Dr. Gary Mesibov to deliver Keynote Address

The Autism Project of Rhode Island is pleased to host our seventh annual National Speaker Conference on Friday,

October 24th. This year's conference is titled Inclusion for the Independent Learner.  

The keynote speaker this year is Dr. Gary B. Mesibov, Director of Division TEACCH.  This internationally recognized statewide program is one of a kind in its pioneering approaches to research, service, training, treatment and the education of individuals with autism.  Dr. Mesibov also serves as Professor of Psychology, Department of Psychiatry, and Clinical Professor, Department of Psychology. 

The keynote address will define successful inclusion, why it's important and how inclusion pertains to students with autism. Information on the TEACCH program and their philosophies is available at their website www.teacch.com.

Dr. Mesibov's education includes A.B., Psychology: Stanford University, M.A., Developmental Psychology: University of Michigan, Ph.D., Psychology: Brandies University, Fellowship, Clinical Child Psychology:  University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Division for Disorders of Development and Learning.

In addition to Dr. Mesibov there will be nine breakouts on topics related to supporting students with ASD so they may be independent learners throughout the school day and within the community.

Thank you to Hasbro, Inc. for generously sponsoring the event

Register Online

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Conference Agenda 10/24/08

(Subject to Change)

 7:30 to 8:30 A.M.

Register and Continental Breakfast

8:30 to 10:15 A.M.

Welcome and Keynote Address

Dr. Gary Mesibov, Division TEACCH

10:00 to 10:15 A.M.

BREAK

10:15 to 11:45 P.M.

Breakout Sessions

Assistive Technologies in the General Education Classroom

Faith Paradis M.Ed., OTR/L and Deana Dufficy, MS, CCC-SLP

Implementing Sensory Strategies

Cristen Sassi, OT and Kathleen C. Schlenz, OT

Task Bonanza - Visually Structured Teaching Activities

Tisha Gonzalez, M.A. and Cissy Coleman, M.Ed

11:45 to 1:00 P.M.

LUNCH

1:00 to 2:15 P.M.

Breakout Sessions

Role of the Team

Lori Hodgins MS. Ed.

Differentiating Instruction for the Student with ASD

Megan Black, M. Ed. and Cheryl Cotter, M. Ed.

Special Education Law and Independent Educational Evaluations

Steve C. Imber, Ph.D

2:15 to 2:30P.M.

BREAK

2:30 to 3:45P.M.

Breakout Sessions

Task Bonanza - Visually Structured Teaching Activities

Tisha Gonzalez,M.A. and Cissy Coleman, M.Ed

Inclusion in Adaptive PE, Community Sports and Recreation

Lisa McCay, Adaptive PE Teacher, East Greenwich

Coach, Special Olympics North Kingstown

Creating School-Wide Supports for High School

Theresa Egan

Register Online

The Conference will be at the Rhodes on the Pawtuxet. In addition to the session, there will be an exhibit area for vendors and agencies working to support individuals and students with ASD.

Cancellation Policy

If you have registered and cannot attend, you may send a substitute without penalty. A $50 cancellation fee will apply to all registrants who give written notice by 3 weeks prior to the conference you are registered for. No refunds will be granted after that date. Purchase orders are considered the same as a check and the same policy will apply.

Department of Education

Continuing Education/Professional Development will be offered by the DOE for 6 credit hours.