Workshop Session 1 (10:00-11:00am)

It’s All About Assessments (and Reassessments!)   

Track: Navigating Systems

Successful Individual Education Plans (IEPs) rely on truthful and timely assessments. Has your child been fully evaluated in all areas of suspected disability? Do you know how to read and understand these very important tests? Did you received accurate academic, behavioral or social skills information about your child? Was your child assessed even during distance learning? What are your rights if you disagree with assessment results? When can your child be reassessed? Attend this very important workshop to understand how to request, read and understand assessments. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from an attorney and parent advocate who has reviewed and analyzed over 5000 assessments.

Presenter: Jean Adams, Attorney at Law, Adams Esq.

Panel: Transition Planning – Preparing your older child for independent living

Track: Planning for the Future

Join us for this panel discussion that will help you lay the groundwork to support your family member as they move into adulthood and access independent living possibilities. What skills will your child need support with and what organizations provide this support? How can you access this support? What are your hopes and concerns? Explore these questions with representatives from SFUSD Transition Services, AASCEND, The Independent Living Resource Center, Jewish Family and Children’s Services etc.

Moderator: Linda Tung, Support Services Team Lead at Support for Families.

Panelists: Chris Araque, Autism Aspergers Spectrum Coalition for Education Networking and Deveoplment (AASCEND); Marisol Serrante, Independent Resource Center of SF; Kara Schinella, Transition Program Administrator-SFUSD

The Birds and the Bees: Healthy Sexuality for Teens with Disabilities

Track: Health and Social/Emotional Wellness

What are the best ways to approach talking about sexuality with your teen who has an Intellectutal and Developmental Disabilities (I / DD) and Autism? Presenters will share research supporting sexuality education for people with I / DD and Autism and give suggestions for how to best explore conversations about dating, intimacy, curiosity and healthy boundaries as well as personal beliefs and attitudes related to sexuality and disability.

Presenter: Tiffany Cleveland (LMFT,) Le Tusa Inc.

English Learners (ELs) with IEPs and EL Reclassification in SFUSD

Track: Equity

Learn about how your child was identified as an EL (English Learner), and about the Reclassification Process. Attendees will also leave with an understand of the criteria for the reclassification process through the lens of the IEP. We will also cover what the Alternative Reclassification process is and how you, as a parent, can be involved in the reclassification process. Additionally, we will discuss state assessments like the English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC) and the Ventura County Comprehensive Alternate Language Proficiency Survey (VCCALPS.)

Moderator: Olga Maldonado, Spanish Parent Mentor Program Coordinator at

Support for Families Presenters: Danielle Uttley, Family Education Intergation Specialist at San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) and Corinne Vega, Teacher Special Assignment at SFUSD

Building Your Executive Function Toolbox          

Track: Academic

Does your child struggle turning assignments in on time, complete daily living tasks, and staying organized? In this workshop, Roberta Havens will help you build an “Executive Function Toolbox” to get your kid back on track. She will share techniques and practices to help you create a new way to work and parent your child. She will share some of the best tools and resources out there to help your kid organize their life, keep on top of their assignments and work to their potential.

Presenter: Roberta Havens, Educational Consultant at EF Coach

Panel Discussion: How to Make Sure your Kid is Included in City Programs

Track: Joy and Fun

Come to this workshop to find out about inclusion resources provided by the city of San Francisco. San Francisco Recreation and Parks, Department of Children Youth and Families (DCYF) and SF Public Library all have inclusion resources and programs families can access. Learn best practices for communicating with camp staff, how to request accommodations and how to work with Golden Gate Regional Center (GGRC) to find an aide.

Moderator: Juila Martin, Special Education Ombudsperson-SFUSD

Panelists: Sherrice Dorsey, Department of Children Youth and Families (DCYF); Lucas Tobin, Supervisor for Therapeutic Recreation and Inclusion at San Francisco Recreation and Parks; Maricela Leon-Barrera, Librarian at San Francisco Public Library

For Early Childhood Professionals: Understanding & Supporting Families through Referrals to Golden Gate Regional Center (GGRC) and San Francisco Unifed School District (SFUSD)

Track: Early Childhood Professionals

Participants will learn how to assist families step-by-step through the Golden Gate Regional Center and San Francisco Unified School District referral processes. This training will focus on what materials are needed for each of these referrals and how to better understand the process families go through to better support them. Please note this training will be interactive and may use break-out rooms.

Presenters: Wendy Reyes-Orellana, Help Me Grow Care Coordinator at Support for Families and Adriana Valencia, Help Me Grow Care Coordinator at Support for Families