to enhance learning, address behavior challenges, and empower growth and development towards self-determined lives. Demonstration of web and software-based solutions will be featured and materials will be shared on how to integrate technology-based solutions. Special focus on assistive technologies and how parents and educators can determine needs, how to identify appropriate devices/services, and how to implement this tool. | ||
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