We will be hosting Forney ISD’s Inaugural Autism Conference on April 12th from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. at The Opportunity Central. This conference is an excellent opportunity to connect with families of students with disabilities from all over North Texas. We anticipate a strong turnout, and we believe your participation would greatly benefit the families and students we serve.
Every child possesses a unique potential and a promising future. As a society, we bear the responsibility to guide them, imparting essential future-ready skills to help them carve out their path. Together, we must ensure they are equipped and empowered to achieve a successful and fulfilling life.
Dr. Justin Terry has more than 24 years of experience in education as a teacher, coach and administrator. He is currently honored to serve as the Superintendent of Forney ISD, and was appointed to the Teacher Vacancy Task Force, named a 2022 NSPRA Superintendent to Watch and the 2024... Read More →
When planning for the financial future of a loved one with a disability, there are many different aspects to consider, and will vary depending on their age. This workshop will discuss critical considerations for individuals of all ages who have a disability. We’ll review the importance of creating a life care plan, how it can help, and who should be involved. Learn crucial information and tools that may help in preparing for their financial future, such as government benefits, special needs trusts, ABLE accounts, and other legal and financial structures and considerations.
This session will illustrate and explain free programs of Be An Angel for special needs children throughout Texas age birth to 22. Programs include equipment, hearing aids/devices, van conversions, weekend, barrier-free family camps, Christmas, in-home respite care, barrier-free playgrounds & more. The audience is both parents and teachers.
Parents can be invaluable partners to support the development of speech. language and communication at home. This session will address tips and strategies that parents can use to jump start or continue to support their children's language and communication skills in home settings.
Individuals who have a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often have specialized interests. Research suggests that as many as 75 percent of individuals with ASD focus a great deal of their attention on a particular topic or subject matter. However, specialized interests of students with autism were not always encouraged, but were seen as problematic and in need of extinction. Professionals have begun to recognize the value of these specialized interests, finding that promoting and integrating them into the students’ learning experience can support their educational, personal, and social development. In this session, we will explore specialized interests and how educators can leverage them to promote students’ success.
Join us for an engaging and interactive workshop for educators, caregivers, individuals with IDD, and advocates. This session will focus on practical strategies and best practices for creating inclusive environments that engage and support the diverse needs of individuals with special needs from ages 1 – 91.
Capable Minds, Hearts & Hands IDD Outreach & Potter's House
My mission is to empower and inspire people to achieve their personal and professional goals while promoting mental health and well-being.As the Director of a Non-Profit Organization, Dr. Smith oversees developing and implementing programs, collaborative connections, and services... Read More →
Saturday April 12, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am CDT
Room 306
This session is designed for parents of young children and focuses on the importance of setting clear, consistent limits to reduce power struggles. Participants will learn a four-step plan for establishing fair boundaries through consistency, predictability, and follow-through. The session will also provide practical examples of how to set effective limits and create routines that support positive behavior. By the end, parents will have actionable tools to help their child follow rules with understanding and cooperation, fostering a more harmonious home environment.
Helping parents and teachers with implementing strategies for emotion support using a behavioral therapy that helps child with autism develop psychological flexibility.
The autistic brain is one of the most incredible brains on the planet. It's time we have a better understanding of autism and the brain for better supports, interventions, and outcomes.
Employability is a person's ability to get a job and keep that job. I hope to answer your question: How do we equip our children to demonstrate employable skills, such as communication and adaptability, in order to help them be successful in getting a job and keeping that job?
Join the Transition Support Team (TST) for an informative session titled Understanding Autism: Exploring Psychological Dimensions and Associated Medical Challenges. We will explore autism from two key perspectives. First, we’ll discuss the psychological aspects, including cognitive functioning, social interactions, and emotional regulation, offering insights into how to better support individuals on the autism spectrum. Then, we’ll address common medical issues and co-occurring conditions, as well as treatment options, emphasizing the importance of holistic care. This session will provide valuable knowledge for parents and teachers to better understand and support individuals with autism.
