- Articulate and feature young adult issues and transition into adult life
- Articulate and feature key issues in independent living for adults with ASDs
- Integrate the voices and experiences of persons with Asperger’s in fair balance with the voices of professionals in the autism field
- Provide training and development to teachers, administrators, mental health workers, therapists and families working with and advocating for individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome, High Functioning Autism, PDD-NOS, and other related differences
- Share the knowledge and experience of nationally recognized experts in the field of autism with the Hudson Valley community
- Enable individuals with autism and their families to attend the conference regardless of ability to pay
- Provide information via resource tables from local and national organizations and professionals
Speakers Include:
Jerry and Mary Newport
Jerry Newport is an author with Asperger's Syndrome whose life and marriage to Mary was the basis for the feature-length movie Mozart and the Whale (2005). He is known for his frank advice and is often humorous (on purpose) when giving presentations. Jerry is seen as an inspiration to many in the Autism/Asperger's community. He is also a savant, with the ability to perform extremely difficult and intricate mathematical calculations entirely in his head.
Alex Plank
Alex Plank is co-creator of WrongPlanet.net, an online forum for individuals with Asperger's Syndrome. The site includes a chatroom, a large forum, a dating part, and many articles describing how to deal with daily issues faced by individuals with Asperger’s.
Chapel Haven
Chapel Haven is a program for individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome that teaches independent living in New Haven, CT. They offer a Residential Program, Education Program , Supported Living Program, Employment Program, Recreation Program, Bridge Program and Community Life Program.
Stephen Shore
Nonverbal until four and diagnosed with "atypical development with strong autistic tendencies," Stephen Shore was regarded as "too sick" to be treated on an outpatient basis and recommended for institutionalization. Fortunately, his parents disagreed. He is now completing his doctoral degree in special education at Boston University with a focus on helping people on the autism spectrum develop their capacities to the fullest extent possible. In addition to working with children and advocating for a better quality of life on the autism spectrum, Stephen presents and consults internationally on adult issues pertinent to education, relationships, employment, advocacy, and disclosure. In his book Beyond the Wall: Personal Experiences with Autism and Asperger Syndrome, he shares his love of music and learning as he walks us through the heartaches and triumphs of his life as an Aspie.
Valerie Paradiz
Valerie Paradiz, PhD, is a writer and the co-founder of the Open Center for Autism and former Executive Director of the pioneering ASPIE School. Her work in the autism community has been featured in the New York Times, Redbook Magazine, Autism Spectrum Quarterly and on Japanese Public Television. Valerie’s memoir, Elijah's Cup: A Family's Journey into the Community and Culture of High-Functioning Autism and Asperger's Syndrome (Jessica Kingsley, 2005) is the compelling story of the author's experiences raising her autistic son, their involvement together in the grassroots self-advocacy community, and her own ultimate diagnosis with Asperger's syndrome. She also has one forthcoming book written for the autism community, The Complete Advocacy Handbook (AAPC)
VESID
The Mission of the Office of Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities (VESID) is to promote educational equity and excellence for students with disabilities while ensuring that they receive the rights and protection to which they are entitled; assure appropriate continuity between the child and adult services systems; and provide the highest quality vocational rehabilitation and independent living services to all eligible persons as quickly as those services are required to enable them to work and live independent, self-directed lives. A representative from the VESID office will present at the conference on the services they currently provide to individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Visit www.OAutism.org for more information.
Nicole