2009-20010 Training Workshops
Developmental Disabilities

What is a Phone Conference / Webinar?

This type of distance education is a cost effective way to deliver training to geographically dispersed participants. The format combines a telephone conference call with a web-based PowerPoint presentation. After registering, each site will receive one set of the handouts for photocopying, the  telephone number to use for the presentation, and directions on how to “Join the web-based meeting”. Participants will be able to hear the presentation during the conference call while they view the presenters’ PowerPoint slides online. The presenters have allowed time for questions during the presentation.

Technical Requirements:

Participating sites need a speaker phone with a mute button and a computer with access to the Internet.

Visual Strategies™ The Key to Improving Communication, Behavior & Social Skills for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities
By: Linda Hodgdon, M.Ed., CCC-SLP
Date: October 13, 2009 Time: 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Fee: $30.00 per site – submit to MSU

Communication breakdowns can be a “root” cause of problems in social interaction, learning, and behavior. Current thinking suggests that communication impairments transcend all aspects of the life of individuals with moderate to severe cognitive, communication, or behavior challenges including individuals with Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome. While it is common to focus on the development of communication skills for these individuals, that focus tends to be directed toward developing the person’s expressive communication skills. Comparatively little attention is directed toward increasing the person’s ability to understand the communication in his life. In the midst of their challenges, many individuals with DD display a relative strength in visual skills. Capitalizing on that strength, the use of visual strategies to support communication has provided the structure necessary to substantially alter many problem situations. This program will define the need, discuss training, and demonstrate many practical ideas for work and living environments. These strategies have proven successful with individuals of varying ages and ability levels.

Autism Spectrum Disorder and Employment
By: Peter Gerhardt, Ed.D., President and Chair, Scientific Council,
Organization for Autism Research
Date: December 1, 2009
Time: 2:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Fee: $30.00 per site – submit to MSU

In addition to productivity goals, youths and adults with Autism
Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families are beginning to
redefine employment outcomes to include measures of social
competence and involvement as well as life satisfaction. This
presentation will provide an overview and practical suggestions
for supporting individuals with ASD to be competent, productive,
and socially included co-workers and colleagues. This includes
issues related to effective communication, understanding social
challenges and the hidden curriculum, behavior support,
production competence, and interdependence.

Living Real Lives: Tools for Self-Direction
By: Kathie Snow
Date: January 12, 2010
Time: 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Fee: $30.00 per site – submit to MSU

The services and assistance provided to children and adults with
disabilities can lead to a life of dependency and hopelessness in
Disability World and other unintended, negative consequences.
But this can change: children and adults with disabilities can
enjoy real lives—self-directed lives—and achieve the lives of their
dreams when they have three important tools for success. Everyone
has the right to live a real life included in the real world!

Bipolar Disorders in Persons with Cognitive Disabilities
By: Nanette Wroble, BS, R. Ph.
Date: February 1, 2010
Time: 1:30 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Fee: $30.00 per site – submit to MSU

This session discusses the definition, epidemiology, and biochemical
changes that occur in persons with cognitive disabilities who also
have bipolar illness, as well as common defining characteristics of
the manic and depressive phases of the illness. Treatment goals are
discussed, as well as medication options commonly used in the
acute, maintenance, and psychotic phases of this illness. Strategies
to improve treatment regimen compliance also are presented.

Age Related Physical & Cognitive Changes
By: Alan Factor , Ph.D., Director of Training and Dissemination,
RRTC on Aging with Developmental Disabilities, University of
Illinois at Chicago
Date: March 9, 2010
Time: 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Fee: $30.00 per site – submit to MSU

This presentation discusses how the general aging process affects
the body systems, differences that occur among people with
developmental disabilities, and suggestions for caregivers. Participants
will be able to: 1) discuss age-related physical and cognitive
changes including the unique changes for adults with I/DD, 2)
identify symptoms indicative of these changes, and 3) implement
interventions to address these changes.