Session Listing - Schedule to Come
As sessions are confirmed they will be added. Schedule is subject to change.
Practical Self Defense
Presenter: Sensei Carla Dannouf
Accommodating each person's needs, this class will focus on safety in everyday life with tools and tips to help anyone to be more aware of their surrounings and to move through their day with safety in mind.
Beneath the Surface: Exploring the Depths of Behavior in Young Children
Presenter: Lisa Terry, MS, M.Ed.
The Growing Brain," a ZERO TO THREE curriculum, illuminates the profound link between brain development and children's behavior. Discover how development, environmental factors, and individual temperament contribute to children's behavior, and gain valuable tools for fostering positive growth and resilience. Whether you're a parent, educator, or caregiver, this interactive session empowers you to navigate the complexities of early childhood with empathy, understanding, and effective guidance.
A Great Partnership: How Genetics Can Support You and Your Family
Presenter: Tahnee Causey, MS, CGC
Genetics is an ever-changing field that can seem overwhelming for families. During this talk, we hope to describe why families may seek a genetics appointment or pursue genetic testing. We will discuss what to expect during a genetics appointment, why testing may be suggested and what kind of testing is commonly performed. We will also discuss how to access genetic services in Virginia.
Guardians of Innocence: Nurturing Mental Health to Preserve Childhood Wonder
Presenter: Tracy Walters, M.Ed. ECSE, IMH-E EOLD,
This session will highlight the importance of preserving childhood in a stressed culture created through technology, over-scheduling, and the loss of family identity.
Self-Determination for Inclusive Education
Presenters: Beth and Taylin Sellers
Taylin and her mom Beth have learned through experience what it takes to be successful in the general education classroom as a student with a disability. Taylin is a 17 year old high school student who is blind with an orthopedic impairment. In this session, Taylin will share her own experiences as a self-advocate, with support from her mom, to help others learn how to advocate for and create a fully inclusive learning environment for people with disabilities in a school and community setting.
Navigating New Paths: Birth and Postpartum Doulas Supporting Families of Children with Special Needs
Presenters: Telisha Woodfin, LMSW, CD, CEIM and Brittany Watson, MSW, PMH-C, CHES
This presentation will highlight the unique challenges families of children with special needs face and showcase how doulas provide invaluable support. From offering emotional guidance to practical assistance, doulas empower families to thrive amidst the complexities of raising a child with special needs.
Attendees will better understand the compassionate allyship doulas offer and discover practical strategies for navigating this journey. Whether you're a parent seeking support, a professional enhancing your services, or an advocate for inclusivity, this session offers valuable insights. Explore the transformative power of empathy, advocacy, and community in supporting families on their unique journey.
Embrace, Engage, and Empower: Inclusive Education in Childcare Settingsf Children with Special Needs
Presenter: Nikida Cromartie-James, MSW
During this session, participants will engage in a thorough review and discussion of
research findings highlighting the benefits and positive impacts of inclusive education in childcare
settings. Additionally, we will explore how Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological System’s Theory can serve
as a valuable framework for informing inclusive practices within these environments. Through the
examination of real-life case studies, attendees will gain insights into the power of collaboration
between educators, parents, and support staff in achieving successful outcomes for children in
inclusive early childhood programs. In addition, we will also address the challenges that may arise
and potentially hinder the implementation of inclusive education in childcare settings. The goal of
this session is to enhance the knowledge and skills of parents, educators, early intervention
specialists, and other stakeholders in effectively supporting children with developmental delays
and disabilities in childcare settings.
Empowering Independence: A Journey with Arc2Independence
Presenters: Ashley Africa-Osborne and Ashley Schalick
Arc2Indpendence brings virtual lessons directly to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to guide them through life's daily routines and challenges. Created by the Tech for Independent Living team at The Arc of Northern Virginia, the app supports people with IDD in creating full inclusion and participation in the community. Arc2Independence has a full library of general lessons across Transportation, Daily Living Skills, Employment, and Safety that can be accessed through a phone, tablet, or computer. The app can be used across an individual’s full circle of care, including caregivers, family members, schools, job coaches, etc. to consistently teach skills to be independent in their communities. Are you a disability organization, group home, service provider, or day program looking to enhance your support? Our app's general lesson library membership is available for purchaseon an organizational level.
Dating in a Digital World-Safely
Presenter: Jennifer Palmer
During this session we will talk about how people with disabilities connect online and
IRL and how to develop a strong friendship or relationship. Is a dating ap right for me?
Am I getting scammed? How do I know this person is sincere? How can I make sure
and be safe? These questions and more will be discussed in this interactive session.
"Flipping the Script"- Using Positive Behavior Supports and Pweson-Centered Planning Tools to Increase Quality of Life
Presenters: Charlene H. Wentland, B.A., M.Ed., EBD, and Teresa Cogar, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA
This presentation will discuss Positive Behavior Support as it relates to persons with differing abilities
and those who support them. Goals and assumptions of positive behavior support will be discussed.
Also, tools and activities will be provided to engage participants in learning how "flipping the script" for
individuals in how they may be supported through prevention strategies in positive behavior supports,
as well as, using person-centered planning tools to promote positive behaviors and quality of life that
is important and meaningful to the individual will be explored. Important factors such as looking at a
person's environment, relationships that support the individual’s short-term and long-term goals as well
as the importance of the influence of choice and control in a person's life will be discussed as well.
