Main Hall

Peter Freer - Keynote Speaker

A veteran teacher of fifteen years, Peter Freer is founder and CEO of Unique Logic + Technology. He holds a Masters Degree in Education from Western Carolina University and specialized in Educational Technology. Based on the poor classroom performance of students with attention difficulties and lack of educational tools to teach these students, Freer developed Play Attention an interactive learning system that actually allows students to control video computer exercises by attention alone teaching them to vastly improve attention.

A Learning system that utilizes bio-feedback, the integration of real-time feedback with specific skill training of learning process components. Due to the brains ability to form new neural pathways during the learning process, impairments such as ADD/HD can be overcome, or at the very least, managed with correct training. Play Attention facilitates this reshaping for success in the classroom and in life.

Sat

9:00 AM

A1

B1

Natalie Elman - Summit Center for Learning.

Dr. Elman has over 20 years of experience as the director of The Summit Center for Learning, in Springfield, New Jersey, where she evaluates children, directs appropriate remediation, and directs and facilitates social skills training groups, using her unique, proprietary methods. She is a certified learning consultant and speech pathologist. Dr. Elman is also a former Rutgers University adjunct instructor, national speaker, and consultant to the New Jersey Department of Education and many public and private schools.

The Unwritten Rules of Friendship and what knowing them means to your child's social development.

This workshop focuses on the social development of all children.. Some children seem to know the social cues from birth: Others need to be directly taught. Dr. Natalie M. Elman, author of The Unwritten Rules of Friendship: Simple Strategies to Help Your Child Make Friends, will walk you through the steps to implement your child's social development , and ease their way into the world of friendships.

Sat

10:00AM

11:00AM

A2

B2

Peter Ramsdell, 

Texthelp Systems Inc., Boston, Ma

A considerable section of the population has difficulty reading printed or on-screen text. Speech enabling electronic text is a proven means of improving comprehension and attracting these potential visitors to your web site. Browse-Aloud will assist in the navigation of your site for the following sections of the population... :

d. Mild visual impairment.

Sat

10:00AM

11:00AM

A3

B3

James Bardwil, MBA, Parent Advocate

Mr. Bardwil began his involvement with Autism when his daughter was diagnosed at 18 months. Thus began his research, countless doctor visits, much pain and anguish to pursue interventions and actions to remedy her affliction and improve her future prognosis.

Join this parent as he shares with you the heartbreak and discoveries that actually saved his daughters life. Learn what he and his wife went through as they attempted to raise their young daughter and what they did to help her return to normalcy.

This is a first hand experience you simply don't want to miss.

Sat

10:00AM

11:00AM

A4

Tom Beese, Director Special Education, Scotch Plains, Fanwood

Mr. Beese has worked in the field of Special Education for 24 years in a variety of urban and suburban settings in all capacities including Director and Assistant Superintendent.

Learning how to communicate with the IEP Team as to what is really being said and done. Great for parents as well as teachers. Avoid misunderstanding and get proper help for the child.

Sat

10:00AM

B4

Ilyse Odesky, Psy. D., 

Licensed Psychologist, Clinical Pediatric Neuro-Psychologist, Professor Department of Psychology at Kean University, on Medical Staff at St. Barnabas Medical Center, conducting research ADHD and Non-verbal Learning Disorder (NLD)

This workshop will discuss the key symptoms associated with ADHD and provide strategies to help teachers to help these children in the classroom environment.

Concrete practical approaches that have been shown to be effective in school will be presented.

Sat

11:00AM

A5

B5

Karen Stone, BS,

Over 30 yrs experience in Education with 18 years as a Learning Disabilities Specialist and a consultant in early childhood centers

"Joy, What A Way To Feel!"

Teachers and parents need to understand that emotional intelligence skills lay the foundation for all other learning. We have many I.Q. smart children who can't relate, self-regulate, empathize, persist in the face of frustration, or control impulse and delay gratification which are the primary skills needed for success in any environment especially school. Learn the easy and age appropriate activities that build these skills along with the feelings that enhance self worth and a sense of well being with a program called, "Joy, What A Way To Feel!"

