Keynote
Kelly Jandernoa, Co-Founder of the Red Glasses Movement
Kelly Jandernoa is an inspirational speaker, an oncology nurse, a spouse to Carl, and mother to Tommy, Samantha, and Audrey. She is co-founder of the Red Glasses Movement, an organization started in honor of her daughter Audrey Louise who died suddenly in 2018. Audrey was born with Down syndrome and a congenital heart defect, but these were not the only things that defined her. Audrey was defined by her bright Red Glasses, her contagious smile, and lack of inhibitions. The RGM is Audrey’s living legacy and has distributed over 15,000 Red Glasses worldwide. Kelly’s presentation tells the story of Audrey’s life, the RGM, and the parallels that exist between them. She will explain the mission of RGM and how each of us can live boldly, love big, and pass it on in our daily life to make a difference for ourselves and others.
Kelly Jandernoa is an inspirational speaker, an oncology nurse, a spouse to Carl, and mother to Tommy, Samantha, and Audrey. She is co-founder of the Red Glasses Movement, an organization started in honor of her daughter Audrey Louise who died suddenly in 2018. Audrey was born with Down syndrome and a congenital heart defect, but these were not the only things that defined her. Audrey was defined by her bright Red Glasses, her contagious smile, and lack of inhibitions. The RGM is Audrey’s living legacy and has distributed over 15,000 Red Glasses worldwide. Kelly’s presentation tells the story of Audrey’s life, the RGM, and the parallels that exist between them. She will explain the mission of RGM and how each of us can live boldly, love big, and pass it on in our daily life to make a difference for ourselves and others.
breakout sessions
Click here to see LEAP Schedule at a Glance PDF
(Maintaining a Healthy Relationship with Each Other: Strategies for Couples (Handout)
Courtney Kowalczyk, PhD, LLP & Erin Roon, MA, CCC-SLP, Horizons Developmental Resource Center Parenting a child with special needs can strain the lives of adult caregivers. Our focus will be on the importance of couples building and maintaining a healthy relationship. Strategies for reducing stress and improving communication. Legal Planning for a Child with Disabilities (Handout) Dan Blauw and Sarah Kirkpatrick, Attorneys at Law Parents of children with disabilities often wonder if they should seek legal guardianship or powers of attorney for older children. What public benefits are available to children and adults with disabilities? Can I arrange my estate planning so an inheritance does not disqualify my child from these benefits? Attorneys Dan Blauw and Sarah Kirkpatrick will provide helpful planning tips on these and other legal questions. Encouraging Peaceful Behaviors at Home Pamela VanOcker, MA CCC-SLP, Teresa Bosely, MS OTR, Sarah Miller MS, R-DMT, Comprehensive Therapy Center Join a speech-language pathologist, occupational therapist, and dance/movement therapist as we talk about the toughest part of the day - transitions. Learn hands-on techniques and strategies to help children, especially those with autism or other developmental differences, cope with stress and anxiety through play, communication, environmental changes, and movement. Moving from Early On: Next Steps Done Right? Mark Kuipers, Preschool Special Education Content Specialist, CCRESA Come and discuss what to expect as your child transitions from Early On services to the preschool-aged programming. Find out about the differences between an IFSP and an IEP and how important your perspective, participation and role is in the transition process. 21st Century Sensory Solutions: Tech and No-Tech Supports for Today (Handout) Kindy Segovia, OTR Kent ISD Join us to explore sensory strategies relevant today-from no-tech sensory tools to apps and Alexa, we'll look at new ways to regulate, calm and organize. Wheter your child has identified sensory processing difficulties or just struggles with self-regulation, anxiety or disorganization, these supports can be utilized through adulthood! Building Family Resilience Amber Fox, LLMSW Resilience is the latest buzzword, but what does it really mean? Through interactive activities, participants will learn more about the concept of resilience and how it applies to families. We will provide tools to develop family resiliency action plans. Working Better Together: How to Access Both Private Therapies & Educational Supports Alissa Hofstee & Abbey Mix, Kent ISD It is increasingly common for school-aged children with ASD and other medical diagnoses to receive ABA and/or other private therapies. This session will describe how therapy agencies, families and schools can work together to provide comprehensive supports to students with ASD through access to information and resources, coordination of services, and implementation of evidence based practices |
(Let us “MAKE” your day! Low Tech Make-It Take-It
Kindy Segovia, OTR, Suzy Ruskusky, CCC-SLP Kent ISD Join us for this hands-on session to create no-tech and low-tech materials to use with your child. Come prepared to 'make' and 'take' visual supports, communication cards, study aids and sensory manipulatives that you can use at home immediately! Positive Discipline Stacy Pulley, CCC SLP & Terri Cooper OTR, Family Tree Therapies This workshop is designed to give an introductory understanding to the framework we need for using discipline that teaches skills and focuses on solutions. We will discuss how to understand the underlying message of your child's behavior, simple techniques to begin with and a new, fresh perspective to begin parenting with renewed vigor! Introduction to the Transition IEP: A Family Focus on the Key Components of the Transition Plan (Handout) Bill Berhendt, Kent ISD This session will review the requirements of the Transition section of an IEP utilizing family-friendly terminology while exploring the partnerships developed between schools, families, and community agencies through this collaborative process. Additionally, attendees will explore the importance of each component of the Transition Plan and discuss the guiding practices that assist in the development of student-centered transition planning. What Communication Tool is Right for You? Suzanna Ruskusky CCC-SLP, Kent ISD The term Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) describes any means of communication, aside from traditional speech, that allows someone to use language. This can include using pictures, gestures, sign language, visual aids, or speech-output devices like computers and tablets. Since there is not a “one size fits all” solution, working with your child’s team is essential! Join me to explore low tech through high tech options and tips for getting started. 3 Key Components of Becoming your Child’s Best Advocate Kristina Donaldson, KD Coaching & Consulting This session is designed by & lead by a parent for Parents & Caregivers. As our child's 1st teacher and best advocate it is imperative that we are Confident, Competent, & Equipped in our pursuits. Join us as we explore ways to build confidence, increase competence, and discover how to better equip ourselves on our advocacy journeys. From Squeals to Star Wars: The Amazing Feats of Kids Learning Language Dr. Heather Koole PhD, MA, CCC-SLP, Calvin University We will examine how children acquire their first language--Its sounds, word meanings, grammatical structures and use in various contexts. We will explore the social context of early language use and discuss strategies for supporting communication development. Communication Strategies in Play Pamela Van Ocker, MA, CCC-SLP, Comprehensive Therapy Center This course will focus on what games to play and how to play those games to encourage a variety of communication and language skills at home and at school. |