Welcome to the C.W.Austin Learning Disability Conference!
Congressman Troy Carter
Adaptive Resources at Your Library for Students, Parents, and Educators
By Brandi Burton and Tara Dearing:
This. presentation will introduce participants to the broad range of free library services and resources that will directly benefit LD students as well as parents and providers helping them. Decodable texts and materials related to the Science of Reading will be included. General and Social Work General
After the Diagnosis: What Children/Students Need to Know
By William B. Daigle, Ph.D.:
Once the evaluation is complete and the feedback has been presented to parents and teachers, the people who are so often left out of the discussion are the children/students. This presentation will help parents and teachers know how to explain a learning disorder diagnosis to children and will help parents and teachers know how to involve students in understanding accommodations and how to use them effectively. General, Social Work Clinical, and LPC Diagnosis
AI Tools to Support Students with Learning Disabilities
By Lewis Poche and Kourtney Bradshaw-Clay:
In an era of innovation and inclusivity, discover how AI tools are revolutionizing support for students with learning disabilities. Join us to learn how parents and teachers use Chat-GPT to help all students thrive in their academic journeys. We will discuss AI-powered technoloogies working to identify difficulties on a broader scale, making early diagnosis and intervention more accessible than ever before. Join us to discover how AI can be a powerful ally in fostering a brighter future for every student, educator, parent, and provider. General, Social Work General, and LPC Diagnosis
Breaking Down Barriers to Accommodations for Black Children with ADHD
By Alisha Diggs, LPC:
Learn about the unique mental health challenges for Black children with ADHD and their parents/advocates affecting mental health and school success. This presentation provides evidence-based strategies and interventions designed to combat problems and stressors encountered by students as well as Black parents/advocates looking to help this vulnerable population. In this updated presentation, the presenter will share her updated doctoral research on this topic. General, Social Work Clinical, and LPC Diagnosis
Build Better Interventions Through Empathy
By Georgann Mire, President of the Greater Baton Rouge Learning Disabilities Coalition:
Pull out your pencil and paper for this interactive demonstration designed to increase empathy for students with learning disabilities. Learn about evidence-based resilience and motivational interventions. Best practice accommodation and advocacy recommendations will be discussed. General, Social Work Clinical
Bypassing Phonemic Awareness Difficulties for Children with Persistent Decoding Problems
By Jan Norris, Ph.D., LSU Professor Speech-Language Pathology:
This session will show how to bypass the phonemic awareness difficulties by using an alphabet that provides readers with a directly pictured association using faces with alphabet letters placed in the mouth to cue speech productions. When the mouth positions (represented by letter shaped such as P positioned as the upper lip) of the faces are imitated by the child, the sound is produced. We will show results from new studies in our lab showing rapid learning for the first and third-grade children with persistent decoding deficits that show changes within two weeks (3 to 6 10-minute sessions). Ongoing studies are also showing results for children with speech sound disorders. General, Social Work General, and SLP Direct
LD and the SLP: A Peek Inside the Speech Therapy Room for Educators, Social Workers and Families
By Keylonda Wheeler, M.S., CCC-SLP:
This course is an introduction to the speech therapy menu of services for school-aged children. The course provides an overview of how the skills of a speech-language pathologist would support the efforts of professionals and families advocating for children with learning disabilities. The presenter will discuss the process of how students are identified, the major components of an evaluation, and treatment models. Participants will learn how to promote early intervention and prevention of issues where possible. Participants will also learn about practical tools to facilitate improved communication skills as well as resources for when direct services with a speech-language pathologist are limited or inaccessible. General, Social Work Clinical, and SLP Direct
Examining Mental Health Stigma in the Black Community
By LaCrystal McCoy, LPC of Baton Rouge Community College:
Mental health professionals can provide support and treatment for problems associated with learning disabilities however, mental health stigma can get in the way. Learn about this issue in the Black community and how to design culturally competent interventions. General, Social Work Clinical, and LPC General.
Exceptional Lives: Online Parent Engagement Hubs for Families of Kids with Disabilities
By Christina Kozik, Community Engagement Specialist, and Julie McKinney, M.S., Director of Product Content and Health Literacy Specialist:
We know that informed, engaged parents result in better student outcomes. But when a student is identified as needing special education services, the family begins a journey that can be confusing, stressful, and hard to navigate. Teachers, therapists, and related service providers have an opportunity to provide information and resources to families and caregivers on how to navigate the special education system, as well as access other benefits and services. However, it is hard for them to know the best resources to share, and the most common ones are usually too hard for families to understand and use effectively. Exceptional Lives’ newly renovated parent engagement hub is designed to bridge this gap by using a friendly, easy-to-use interface, multimedia resources, and plain language design. Our step-by-step guidance, search-by-zip-code Disability Services Finder, and parent-support blogs, webinars, and podcasts can help students’ families get the resources and support they need. General, and Social Work General
A Guide to Understanding Evaluations
We apologize for the absence of this video. We experienced audio and video errors and disruptions during the conference and were unable to capture Dr. Traci in a way that is fit for public consumption. Again we truly are sorry.