Sat

10:00AM

11:00AM

A6

B6

Gwen Sorley, M.Ed.

Gwen is a former elementary school teacher who earned a coveted Teacher of the Year award in only her third year of teaching. She implemented Play Attention in her school to work with children with attention problems. Her successes which included moving a student from 63rd percentile in math to 99th percentile over a year in end of grade tests. She holds a Masters Degree in Education. Her work with Play Attention prompted her to leave the classroom in order to assist other school systems in starting Play Attention programs. She currently is the supervising educational director at Play Attention.

Learn about Play Attention, a learning system that utilizes advanced feedback technology that is a patented improvement on concentration and focus training currently in use by NASA and the Air Force. Presenter will discuss and demonstrate how attention deficit negatively affects the learning process. Following the educational introduction defining a cognitive learning model and using audience participation, Play Attention will be demonstrated. Audience participants will control video exercises by mind (attention) alone using a sensor loaded helmet. Discussion will include increasing time on-task, short-term memory, discriminatory processing, visual tracking and reduction in impulsive behaviors. Case studies will be sited.

Sat

10:00 AM

11:00AM

Sat

1:00 PM

Jed Baker, MA, PHD District Director of the Social Skills Training Project, a private organization serving individuals with autism and social communication problems. He is a behavioral consultant for several New Jersey School systems, and directs the social skills training programs for Milburn Public Schools. He is on the professional advisory board of ASPEN (an information network for parents of children with Asperger's Syndrome). In addition, he writes, lectures, and provides training across the Country on the topic of social skills training for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Dr. Baker has written numerous articles and published both a best selling manual and social skill picture book on social skills training for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Two additional books will be released this fall on social skills training for the transition from high school to adult life.

This presentation is about understanding challenging behaviors in social communication disorders with an overview of behavior management techniques. He also offers strategies to teach these skills.

Outline of Presentation

• Overview of Social Skills Training

• Components of skills training:

• Formal skill lessons

• Generalization strategies

• Peer sensitivity training

• Peer-related programs: lunch buddy, lunch bunch, classroom milieu

• Strategies to teach skills - Sample skills: Frustration skills training, conversation, play, cooperative group work.

Sat

1: 00PM

2:00 PM

Dr. Michael Fowlin  He received his BA in Psychology from Evangel University in Springfield, Missouri where he also spent much of his time in the Speech and Drama department. In the spring of 2001, he received his doctoral degree in clinical psychology from Rutgers. He combines both his interests into a profession that is geared toward the adolescent population. He has worked extensively with teenagers across the United States. His work has included peer mediation, diversity workshops, violence prevention, and gender sensitivity training.

2:00 PM

C1

D1

Ron Baglio, M.Ed. 

For the past ten years, Ron Baglio has been the Assistant Headmaster for Student Life at Eagle Hill School in Hardwick, Massachusetts. Originally from Staten Island, NY, Mr. Baglio has a background in counseling psychology specializing in adolescent behavior and development. Eagle Hill School is a private, independent boarding school for students with specific learning (disabilities and ADD. Mr. Baglio has presented at numerous national and local conferences in the areas of adolescent behavior, discipline and motivation.

Too often students with learning disabilities are left feeling that they will not have the opportunity to pursue a college degree. The struggles that have accompanied much of their academic career have so disrupted any sense of positive self-image that students short change themselves and their futures when the time comes to transition to life after high school. The key to a positive future is strong self-esteem and belief in oneself. This workshop will explore strategies for parents and teachers to foster a positive self-image in our children and to empower students to take an active role in the planning of their future.

Sat

3:00PM

4:00PM

C2

D2

Jennifer Scully, Dean of Admissions, 

Director of Transition Services Maplebrook School, President of the International Association of Special Education. She has spoken at National & International conferences.

Developing Social Skills and character in Adolescents, an interactive workshop that will present solutions and practical methods to help these children at a crucial stage of development.

Sat

3:00PM

4:00PM

C3

C4

Elaine Balum, 

Language arts teacher at Danville Middle School, Danville, Pa. Has taught for 25 years and also trains teachers at Susquehanna University. She has had outstanding success with the Read Naturally strategy. Last year 33% of her students tested out of Title 1 on the reading comprehension test.

