TASK WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS

2 Day Workshops

In-Depth Assistive Technology Training:
An intensive 2 day training that covers Assistive Technology (AT) from the basics to some of the newest and most advanced devices available. Topics will include funding, the laws pertaining to AT, cultural hurdles, as well as adaptive hardware devices and many types of software. An extensive resource packet is included.

LEGAL RIGHTS FOR EDUCATION:
TASK offers a Legal Rights for Education class to help parents' and professionals gain a better understanding of both federal and state law-affecting children with special needs. The training's are held at locations throughout Southern California and are scheduled in a variety of ways to accommodate working parents' and professionals. Training's can be scheduled for groups of twenty or more. The instructors are trained advocates who are parents or siblings of children with disabilities and/or are indiviuals with disabilities and have knowledge of various systems providing services to children with disabilities and their families.

The Legal Rights for Education class covers the following:

1. Introduction to TASK
2. Legal Overview
3. Understanding the System
4. Assessments
5. Sample Letters
6. Legal and Curriculum Requirements for the IEP, including Assistive Technology
7. Role Playing
8. Due Process Procedures
9. Advocate role - Communication Skills
10. Reference Materials

1 Day Workshops

Individualized Education Program Rights and Strategies Workshop:
Covers an overview of the rights and protections under IDEA, value of record keeping, the requirements of the assessment process, timelines and other legal components of an IEP, including goals and objectives. Communication techniques are interspersed throughout the workshop.

Rights and Accommodations under Section 504:
Focuses on the individual's rights and accommodations in school, postsecondary education and workplace and explains the differences between the IDEA and Section 504. A sample Section 504 Accommodation Plan is included for education and health.

Transition to Adult Services:
Focuses on the development of the Individual Transition Plan (ITP) and the transition process from school to adult services. Explains other systems criteria, i.e. Social Security Administration, Department of Rehabilitation, Regional Centers and the application process. Discusses supports and funding for the individual to live independently and productively within the community.

Reading and Writing Solutions through Assistive Technology:
This workshop covers "high" and "low" tech reading and writing solutions. Some of the topics will include screen readers, abbreviated expansion, word prediction, talking word processors, portable word processors, storybook software, and more.

Divide and Conquer! Assistive Technology for the Frustrated Math Student:
Frustrated by math? If so, this workshop is for you! We will show lots of ideas for reinforcing math skills from pre-math to algerbra. Included will be a hands-on portion in the Technology Lab.

Assistive Technology for Early Learning
Topics will include software that facilitates early learning, toy / book adaptation, storybook software, switch access software, and much more. Come and see how your little ones can benifit from assistive technology.

Half Day Workshops

Basic Rights Workshop:
Covers an overview of the basic rights and protections under IDEA, a brief overview of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, an explanation of record keeping, and the assessment process as well as other federal laws affecting individuals with disabilities. Communication techniques are interspersed throughout the workshop.

Transition To Public Schools Workshop:
Covers the transition to public school from an infant program to a pre-school program. It includes information on the assessment process, placement visits, IEP's and communication skills to meet the challenges of the many choices available to our children.

Toys Tips Workshop - Ideas and Options for Children wih Special Needs: Learn how to adapt a wide variety of toys, including books, puzzles or battery operated toys. When signing up for this workshop, please specify the type of toy that will be brought to class to adapt to ensure adequate supplies on hand.

Basic Assistive Technology Overview:
Covers information on various hardware adaptations and specialized software for persons with disabilities. "Low tech" items, such as adapted books, toys, etc. to "high tech" items, such as screen readers and augmentative communication devices will be presented with hands on demonstration.

Managing the Medical Maze -
Parents and professionals will be provided an overview of various medical programs and supports available to support children with special needs. Included will be information on MediCal, In-Home Support Services and legislation that supports insurance coverage for children with autism and other medical conditions.

Parents as Professionals -
Parents of children with special needs have received a wide variety of on-the-job training that can be used to document acquired skills that can help them advance in their career or enter new ones. Learn how to keep records that will help you use your personal experience to build your future.

2 -Hour Mini Workshops (Free)

IEP TIPS AND POINTERS
Tried and true tips on how to positively advocate for you children, strengthen relationships, and help create the appropriate IEP program.

Assessment Process
An overview of the importance of parent input and ways to ensure that all the childs needs are being considered when determining appropriate services and placement options.