Ages & Stages 2022-2024 Webinar Series
Join us for our next webinar!
All webinars prior to 2021 are archived here
Click on each Ages & Stages 2022-2024 webinar title to view the recording.
The Ups and Down(s) of Life: Tools for Addressing Parent and Caregiver Burnout
(^register at link above) Everyone seems to be talking about burnout these days, and with good reason. The rates of burnout are sky rocketing, particularly since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020. While many different groups are at risk for burnout, parents are at the top of that list. Adding in the complexities and challenges of having a child with a disability, and it is clear that burnout can present a very real crisis. Join us for this important webinar, in which we will explore the burnout experienced by families within the Down syndrome community. Rooted in the work of Dr. Martin Seligman, we will explore how Positive Psychology can provide a toolkit for addressing burnout you may currently be experiencing, as well as play a preventative role in decreasing future burnout risk. Given their practical and tangible nature, Positive Psychology Interventions (PPI) are effective in helping individuals improve well-being. Courtney Edwards, MS, BCC. Courtney is a former psychotherapist turned board certified coach, specializing in the use of positive psychology tools, mindfulness, and cognitive behavioral approaches to help her clients invite greater wellbeing into everyday life. Courtney holds a Masters degree in Counseling from Pace University and is Board Certified as a coach through the Center for Credentialing and Education. She also holds certifications in relationship coaching and meditation instruction. Additionally, she serves as an adjunct instructor for Counselor Education at the State University of New York, at New Paltz. Courtney resides in New York’s Hudson Valley with her husband and their blended family. She was invited into the world of Down syndrome when her daughter Lucy was born in 2007.
Collaborative IEP Advocacy Strategies for Success
(Recording is available at link ^^) This webinar will focus on "Collaborative IEP Advocacy Strategies for Success" with key takeaways on: 12 Critical IEP questions, How to Respond to "No" and how to make every school day an inclusive day. Catherine Whitcher, M.Ed has been solving Special Education struggles for schools and families for over 25 years. After watching her family navigate the system for her brother with Down syndrome, Catherine was motivated to create change. She earned several certifications in Special Education, spent time in the classroom, and became a positive voice of hope and collaboration for families and teachers in her community. She is the founder of the Master IEP Coach® Mentorship and host of the Special Education Inner Circle podcast. Her unique special education strategies and solutions have been implemented at thousands of IEP tables and she can’t wait to support you in leveling up your leadership on your IEP team. Grab Free Resources and Contact Catherine at: www.masteriepcoach.com catherine@masteriepcoach.com
Building Independence Skills across the Lifespan
(Recording is available ^^) Using a holistic, client centered approach, this presentation will discuss the concept of the person, the occupation and the environment in the process of learning and development. Hina will focus on the developmental progression of skills in the areas of sensory processing, gross / fine motor skills, self-care and life skills including practical strategies that will increase independence in everyday routines for individuals with Down Syndrome of all ages. Hina Mahmood is a Senior Registered Occupational Therapist for the Down Syndrome Resource Foundation (DSRF) and has been at DSRF since 2016. Prior to obtaining her degree she worked at DSRF for six years as the administrative assistant and volunteer coordinator, as well as a teacher’s assistant for the Reading & Communication program. Hina is passionate about working with individuals of all ages who have special needs and values a collaborative approach. Hina is trained in the SOS Approach to Feeding and has given presentations on topics including toileting, increasing independence in school aged children, and executive functioning. She is also interested in how medical challenges, such as sleep apnea and digestive issues, affect learning and development for individuals with Down syndrome. Hina is also the co-host of The LowDOWN: A Down Syndrome Podcast.
Helping your Child with Down syndrome to Understand Death and Cope with Grief
(recording in the link above ^^) Grief is a complex process for everyone, and can be especially difficult for children and adults with Down syndrome. Often, parents and loved ones are unsure of what to do or say. Many are afraid of 'making things worse'. During this workshop, Rose will discuss ways in which grief may be processed and expressed differently by those with DS and strategies to help them better understand and cope in healthy ways. For 10 years, Rose Reif supported people with Down syndrome and other disabilities as a Case Manager and Group Home Supervisor. In that time, she became frustrated by the lack of mental health services for adults with IDD, and decided to do something about it. After earning a Masters in Rehabilitation Counseling from the Medical School at UNC-Chapel Hill in 2012, Rose started a private counseling practice in Cary, North Carolina. As a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, she focuses on meeting the mental health needs of disabled adults and parents raising kids with disabilities. Rose is the author of "Helping Your Child with Down Syndrome to Understand Death and Cope with Grief". You can learn more about rose at rosereif.com.