The objective of this presentation is to sensitize educators to the importance of fluency in attaining literacy, describe research-based strategies to improve fluency in developing readers, and provide educators with a description of a program that significantly improves the fluency of Title I, special education, ELL, and mainstream students nationwide.

The content of the presentation includes explanation of the role fluency plays in the reading process and the research on strategies to develop fluency in beginning and disabled readers. The presenter also describes special strategy and shares the results of the strategy at Hale School in Minneapolis from over 14 years of successful implementation.

Each participant in the training program receives a packet of materials. To aid in setting up a teaching station, the packet includes classroom procedures for the strategy and an assessment tool for correct placement of students.

Sat

3:00PM

4:00PM

C4

D4

Alice Hunnicutt, Project Director for Transition from school to adult life at the Statewide Parent Advocacy Network (SPAN). Her numerous workshops cover all aspects of transition planning, including how to plan for college or employment, independent living, and student self-advocacy. Alice is a member of the state special needs advisory group for the commission on higher education and the state advisory council for character education for the state department of education. She is appointed by the governor to represent parents on the New Jersey State Rehabilitation Council for the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services. Alice is the parent of five children and has 25 years experience on parenting children with disabilities.

This workshop discusses transition strategies for students in high school who desire to attend post-secondary education. Includes a time line for transition strategies in relation to college acceptance. Discusses types of SAT accommodations; and differences between college academic adjustments and high school special education entitlements. Information valuable for teachers and all professionals as well as parents.

Sat

3:00PM

4:00PM

C5

D5

Chris Anderton, 

Director Education Products, Wizcom Technologies, Acton, Massachusetts

Wizcom Technologies Reading pen gives struggling readers a new way to develop reading skills offering each learner immediate assistance for reading related activities while building long-term reading skills and vocabulary. Combining the convenience of a handheld device with content rich word databases, the Reading pen offers self-paced learning, bridging text-to-digital, in a personal portable format

Sat

3:00PM

4:00PM

C6

Janet De Senzo, BA, M.Ed.  

A NJ certified teacher with a B.A. in Education and Psychology, and an M.Ed. specializing in Language Arts. She's worked with students of varying abilities both in regular education classrooms and in the higher education setting. Before starting her career in Assistive Technology, Janet spent six years as the Coordinator of Disabilities Services at William Paterson University, where she utilized a variety of A.T. programs to meet the needs of her students.

Many classified students in inclusion settings have difficulty accessing the curriculum because the classroom materials are written at a level far beyond the student's ability. This workshop presents ways to make textbooks, workbooks, web sites and tests accessible. Attendees will also be shown how Kurzweil 3000 can make writing less frustrating for students with LD.

Sat

3:00 PM

D6

Tom Caine 

Tom Caine is President of Tom Caine and Associates, a NJ-based distributor of K-12 Assistive Computer Technology since 1992.  Tom Caine and Associates represents publishers and developers whose technologies assist students with disabilities ranging from severe and profound to mild and moderate. Mr. Caine has extensive experience working with k-12 teachers, teaching them how to use Assistive Technology in the classroom.

Supporting Special Education Students in the Mainstream with Assistive Technology.

Learn how schools are supporting special education students in the mainstream with state of the art Assistive technology solutions. A variety of reading, writing, and math solutions will be demonstrated featuring tools such as SOLO, Kurzweil 3000, ClozePro, Simon Sounds It Out, IntelliMathics and more. Tom Caine and Associates' staff has worked with several school districts over the past two years providing professional development/in-class support to help them get the most out of their technology investments Participants of this presentation will learn about innovative practices and state of the art Assistive Technology solutions.

Sat

4:00 PM

Main

Misunderstood Minds DVD

Playing Continuously throughout the conference. 

Sat & Sun

Main Hall

William Van Cleave, Fellow / AOGPE. Keynote Speaker

 Assistant Head of School and Outreach Coordinator at Kildonan School, Amenia, NY and chairs the literature department. An outstanding speaker he has presented at conferences around the country and has trained teachers in the Orton-Gillingham Approach.

