Workshop Session 3 (1:00-2:00pm)

Know your Rights / “My Kid qualified for an IEP – Now What?”

Track: Navigating Systems

The process of navigating special education services can be daunting and overwhelming, but families play a very important role in their child’s Individualized Education Program. Your participation as a parent is very important! In this workshop, participants will learn about Special Education law, the IEP process, what to do when things aren’t working, and how to become a more active and effective team member.

Presenters: Alida Fisher, Executive Director of Community Alliance for Special Education (CASE) and JoAnna Van Brusselen, Bilingual Education Coordinator at Support for Families

Panel Discussion: Supports for Students with Disabilities Transitioning to College and the Workforce

Track: Planning for Future

As families think about post high school college and career options for their child it is important that they know that Individual Education Programs (IEPs) don’t follow students to college or to work. This session will explore supports that exists for young people with disabilities who are considering college and work pathways. Representatives from the Department of Rehabilitation (DOR,) Bridges to Work, Disability Programs and Resource Center at San Francisco State University (SFSU), and the ACCESS program through SFUSD will provide an overview of the resources their organizations and programs provide during this time of transition for young people with disabilities.

Moderator: Juila Martin, Special Education Ombudsperson-SFUSD Panelists: Kenny Adams, Counselor at Disability Programs and Resource Center-San Francisco State University; Lisel Brunson, Employer Representative at Bridges to Work; Kara Schinella, Transitional Program Administrator at SFUSD; Theresa Woo, Regional Director of Department of Rehabilitation (DOR)

Transforming Tears and Tantrums in a Time of COVID

Track: Health and Social/Emotional Wellness

Let’s face it, pandemics are stressful for everybody. When the limbic system is taxed by stress, anxiety, and conflict we all regress. In this session, participants will learn how to help children offload their stress without getting into power struggles.

Presenter: Karen Wolfe (LMFT), Founder and CEO of SF Bay Play Therapy

Youth Mental Health 101-An Introduction to How Parents Can Support their Children – Presented in Spanish Only

Track: Health and Social/Emotional Wellness

(Presented in Spanish only)

This presentation will provide parents and caregivers with an overview of youth mental health issues, including prevalence and warning signs to look for, and ideas for how to support your child/teen. The presentation will be facilitated by a parent who has experience raising a child with a mental health condition along with a young adult who is living with a condition. Q&A at the end of the session will provide time for attendees to ask questions and links to resources for ongoing support will be included.

Moderators: Marisol Martinez, Intake Coordinator for Spanish Speaking Families at Support for Families and Olga Maldonado, Spanish Parent Mentor Program Coordinator at Support for Families Panelists: Martha Membreno Parent Presenter at National Alliance for Mental Illness-SF (NAMI-SF) and Angela Villamizar, Youth Presenter at NAMI-SF

Inclusion: It’s Not Just for the Classroom

Track: Equity

This presentation will explain the responsibilities of public schools to educate students with disabilities and provide them with an equal opportunity to participate in academic, non-academic, and extracurricular activities, pursuant to the requirements outlined in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Presenter: Sewali Patel, Attorney at US Department of Education at the Office of Civil Rights

Approaching Assistive Technology

Track: Academic Support

What does the term “Assistive Technology” actually mean and how can it support students with disabilities? How can an IEP team approach the Assistive Technology consideration process? What are the factors to consider? Learn a best practices approach to Assistive Technology consideration, and see examples of the types of tools available to help with reading, writing, and other academic tasks.

Presenter: Jennifer McDonald-Peltier, Assistive Technology Specialist at Center for Accessible Technology

Rhythm for All

Track: Joy and Fun

Get ready to move ‘n groove in this interactive music group for families and kids of all ages and abilities. No instruments required, but feel free to use shakers, drums or any homemade instruments and join the rhythmic revelry!

Presenter: Aimee Roylance, Music Therapist at Music with Aimee

For Early Childhood Professionals: Having Difficult Conversations with Families About Developmental Concerns

Track: Early Childhood Professionals

Please join us for this upcoming training for educators, to learn more about preparing for meetings with families regarding developmental concerns. We will especially focus on establishing collaborative relationships with families, as well as understanding and supporting the different ways they may respond in these meetings. Please note this training will be interactive and may use break-out rooms.

Presenters: Zulema Barron, Help Me Grow Development Screening Manager at Support for Families and Tim Carter, Help Me Grow Family Engagement Manager at Support for Families