Navigating a Dual Diagnosis of Down Syndrome and Autism
Join Charlotte Gray and Jeanne Doherty (recording above ^^) of the Down Syndrome-Autism Connection in this webinar hosted by NDSC as part of the free Ages & Stages webinar series. This workshop will look at what we know about DS-ASD, look at statistics, take a deeper look at behaviors, discuss the importance of getting an evaluation, building a support network, and then share some resources throughout the years. https://ds-asd-connection.org/
Advocating for Meaningful Inclusion for Students with Down Syndrome
View the recording by using the link above^ Attendees will learn a summary of the federal laws, case law, and evidence-based research supporting inclusive education. What we need to do before, during, and after the IEP meeting to advocate for inclusion for students with Down syndrome. Practical tips to ensuring an inclusive IEP is actually being implemented with fidelity and a student is meaningfully included. Courtney Hansen MS. Ed. is a non-attorney special education advocate, with Inclusion Evolution Advocacy Services. https://www.inclusionevolution.com/
Down Syndrome and the Effect on Feet
View the recording of the Ages & Stages Webinar on Tuesday November 28, 2023 with Dr Lorri Riley, podiatrist on Down Syndrome and the Effect on Feet. Free!
Goodbye Anxiety, Hello Freedom: Simple Shifts for Lasting Change with Stephanie Dalfonzo
CLICK TO VIEW RECORDING ^
What you’ll learn:
- Comfort knowing you are not alone in the feeling of anxiety, pressure, and the stress of everyday living.
- Techniques that are logical and simple enough to teach children.
- Learn specific techniques to experience short moments of calm many times a day.
- How to shift to a moment to find that quiet space to quiet your mind and prepare you to continue on in victory.
- Practice tips and new skills to calm stress, overwhelm, and feelings of anxiety.
About the Presenters
Stephanie is an Anxiety Expert, Integrative Hypnotist, Speaker and Author.
Traditional approaches to stress, anxiety, and sleep issues are no longer enough. Because of her own struggles with anxiety and sleep issues, Stephanie has compiled over 20 years of researching anxiety in her book “Goodbye Anxiety, Hello Freedom.” There is a “special art” to being able to communicate virtually – one that Stephanie learned during her 15 years as Celebrity Radio DJ “Stevie Knox.” She teaches resilience as a skill that can be learned, practiced, and incorporated into daily liviing.
Evaluations and Eligibility with April Rehrig
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What you’ll learn:
- When to ask for an assessment
- Why school-based evals are key
- How to read your report like a pro
- What does a comprehensive evaluation look like
About the Presenter:
April is a cross-trained special education advocate and school psychologist who teaches positive communication strategies for special education assessment and IEP development. April founded Rise Educational Advocacy to simplify the IEP process. Her online coursework and ready-to-use toolkits support neurodiverse children and adult students K12 and beyond.
Supporting Self-Determination Development with Kate Doyle and Dr. Christina R. Carnahan
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Within the field of disability, Wehmeyer defined self-determination as, “acting as the primary causal agent in one’s life and making choices and decisions regarding one’s quality of life free from undue external influence or interference.”
In this webinar:
a) we will define self-determination in the context of a school and home setting;
b) discuss strategies to create and teach self-determination for individuals with disabilities; and
c) reflect on opportunities to embed more self-determination instruction and opportunities in the classroom and home.
Effective Communication at the IEP Table & Beyond with Ashley Barlow
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Participants will learn:
- At least THREE communication strategies you can implement NOW
- Advocacy tips to use with your IEP team
- Negotiation strategies to help your communication make an impact
- How to bridge the gap between home, school, and the community
- What kind of information to share with your IEP team
- When to communicate to make the best impact