“Options for Students Not on a Regular Diploma Track”
Regular Diploma, Special Diploma, Certificate of Completion – a range of graduations options are available to our students. Jessica Shay, Director of Development for Providence Foundation and Cannon Cameron, Program Specialist, ESE Transition Services for Orange County Public Schools will address the different types of graduation options, when they are appropriate, and what ramifications they have for the student’s post-secondary education or training.
“Associations You Need to Know”
LDA, CEC, The Able Trust: The “Alphabet Soup” of associations can be confusing. Our panel will clear up the confusion and describe the services and resources available through Learning Disabilities Association (Cathy Einhorn), Council for Exceptional Children (Janet Raney) and The Able Trust (Allison Chase). Find out how these associations can be beneficial to your students, parents and organization.
“Aspergers/High Functioning Autism Spectrum: When Is Your Program Appropriate for Students with These Disabilities?”
Terri Daly, Center for Autism and Related Disabilities will provide an overview of the Autism Spectrum Disorders, core deficits, expected challenges and needs, and accommodations for success in education. These students require curricular and behavioral supports, as well as understanding of their unique strengths and social needs, to become successful. These can be provided in many McKay Schools, with some creative thinking! Learn how to determine if your program can provide supports for these students, how to ask the right questions, and how to collaborate with families for success.
General Meeting
“McKay Scholarship: National and State Perspective”
The McKay Scholarship is the largest disability scholarship in the United States. As other states explore or develop scholarship programs, they will often visit Florida to study our program. The Coalition of McKay Scholarship Schools has become one of their information sources. Our president, Steve Hicks, and Legislative Chair, Robyn A. Rennick, have spoken with legislators and parents throughout the country concerning the McKay Scholarship model. Hicks and Rennick will present the National Perspective concerning Choice Programs and where Florida stands in their expansion of Choice.
“DOE Information”
Laura Harrison, Director of Scholarship Programs and Home Education for the Office of Independent Education and Parental Choice FLDOE, will address any changes in procedure with the McKay Scholarship. She will field questions concerning the statute and the program.
Afternoon Concurrent Sessions
“Technology at Your Fingertips”
Free, assistive technology surrounds us. Helping our students to access this technology can open the world wider for them. John Miullo will present programs “at our fingertips” and participants will leave with knowing: 1) How to use the most common features of the latest Windows Ease of Access version; 2) How to find and access free Assistive Technology (AT) utilities, software and Apps online, and 3) How to use a most unique free computer access software.
“Communicating Effectively with Parents: How Do You Get the Word Out to Current Parents and Prospective Parents?”
Coalition board members, Woody Futrell of Trinity Christian Academy and Alicia Braccia of Providence Academy will facilitate this interactive workshop. Two public relations’ issues face our schools: How do we let prospective parents know about our programs and how do we maintain communication with our current parents. Be prepared to share ways that have worked for your school and learn from each other.
