The annual special education family empowerment conference will be held on Saturday, March 23rd from 8:30am-3:00pm at the UFT Conference Center, located at 52 Broadway, 19th floor, New York, NY 10004. This conference is intended to empower families to take an active role in the IEP process.
***RSVP to this email address: rsvpSpecialEd@strongschools.nyc
***Breakfast and lunch will be served!
Agenda and Program for March 23rd
8:30am – 10:00am: Breakfast/Check in
9:00am – 9:30am: DOE and UFT Greeting
9:30am – 9:45am: Student performance
9:45am – 10:15am: Keynote Speaker
10:30am – 12pm: Session 1 (Workshops below)
12pm – 12:45pm: Lunch
12:50pm – 2:20pm: Session 2
2:20pm – 3pm: Raffle/Closing Remarks
SESSION 1 – 10:30am-12:00pm
Supporting Positive Behavior at Home and School (presented in Spanish) – Room B
Parents will learn about positive behavior supports and how they are used in schools. They will also learn how to use positive behavior support strategies with their child at home.
The Nuts & Bolts of the IEP Process – Room C
Parents will develop an understanding of their role as a vital member of the IEP team, including how to plan for and participate in IEP meetings. They will also increase their understanding of the IEP as an educationally important document, the process required for developing the IEP, and the consideration of paraprofessionals.
Special Education Mediation Overview – Room F
Learn how parents of students with disabilities and schools can resolve their differences with the help of a free special education mediator. Mediation can address a student’s program, placement, services, evaluation, behaviors, classification, communication and more. Usually, a mediator can help develop a binding agreement that is acceptable to all.
13 Disability Classifications – Room G
In this workshop, participants will learn about the 13 disability classifications under IDEA. Through reading and discussion, participants will learn more about the characteristics associated with each classification and brainstorm ways to support their students.
Daring to Hope! The Road to Independence – Room H
Build a new vision for youth with disabilities by embracing hope, encouraging persistence, and promoting self-advocacy. Participants will develop a fresh, new understanding of what help and support look like as children grow older. *Please note this session is intended for parents of older youth, ages 12-21.
SESSION 2 – 12:50pm-2:20pm
Supporting Positive Behavior at Home and School – Room B
Parents will learn about positive behavior supports and how they are used in schools. They will also learn how to use positive behavior support strategies with their child at home.
The Nuts & Bolts of the IEP Process (presented in Spanish) – Room C
Parents will develop an understanding of their role as a vital member of the IEP team, including how to plan for and participate in IEP meetings. They will also increase their understanding of the IEP as an educationally important document, the process required for developing the IEP, and the consideration of paraprofessionals.
Understanding Autism – Room D
This workshop will take you on a journey through the world of Autism to help you better understand our students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). We will review characteristics as well as instructional strategies to support students with ASDs.
Diploma Options & Life after High School – Room F
Parents will learn about diploma options and exiting credentials available to students with disabilities. They will also learn about services that schools provide to effectively transition students to post-secondary life, including college and career.
Understanding the Range of Special Education Programs and Services – Room G
Discover how to take advantage of the full range of special education programs and services available to students with disabilities in the least restrictive setting.
Kindergarten Programs for Children on the Autism – Room H
There are a wider variety of programs available at the kindergarten entry level than at any other time. Learn about the range of programs available and take advantage of this important transition period.
(Please note this session is intended for parents of children born in 2014)