Developing Writing Skills

An excellent speaker who will set the pace with his keynote speech. Mr. Van Cleave will hold your attention as he discusses this important subject and sets the foundation for his workshops following immediately. 

Be sure to attend as this renowned trainer is very well versed in his subject.  

Sun

9:00AM

E1

F1

(see Above)

Developing Writing Skills This one hour, interactive workshop will provide teachers with an overview of the writing process, idea generation, through grammar and sentence creation, to the basic paragraph. Includes tactics, supplies, accommodations, and technology.

Sun

10:00 AM

11:00 AM

E2

F2

Michelle Barbargallo, OTR/L and

Melissa Fedosh, OTR/L, RYT

Leading therapists in NJ, Michelle and Melissa develop strategies and programs with and for other professionals to aide those students with Sensory Integration issues. Staying on top of current research and trends in this complex area, they present workshops to professionals, peers and parents throughout New Jersey.

Treatment techniques/strategies for in the classroom, including a sensory diet.

This is a well thought out presentation by two presenters who always make their workshops real and interactive. You will be amazed at the knowledge you will gain from this workshop. A must attend for everyone.

Sun

10:00 AM

11:00 AM

E3

Gregory Roper, PhD, NCSP licensed NJ Psychologist, Nationally Certified School Psychologist at Children's Specialized Hospital. He has many years of experience diagnosing and treating a variety of developmental, emotional and learning disabilities in schools, clinics, and private practice settings. He specializes in using developmental play based approaches in treating young children.

Participants will gain a better understanding of the value of play in enhancing several important areas of development in young children. They will be introduced to the use of play as an assessment tool for determining a child's cognitive, language and social functioning. Finally, participants will learn four important strategies to use when playing with children to help them get the most from their play.

Sun

10:00 AM

E4

F3

Claudette Bardwil, Special Needs Travel Advocate

Ms. Bardwil is a 20 year veteran trained in all aspects of travel management. As a result of her daughter's diagnosis with Autism, Claudette has become an advocate for passengers with special needs.

A complete and thorough presentation providing professionals, parents and families with specialized travel tips, un-advertised options and accommodations you need to know so you can request them for your special needs child.

Sun

10:00 AM

11:00AM

F4

Ilyse Odesky, Psy.D., 

Licensed Psychologist, Clinical Pediatric Neuro-Psychologist, Professor Department of Psychology at Kean University, on Medical Staff at St. Barnabas Medical Center, conducting research ADHD and Non-verbal Learning Disorder (NLD)

This workshop will discuss the key symptoms associated with ADHD and provide strategies to help teachers to help these children in the classroom environment.

Concrete practical approaches that have been shown to be effective in school will be presented.

Sun

11:00 AM

E5

F5

Lori Shery, is the parent of an 18 year old son with Asperger's Syndrome and the president and co-founder of ASPEN7, the Asperger's Syndrome Education Network. This volunteer non-profit organization is based in New Jersey and has grown to include 15 chapters, including 4 that focus solely on adult issues. Established in 1997, ASPEN7 provides education, support and advocacy to individuals and families whose lives are affected by autism spectrum disorders and is a model for other state and national parent advocacy organizations.

A comprehensive overview of Asperger's Syndrome:

•  Understanding the Disorder

•  The History of Asperger's

•  Diagnosis

•  Core Features & Characteristics

•  Suggested Interventions

Sun

10:00 AM

11:00 AM

E6

F6

Douglas A. Vogel

Co-Founder of SNAP (Special Needs Advocate for Parents) a Non-profit public benefit corporation. Doug is nationally recognized as one of the leading experts on estate planning for families with children or other dependents with special needs. He is a registered representative of NASD and has been featured in the NY Times, Bloomberg Wealth Manager, Forbes and the Special Parent.

Planning for the future of your children is hard enough. If your child has special needs, it is even more difficult. How will they be care for after your gone? This session discusses Special Needs Estate Planning. The presenter is also a parent with two special needs children. He knows first hand the maze of legal and financial information a parent must work through to feel confident for the future of their child. Teachers of special ed kids should be aware of all the pitfalls that can befall their kids, and how to direct the parents need to know. This is a very well received workshop.

