Wyoming Institute for Disabilities
Dept. 4298; 1000 E. University Ave.
Laramie, WY 82071
Phone: (307) 766-2977
Toll Free: (888) 989-9463
TeleType: (800) 908-7011
Fax: (307) 766-2763
Email: projecho@uwyo.edu
ECHO for Families is a community that provides opportunities for learning, advocacy,
and mentorship with families that have a child with developmental disabilities, autism,
or other special healthcare needs. This network allows families to receive professional
support and brainstorm evidence-based solutions or share successes with other families
around the state and nation.
The UW ECHO for Families is the first ECHO network that provides information directly to families and can be accessed anywhere in the state.
Sessions are on Wednesdays, biweekly, 12:00 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. MT via Zoom video conferencing technology.
To register for the Fall 2024 - Spring 2025 sessions, click the button below.
Spring 2025 sessions start January 22 and will feature a series on youth mental health, behavior supports, and transition supports. Topics will include crisis planning, de-escalation, behavior regression, mental health first aid, self-advocacy, and transition supports.
Email projectecho@uwyo.edu for information about joining an in-person host site in Casper (Spanish speaking), Cheyenne, Laramie, Pinedale, Rawlins, Saratoga, or Thermopolis.
This session will describe the crisis cycle and how you can respond to your child when their emotions and behavior are escalated. Participants will develop a crisis plan to use in their home.
Presenter: Diane Hudson, Ph.D., BCBA, LBA, Owner and Director, Advanced Behavior Change
The session will help teach and provide information of de-escalation strategies for youth who have development disabilities. Parents and caregivers will gain strategies to utilize when children are in crisis.
Presenters: Alanna Landstrom, LPC, Clinical Services Manager, Cathedral Home
Michele Caputo, M.Ed., LPC, Clinical Services Manager, Cathedral Home
This session will build awareness for why regression happens, discuss ways to cope and manage regression in children, and identify ways to provide unconditional positive regard while continuing with structure.
Presenters: Alanna Landstrom, LPC, Clinical Services Manager, Cathedral Home
Michele Caputo, M.Ed., LPC, Clinical Services Manager, Cathedral Home
This session will provide caregivers with essential tools for supporting youth in suicide prevention, focusing on language considerations, recognizing and understanding risk, and knowing how to provide effective support. Attendees will also explore strategies for promoting mental health and well-being to help create a supportive environment for youth with disabilities.
Presenter: Kate Breitenfeldt, Clinical Psychology Graduate Student, University of Wyoming
Children who engage in non-suicidal self-harm and other frustration-driven behaviors often struggle with emotion regulation, communication, and coping skills. This session will explore the underlying functions of these behaviors and provide practical, developmentally appropriate strategies for caregivers, educators, and mental health professionals to offer effective support. Participants will learn how to foster emotional resilience, promote adaptive coping skills, and create a safe, validating environment for children in distress.
Presenter: Daniela Branson, Clinical Psychology Doctoral Student, University of Wyoming
Join this session to learn more about WYABLE, accounts which can be created for an individual with a disability that occurred before the age of 26. WYABLE is a way for Wyomingites to save for qualified expenses, invest for future needs, and keep benefits they rely on every day. We'll also hear from a parent about special needs trusts and financial planning.
Presenter: Penny Davis, Administrative Specialist, Wyoming Governor's Council on Developmental
Disabilities
Sandy Hubert, Parent Advocate
Join this session to learn about the importance of early transition planning, setting measurable post-secondary goals, understanding graduation pathways, and empowering youth through self-advocacy. This session will also describe the role of a Transition to Adulthood Specialist in guiding students with disabilities through successful post-secondary planning.
Presenter: Anyi Garza, Outreach Parent Liaison, Wyoming Parent Information Center (PIC)
This session will give a general overview of inclusive post secondary as well as an update on the status of IPSE in Wyoming.
Presenter: Stephanie Wodahl, NBCT, MA, Education and Family Support Program Manager, Wyoming Institute for Disabilities (WIND)
What happens if you lose coverage?
For other language options, email Brittany Brigham at bwilli26@uwyo.edu
Wyoming Institute for Disabilities
Dept. 4298; 1000 E. University Ave.
Laramie, WY 82071
Phone: (307) 766-2977
Toll Free: (888) 989-9463
TeleType: (800) 908-7011
Fax: (307) 766-2763
Email: projecho@uwyo.edu