This session will focus on evidence based practices that benefit students with autism that can be applied to both the classroom and home. We will discuss how to have a pro-active approach to classroom management to reduce issues, while simultaneously applying them in specific situations to differentiate for unique students.
This session will illustrate and explain free programs of Be An Angel for special needs children throughout Texas age birth to 22. Programs include equipment, hearing aids/devices, van conversions, weekend, barrier-free family camps, Christmas, in-home respite care, barrier-free playgrounds & more. The audience is both parents and teachers.
Parents can be invaluable partners to support the development of speech. language and communication at home. This session will address tips and strategies that parents can use to jump start or continue to support their children's language and communication skills in home settings.
Individuals who have a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often have specialized interests. Research suggests that as many as 75 percent of individuals with ASD focus a great deal of their attention on a particular topic or subject matter. However, specialized interests of students with autism were not always encouraged, but were seen as problematic and in need of extinction. Professionals have begun to recognize the value of these specialized interests, finding that promoting and integrating them into the students’ learning experience can support their educational, personal, and social development. In this session, we will explore specialized interests and how educators can leverage them to promote students’ success.
This session is designed for parents of young children and focuses on the importance of setting clear, consistent limits to reduce power struggles. Participants will learn a four-step plan for establishing fair boundaries through consistency, predictability, and follow-through. The session will also provide practical examples of how to set effective limits and create routines that support positive behavior. By the end, parents will have actionable tools to help their child follow rules with understanding and cooperation, fostering a more harmonious home environment.
Helping parents and teachers with implementing strategies for emotion support using a behavioral therapy that helps child with autism develop psychological flexibility.
The autistic brain is one of the most incredible brains on the planet. It's time we have a better understanding of autism and the brain for better supports, interventions, and outcomes.
When we recognize every person's attributes, characteristics, and capabilities, we grow with them, allowing their humanity to be nurtured as they navigate the nuances of what makes them unique; We go beyond the diagnosis, and caregiving becomes more rewarding.
Capable Minds, Hearts & Hands IDD Outreach & Potter's House
My mission is to empower and inspire people to achieve their personal and professional goals while promoting mental health and well-being.As the Director of a Non-Profit Organization, Dr. Smith oversees developing and implementing programs, collaborative connections, and services... Read More →
Saturday April 12, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am CDT
Room 306
Employability is a person's ability to get a job and keep that job. I hope to answer your question: How do we equip our children to demonstrate employable skills, such as communication and adaptability, in order to help them be successful in getting a job and keeping that job?
Join the Transition Support Team (TST) for an informative session titled Understanding Autism: Exploring Psychological Dimensions and Associated Medical Challenges. We will explore autism from two key perspectives. First, we’ll discuss the psychological aspects, including cognitive functioning, social interactions, and emotional regulation, offering insights into how to better support individuals on the autism spectrum. Then, we’ll address common medical issues and co-occurring conditions, as well as treatment options, emphasizing the importance of holistic care. This session will provide valuable knowledge for parents and teachers to better understand and support individuals with autism.
When planning for the financial future of a loved one with a disability, there are many different aspects to consider, and will vary depending on their age. This workshop will discuss critical considerations for individuals of all ages who have a disability. We’ll review the importance of creating a life care plan, how it can help, and who should be involved. Learn crucial information and tools that may help in preparing for their financial future, such as government benefits, special needs trusts, ABLE accounts, and other legal and financial structures and considerations.
This session will focus on the power of AAC (Augmentative Alternative Communication) and the power of using core vocabulary, teaching language through modeling without expectation and AAC systems that grow with the learner.
Individuals with autism spectrum disorders are often visual learners who function best with information about their schedule and activities. In this presentation, you will get a "grand tour" of ideas that will hopefully have you leaving with lots of "aha" moments!
In this training, we will discuss classroom management and de-escalation strategies for interfering behaviors. Classroom teachers and interventionists will explore proven techniques for de-escalating challenging behaviors in the classroom. This session will equip educators with practical tools and techniques to reduce conflicts, build positive relationships, and setting limits.