By Traci W. Olivier, PsyD:
This presentation will equip parents to understand the basics of psychological/neuropsychological evaluations and how findings may help students access appropriate accommodations and supports at school. A discussion of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Bulletin 1508 guidelines will also be reviewed. General, Social Work Clinical, and LPC General.
How to Be Angry Better
By Dayle Malen, LCSW-BACS, ADHD-CCSP, CCTP, M.Ed of ReDesigning Lives, PLLC:
This workshop teaches the science behind our anger behaviors are created and how we can change them by learning Anger Behavior Management © and the F. I. B. ™ technique. It explains why it is so difficult to think before acting. Learn to live honestly and behave effectively…without regret or guilt. General, Social Work Clinical, and LPC Diagnosis.
How to Live with Children on the Spectrum at Home and in the Classroom
By Tracey Lyons Tozier, MSS, COPAA Certified Advocate:
I will share with attendees some of the things I learned as a parent on my journey with raising children on the spectrum, My daughter was just diagnosed at age 25--will talk about high functioning, high masking autism in girls and women and how the medical/psychology community is just starting to recognize their unique symptoms and challenges, as well as how to treat them. I will present in two parts: One will be the parent perspective, and the other will be the educational perspective. Both teachers and parents will be given resources for treatment referrals and continuing education opportunities about how to most effectively teach children and adults on the autism spectrum. General, Social Work Clinical, and LPC General
How to Stop Suffering from Worry and Anxiety
By Dayle Malen, LCSW-BACS, ADHD-CCSP, CCTP, M.Ed. of ReDesigning Lives, PLLC: Anxiety disorders are the most common mental disorder in the U.S., affecting 40 million adults in the United States age 18 and older. In addition, anxiety disorders are among the most common mental, emotional, and behavioral problems to occur during childhood and adolescence, with about 13 of every 100 children and adolescents ages 9 to 17 experiencing some type of anxiety disorder. It is known that heredity, brain chemistry, personality and life experiences play a role in the occurrence of anxiety disorders. No matter the cause, worry and anxiety involve its own language; one that creates a "maze" leading to imagined disaster and catastrophe. This seminar shows how "worry" language develops and techniques that can be used to command your worry and anxiety…and stop the suffering. General, Social Work Clinical, and LPC Diagnosis.
The IMPACT Formula: Redesign Writing Instruction to Unleash Untapped Leadership and Foster Self-Regulation
By Cheri Dotterer, MS, OTR/L: Unlock students' full potential with our transformative presentation! Learn neuroscience-based techniques to elevate writing skills, collaborative strategies for multi-disciplinary success, and keys to lifelong student independence. This approach can unleash untapped leadership abilities in students with learning disabilities. Don't miss this revolutionary approach. General, and Social Work General
When Medication May be Helpful
By Darlyne G. Nemeth, Ph.D., M.P., M.P.A.P., Clinical, Medical, and Neuropsychologist; Cody Capps, B.S., Clinical and Research Assistant; and Andrew Nesbit, M.S., Clinical Ph.D. student at Fielding University of Neuropsychology Clinic of Louisiana: To familiarize the attendees with the various medications used for ADHD management. General, Social Work Clinical, and LPC General
LD Students in Higher Education
By Alisha Diggs, LPC, and LaCrystal McCoy, LPC of Baton Rouge Community College: Learn about college accommodations and ways students with learning disabilities can access them effectively. In addition, presenters will share their experiences while serving as mental health providers to college students and suggest therapeutic interventions to enhance successful transition. General, Social Work Clinical, and LPC Diagnosis
Living in Self Care
By Dayle Malen, LCSW-BACS, ADHD-CCSP, CCTP, M.Ed. of ReDesigning Lives, PLLC: This workshop teaches the science behind our anger behaviors are created and how we can change them by learning Anger Behavior Management © and the F. I. B. ™ technique. It explains why it is so difficult to think before acting. Learn to live honestly and behave effectively…without regret or guilt. General, Social Work Clinical, and LPC General.
Mental Health Matters - A Closer Look at Emotional Disorders in Individuals with Learning Disabilities
By Dr. Shayla Polk, LCSW and Prevention Systems Manager, Governor’s Office of Drug Policy, MS: An in-depth examination of the often overlooked intersection between emotional disorders and learning disabilities. This presentation aims to shed light on the challenges faced by individuals with learning disabilities and the impact of emotional disorders on their mental well-being. By addressing this issue, we aim to improve the overall mental health and well-being of this vulnerable population and raise awareness within the community, schools, and healthcare professionals about the importance of recognizing and addressing emotional disorders in individuals with learning disabilities. General, Social Work Clinical, and LPC General.
