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 






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Families

Training and Best Practices headerECHO 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.

ECHO para familias en español


Sessions

Sessions are on Wednesdays, biweekly,
12:00 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. MT
via Zoom video conferencing technology.

Instructions for joining Zoom are available. Zoom also provides access for users with physical disabilities, blindness, and low vision through a range of keyboard shortcuts.

Zoom logo with text Join the Current Online Session
 

 


Fall 2023 Session Topics

Register for the Fall 2023 ECHO for Families Series

Join an ECHO host site in person and connect with other families in your community. Parents, grandparents, and other family members are encouraged to attend. Lunch will be provided.

Host sites are available in Casper (Spanish speaking families), Green River, and Laramie.

Email Cari Glantz at cglantz@uwyo.edu for more information and to register.

Add the Fall 2023 Series to Your Calendar

August 30: Back to School Rituals and Routines

In this session participants will learn the difference between rituals and routines, learn how to M.A.P. (Model, Add Visuals, Practice) out tough routines, and learn how to implement routine strategies with their child (picture schedules, home zones, backward planning, and visual timers).

Presenter: Jenna Southern, Ed.S., Special Education Teacher, Littleton Public Schools

 

September 13: Effective Communication with Your IEP Team

This session will share best practices in preparing for IEP meetings, review elements of IEP meetings, discuss how to incorporate your child's emotional and social needs in the IEP discussion, and discuss how to consider self-advocacy early in the IEP process.

Presenter: Katrina McGee, Parent and Advocate

 

September 27: Understanding Extended School Year: How Does My Student Qualify?

In this session participants will learn about Extended School Year (ESY) planning, how students qualify for ESY, and what ESY can look like depending on the needs of the student. We will also discuss what parents can consider regarding their student's progress and how to best advocate for ESY.

Presenter: Peg Monteith, Educational Consultant and Disability Advocate, Wyoming Institute for Disabilities (WIND)

 

October 11: IEPs and School Discipline: Suspension and Expulsion

Has your child been sent home from school?  Does your child seem to spend time in the 'chill zone', 'time out', or miss recess? The negative impact of exclusionary discipline on your child's educational progress is well documented. Find out what your rights are with new federal guidelines laid out in 2022.

Presenter: Jennifer Cave, Executive Director, Parent Information Center

 

October 25: Bullying: When and How to Involve Your IEP Team

When to get the IEP team involved:  If a student with a disability is being bullied, federal law requires schools to take immediate and appropriate action to investigate the issue and, as necessary, take steps to stop the bullying and prevent it from recurring.  Know what you should expect from the IEP team, get advice on how to communicate with the school and how to best help your child with this fast-paced, easy-to-understand training.

Presenter: Jennifer Cave, Executive Director, Parent Information Center

November 8: Law Enforcement and School Resource Officers (SROs): Strategies for Safer Interactions

Police interactions with our families can be dangerous if officers are unaware of how to recognize autism and respond appropriately. It’s important that families know how they can help officers help them. This session will provide strategies to increase positive outcomes for officers and families to ensure safer interactions for a win-win for everyone.

Presenter: Cheryl Smith, Parent Advocate and Past President of Autism Council of Utah

November 29: Social Skills and Holidays

Session information to be announced.

Presenter: Tami Hunter, BCBA, Peak Behavioral Services

December 13: Increasing Appropriate Leisure Skills

Session information to be announced.

Presenter: Tami Hunter, BCBA, Peak Behavioral Services

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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 






black ECHO logo
Find us on Facebook (Link opens a new window)Find us on Twitter (Link opens a new window)Find us on LinkedIn (Link opens a new window)Find us on YouTube (Link opens a new window)