Sun

10:00 AM

11:00 AM

E7

F7

Stuart Green is a psychotherapist, director of training in behavioral sciences for resident physicians at Overlook Hospital in Summit, NJ, Clinical Instructor of Family Medicine at UMDNJ, and founder of NJ Coalition for Bullying Awareness and Prevention.

Bullying Awareness and Prevention - What Every Adult Should Know

Bullying is increasingly recognized as a serious problem of childhood. But the age-old view of bullying as something children inevitably and naturally tend to do ('boys will be boys' 'girls are mean') is still commonly held. In contrast, we now know that bullying is a problem of childhood created by adults. 

When bullying occurs, all children suffer by experiencing tension, fear and concerns about self-expression, whether or not they are targets. Children should not be expected to take primary responsibility for ending their bullying.

10:00 AM

11:00AM

Main

1:00 PM

Susan Connors, President and Founder of the Tourette Syndrome Association of Western NY, Board of Directors, National Tourette Syndrome Association for 12 years, Chairperson of Education Committee of the Tourette Syndrome Association, VP of National Tourette Syndrome Association till 8/19/02. She has presented hundreds of workshops and published numerous articles and brochures on this subject. She is an outstanding speaker and will hold your attention uncannily.

Tourette's Syndrome and Associated Disorders in the Classroom

This talk will discuss the criteria for diagnosis of Tourette's Syndrome and will include an in depth description of all the symptomology. It will also deal with the most common neurological disorders associated with TS, in particular, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Learning Disabilities. and the impact of all of these disorders on classroom performance. It will include specific classroom strategies and techniques for working with children with TS and its associated disorders.

Ms. Connors is a fascinating speaker who will keep you enticed and spellbound with the information she imparts. The time will slip away before you know it and...you will be far more informed on this subject than you ever thought possible.

Sun

1:00 PM

Main

2:00 PM

Elaine Gottschall, 

Author "Breaking The Vicious Cycle"

Discussing the Specific Carbohydrate Diet and how it can affect kids with learning disabilities.

An extremely knowledgeable speaker who speaks from years of experience. You should absolutely not miss this talk.

Sun

2:00 PM

G1

H1

Alan Goldblatt, P.A.-C In Private practice with Dr. Marvin Boris in Woodbury Long Island, N.Y.

He is a physician's assistant and adjunct faculty professor at Touro College of Medicine

While specializing in the treatment of children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder, he is also involved in several individual and collaborative research projects to help benefit children with ASD.

A comprehensive overview of Autism and Related Disorders:

• Understanding the Disorders

• Bio-Chemistry of Autism

• Diagnosis

• Core Features & Characteristics

• Suggested Interventions

 

Sun

3:00 PM

4:00 PM

G2

H2

Irv Finklestein, LCSW 

Irv Finkelstein is a psychotherapist with over twenty years of experience assisting individuals, families couples and groups. He received a Masters of Social Work degree from Hunter School of Social Work in 1978. He has worked extensively in the areas of Developmental Disabilities, Attention Deficit Disorder and Substance Abuse Treatment. 

Mr. Finkelstein has contributed to numerous publications and has been a frequent speaker to parent, school, and professional organizations. He maintains a full-time private practice in Westfield, NJ, and continues to provide workshops and training for parents and professionals.

• Are you experiencing power struggles with your child?

• Does your child have a hard time with limits, rules and No?

• Does every day seem like a battle with your children?

• Are meltdowns occurring?

• Learn valuable strategies to help diffuse child and adolescent meltdowns

• Find out as a teacher, how to set and handle limits.

• Understand how to pick your battles

• If your child has a special need, find out how that difference may drive undesirable and difficult behaviors.

• Become enlightened as you find out how to manage family chaos. Personal feelings of guilt, anger and frustration.

Sun

3:00P M

4:00 PM

G3

H3

Dr. Donna Merchant , Audiologist 

Dr. Donna Goione-Merchant earned her Doctorate in Audiology from the University of Florida, her Masters and BS from Trenton State College along with a Certificate to teach the handicapped. She has over 15 years experience in the field of Audiology with additional experience in rehabilitative Audiology and Education.

