Aug. 29, 2019             12:00-1:00 pm             “What’s new in our loan program?  New items for 2019-2020”

Many new items have been purchased for our loan program.  Everything from switch adapted toys and games, C-Pens to assist with reading for students with high incidence disabilities, speech watch and new AAC devices.  Come and explore all the new devices for Arkansas students.

 Sept. 12, 2019            12:00-1:00 pm            “AAC Implementation Ideas”

Once you have your AAC device, then what? This session will cover how to implement a communication device into functional routines during the school day. Examples of implementation documentation will be reviewed.

 Sept. 26, 2019            12:00-1:00 pm            “Prompting Strategies”

During this session, we will cover three prompting strategies: least to most, graduated guidance and simultaneous prompting. Information will be shared on how to know which procedure to use, gathering baseline data, determining prompt level and avoiding prompt dependency.

 Oct. 10, 2019              12:00-1:00 pm            “Healthy Relationships”

Do some of your students struggle with understanding healthy boundaries, personal safety and social interactions? Join us to learn about helpful resources & effective strategies.  

 Oct. 17, 2019              12:00-1:00 pm            “3D Printing for Accessibility”                                                                        

Bill Beavers will be a guest presenter from ESVI.  Come and get the basics of 3D printing from simple design tools, to making the g-code files that are sent to the printer to create the final product.  We will also cover the basics of the 3D printer and how to get them to perform as expected and maintenance.  There will be examples of how to use these for creating projects that will aid those with special needs in daily life. 

 Nov. 14, 2019             12:00-1:00 pm            “Modifications vs. Accommodations”

This session will identify the federal and state regulations associated with modifications and accommodations. How they differ and how they impact a student’s programming will be explored.  

 Nov. 21, 2019             12:00-1:00 pm            “Selective Mutism 101”

This session will review symptoms associated with Selective Mutism (SM), other disorders often confused with SM and discuss basic ways to help the student with this disorder in the classroom.

 Jan. 9, 2020                12:00-1:00 pm            “Auditory Access in the Classroom”

Donna Fischer Smiley will be a guest presenter from EARS.  Much of the instruction in a classroom is provided via speech (by the teacher or other students) and requires that students be able to hear that speech.  It is important to ensure that all students, whether they have typical hearing or hearing loss, be able to access that speech in the classroom environment.  This presentation will provide practical ideas about making classroom environments more acoustically friendly for all students.

 Jan. 16, 2020              12:00-1:00 pm            “Scheduling 101: Fitting It All In”

A review of the importance of using classroom schedules and individual student schedules, how to create them and how to use them to teach a variety of skills.

 Feb. 6, 2020                12:00-1:00 pm            “School-based Occupational Therapy Q&A”

Join us for a group learning session and discussion on school-based occupational therapy in Arkansas.  We will discuss trends, evidence-based practice, and helpful tips and strategies.  This session will be a casual and fun environment to learn and connect school-based practitioners in Arkansas.

 Feb. 20, 2020             12:00-1:00 pm            “New ASHA Ethics Professional Development Requirements”                                

Did you know? Starting January 1, 2020, there will be additional professional development requirements for both ethics and supervision as part of the new audiology and speech-language pathology certification standards.

 Mar. 5, 2020                12:00-1:00 pm            “Arkansas Transition Services presentation by Bonnie Boaz”

Bonnie Boaz will be a guest presenter to update participants on Arkansas Transition Services.  Their mission is to effectively assist students with disabilities, educators, parents, agency personnel and community members in preparing students to transition from school to adult life and reach positive post-school outcomes. They provide technical assistance, trainings and consultations to special education teachers and other relevant staff, as well as to various agency personnel. Their services are provided at no cost.

 Apr. 9, 2020                12:00-1:00 pm            “Story Box for Older Students”

Looking for a way to make literature meaning for older students with the most significant and complex disabilities?  Consider a book box and join us to find out how to develop and implement this strategy.

 Apr. 23, 2020              12:00-1:00 pm            “Math for Students with Significant Disabilities”

Often, students with significant intellectual disabilities have not yet mastered early level math skills that can pose a challenge when planning for math instruction aligned to grade-level standards for students with significant intellectual disabilities.