The Next Step Up: College Tips for Students with Learning Disabilities
By Debby Jones, M.Ed., LPC-S: This one-hour presentation will discuss the academic accommodation process for colleges and universities and how students with learning disabilities can better navigate this process and become better self-advocates along the way. Participants of this presentation will learn details about sending a student with learning disabilities to college including how and whether to request reasonable accommodations, what to expect from the Disability Services office, likely documentation requirements, how to access college resources and self-advocate, and understanding how college is different from K-12. Information about how to help if a student experiences mental health concerns related to their learning disabilities, social concerns, or transition to college will be included. General, Social Work General, and LPC Diagnosis
Parents' Rights in Special Education
by Cynthia Chesterfield - Program Director of Inclusive Education, Families Helping Families of Greater Baton Rouge: This presentation will provide information about parent rights provided by the Federal Education Law, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. General, and Social Work General.
Positive Discipline for Children with AD/HD
By Randall L. Lemoine, Ph.D.: Frustrated with all the drama and constant nagging to get your child/student to behave? Wish there was a more positive and lasting method to do discipline? Well, this workshop provides positive, practical strategies to effectively accomplish discipline of children with AD/HD and other neurodevelopmental disorders both at home and school. It will transform the way you think about and do discipline - we are positive! General, Social Work Clinical, and LPC Diagnosis
Powerful Read Alouds: A Structured Literacy Approach
by Hailey Hunt, M.Ed., CALT, C-SLDI of Neuhaus Education Center: Research tells us that children of any age benefit from listening to adults read aloud. In fact, listening to reading builds the foundation of a child’s literacy development. However, many educators and caregivers are not aware of the myriad of language skills that can be developed through purposeful read-alouds. In this session, participants will explore ways to integrate the principles of structured literacy into powerful read-alouds that benefit children of all ages. General, and Social Work General
Prevention: Identifying ACEs and Trauma
By Joy Duhon, PLPC, PSIT of I-CARE in East Baton Rouge Parish Schools: “Prevention: Identifying ACEs and Trauma” provides an introduction to Adverse Childhood Experiences to parents, caregivers, and providers. This presentation explores the risk factors associated with ACEs and the protective factors that encourage resilience in children. During the presentation, strategies and communication tips will be shared to support students with learning disabilities. There will also be a discussion about local resources available to support families and providers. General, Social Work Clinical, and LPC General
A Roadmap to Prevention: Keeping Adolescents with Learning Disabilities and ADHD Substance-Free
By Dr. Shayla Polk, LCSW and Prevention Systems Manager, Governor’s Office of Drug Policy: The purpose of this presentation is to raise awareness among educators, advocates, parents/legal guardians, caregivers, teachers, foster parents, and those involved in special education and the importance of paying attention to emerging drug trends to prevent abuse. General, Social Work General, and LPC General.
Sleep Problems in Autism and ADHD
By Steven Felix MD: This presentation will address the types of sleep problems in Autism, their varied causes, and treatments. This will include behavioral, medical, and pharmacologic treatments. General, and Social Work Clinical
Spelling Strategies that Work!
By Ashlie Ballard (CALT, LDT, SLDS) and Lauren Malone (M.Ed., C-SLCT) of Neuhaus Education Center: Participants will learn spelling strategies that will free up students’ cognitive resources and enable them to become more fluent in written expression. General, and Social Work General.
Teaching Financial Literacy to Children with Disabilities
By Tiffany Tuminell of First Horizon Bank: Teaching financial literacy to children provides them necessary knowledge and skills to prepare for the complex financial world they will face as adults and establishes a foundation for sound financial behavior, setting them on a path toward financial security and independence in the future. It is equally important to ensure that children with disabilities have equitable access to financial literacy education by accommodating their unique needs. Such teaching can enable children with disabilities to make informed financial decisions, reduce their reliance on others for financial support, and help them secure long-term financial well-being. General, and Social Work General.
Understanding Auditory Processing Disorders
By Katie Cordell, Au.D., CCC-A & Laurin Brian, Au.D., CCC-A of Dynamic Therapy Specialists: This presentation will help parents, teachers, and support professionals understand the nature of auditory processing disorders and their impact on social, communication, and learning outcomes. Dr.’s Cordell and Brian will discuss the importance of direct remediation of Auditory Processing Disorders and provide participants with a variety of strategies to support children at home and in the classroom. General, Social Work Clinical, and SLP Related.
Video Games and the LD Kid
By Belynda Gauthier, Past President of CHADD: Video games are a part of our modern world, and many people theorize that they contribute to the high incidence of ADHD diagnoses. Research shows links between ADHD and video games, but the connections aren't all bad. The former CHADD National Board President and her son, who has ADHD and is a gaming enthusiast, will present information on the latest research into these connections, the positives and negatives of gaming on those with ADHD, and the root of the attraction to gaming. General and Social Work General.