Designed for parents with students in ECSE through 18+ programs. This session will focus on planning for the future, essential strategies, discussing milestones, and providing resources to support families and students when transition planning for post secondary success.
Brief overview of the general differences between High School and Higher Education. This session provides realistic and comprehensible information regarding accommodations, documentation, etc. for students with disabilities that are college bound.
Join us for an engaging and interactive workshop for educators, caregivers, individuals with IDD, and advocates. This session will focus on practical strategies and best practices for creating inclusive environments that engage and support the diverse needs of individuals with special needs from ages 1 – 91.
Capable Minds, Hearts & Hands IDD Outreach & Potter's House
My mission is to empower and inspire people to achieve their personal and professional goals while promoting mental health and well-being.As the Director of a Non-Profit Organization, Dr. Smith oversees developing and implementing programs, collaborative connections, and services... Read More →
Saturday April 12, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
Room 306
This session is designed for educational professionals and parents to learn how to create structured learning activities within your home, school, and community. Strategies and interventions include tangible items that have purpose and meaning to help young learners visualize their expectations and boundaries. Learn how to infuse social skills development into learning stations that promote emotional health, executive functioning skills, self-regulation, communication and coping skills.
Founder & Education Coordinator, Infinity Education of Texas, LLC
I am a military spouse and blessed mom of five children. I have experience as a special education teacher, working with students with autism, behavioral challenges, severe and profound disabilities, learning disabilities, and at-risk youth. I created Infinity Education of Texas LLC... Read More →
Saturday April 12, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
Room 325
This session will focus on the power of AAC (Augmentative Alternative Communication) and the power of using core vocabulary, teaching language through modeling without expectation and AAC systems that grow with the learner.
Individuals with autism spectrum disorders are often visual learners who function best with information about their schedule and activities. In this presentation, you will get a "grand tour" of ideas that will hopefully have you leaving with lots of "aha" moments!
This session will focus on evidence based practices that benefit students with autism that can be applied to both the classroom and home. We will discuss how to have a pro-active approach to classroom management to reduce issues, while simultaneously applying them in specific situations to differentiate for unique students.
In this training, we will discuss classroom management and de-escalation strategies for interfering behaviors. Classroom teachers and interventionists will explore proven techniques for de-escalating challenging behaviors in the classroom. This session will equip educators with practical tools and techniques to reduce conflicts, build positive relationships, and setting limits.
Designed for parents with students in ECSE through 18+ programs. This session will focus on planning for the future, essential strategies, discussing milestones, and providing resources to support families and students when transition planning for post secondary success.
Brief overview of the general differences between High School and Higher Education. This session provides realistic and comprehensible information regarding accommodations, documentation, etc. for students with disabilities that are college bound.
This session is designed for educational professionals and parents to learn how to create structured learning activities within your home, school, and community. Strategies and interventions include tangible items that have purpose and meaning to help young learners visualize their expectations and boundaries. Learn how to infuse social skills development into learning stations that promote emotional health, executive functioning skills, self-regulation, communication and coping skills.
Founder & Education Coordinator, Infinity Education of Texas, LLC
I am a military spouse and blessed mom of five children. I have experience as a special education teacher, working with students with autism, behavioral challenges, severe and profound disabilities, learning disabilities, and at-risk youth. I created Infinity Education of Texas LLC... Read More →
Saturday April 12, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Room 325
When we recognize every person's attributes, characteristics, and capabilities, we grow with them, allowing their humanity to be nurtured as they navigate the nuances of what makes them unique; We go beyond the diagnosis, and caregiving becomes more rewarding.
Capable Minds, Hearts & Hands IDD Outreach & Potter's House
My mission is to empower and inspire people to achieve their personal and professional goals while promoting mental health and well-being.As the Director of a Non-Profit Organization, Dr. Smith oversees developing and implementing programs, collaborative connections, and services... Read More →
Saturday April 12, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Room 306