Central Auditory Processing Dysfunction 

CARD has become the newest catch phrase diagnosis in the realm of educators and parents. This workshop will provide the participants with the knowledge to recognize the signs and symptoms of a central auditory processing problem as well as provide information about appropriate referrals and general intervention strategies.

Sun

3:00 PM

4:00 PM

G4

H4

Claudette Bardwil, Parent Advocate

Ms. Bardwil's daughter was diagnosed with Autism at 18 months and a confirmation of ulcerative colitis when she was 5 years old. Thus began her quest for answers in relation to her daughter's bio-medical, neurological and nutritional issues.

The other half of this parent team will inform you of the nutritional changes she made to her daughter's diet, how it benefited her as significant gains were made in cognitive function. Learn what these foods and nutrients are as well as how to prepare them. A fascinating and delicious workshop that's a must.

Sun

3:00 PM

4:00 PM

G5

Tom Beese, Director Special Education, Scotch Plains, Fanwood

Mr. Beese has worked in the field of Special Education for 24 years in a variety of urban and suburban settings in all capacities including Director and Assistant Superintendent.

Learning how to communicate with the IEP Team as to what is really being said and done. Great for parents as well as teachers. Avoid misunderstanding and see how to get proper help for the children.

Sun

3:00 PM

G6

Tom Caine 

Tom Caine is President of Tom Caine and Associates, a NJ-based distributor of K-12 Assistive Computer Technology since 1992.  Tom Caine and Associates represents publishers and developers whose technologies assist students with disabilities ranging from severe and profound to mild and moderate. Mr. Caine has extensive experience working with k-12 teachers, teaching them how to use Assistive Technology in the classroom.

Supporting Special Education Students in the Mainstream with Assistive Technology.

Learn how schools are supporting special education students in the mainstream with state of the art Assistive technology solutions. A variety of reading, writing, and math solutions will be demonstrated featuring tools such as SOLO, Kurzweil 3000, ClozePro, Simon Sounds It Out, IntelliMathics and more. Tom Caine and Associates' staff has worked with several school districts over the past two years providing professional development/in-class support to help them get the most out of their technology investments Participants of this presentation will learn about innovative practices and state of the art Assistive Technology solutions.

Sun

3:00 PM

H5

"Imagine going to work and not being able to do your job. Now imagine that you can't leave your job. Imagine having to do that every day. This is what life is like for children with learning disabilities."

-- Dr. David Urion Director, Neurology and Learning Disabilities Program, Children's Hospital, Boston

You can actually experience just what it's like to have the special disorders your children have. See, hear feel the same experience that your child or your student may be going through when they attempt to comply with instructions in reading, writing, math, paying attention and other subjects..

Your Own Experience

Millions of American children struggle in school daily because of serious learning problems. The causes are often unknown, specific problems can be difficult to pinpoint, and the long-term effects hard to predict. 

This workshop is a companion to the PBS special Misunderstood Minds, and profiles a variety of learning problems and expert opinions. It is designed to give parents and teachers a personal experience for a better understanding of learning processes, insights into difficulties, and strategies for responding. 

Your own interactive personal experience may be the best way you can understand just what your child may be going through.

Sun

4:00 PM

H6

Janet De Senzo, BA, M.Ed.,

Janet De Senzo is a NJ certified teacher with a B.A. in Education and Psychology, and an M.Ed. specializing in Language Arts. She's worked with students of varying abilities both in regular education classrooms and in the higher education setting. Before starting her career in Assistive technology, Janet spent six years as the Coordinator of Disabilities Services at William Paterson University, where she utilized a variety of A.T. programs to meet the needs of her students.

Many classified students in inclusion settings have difficulty accessing the curriculum because the classroom materials are written at a level far beyond the student's ability. This workshop presents ways to make textbooks, workbooks, websites and tests accessible. Attendees will also be shown how Kurzweil 3000 can make writing less frustrating for students with LD.

Sun

4:00 PM

Main

Misunderstood Minds DVD

Playing Continuously throughout the conference.

Sun & Sat