Conference 2012

The Coalition of McKay Scholarship Schools chose “Portraits of Success” as the conference theme this year. As participating schools in the McKay Scholarship Program, we know the faces of our students tell it all. They are learning and they are heading towards success BECAUSE their differences and learning needs are being met. We will be sharing these portraits in different state venues – stay tuned in to how your school’s Portraits of Success can be presented.

For those arriving Thursday afternoon, October 4th, a networking reception has been scheduled from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Peppino’s Ristorante which is located at 100 Carrigan Ave, Oviedo, FL 32765.

Join us for light hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, great conversations, and networking opportunities with other schools.

Have you seen the latest technology with math programs? Do you know what computer programs exist for students with communication disorders? Do you want to see an online computer program designed for kids with disabilities?

Our Vendor Corner and Coffee Break will give you the opportunity to check out some of the latest services and programs for your students.

Nearby Hotels:

Hampton Inn & Suites, Orlando Homewood Suites by Hilton

3450 Quadrangle Blvd. 3028 North Alafaya Trail

Orlando, FL Orlando, FL

407-282-0029 407-282-0067

La Quinta Inn & Suites Courtyard Orlando East/UCF

11805 Research Parkway 12000 Collegiate Way

Orlando, FL Orlando, FL

407-737-6075 407-277-7676

Agenda:

8:00-8:30 Registration

8:30-8:45 Greeting Steve Hicks, President

8:45-9:45 Concurrent Sessions

Options for Students Not on a Regular Diploma Track

Jessica Shay, Providence Foundation

Cannon Cameron, Orange Co. Public School

Associations You Need to Know (Panel Discussion)

LDA, Cathy Einhorn

CEC, Janet K. Raney, Ph.D.

The Able Trust, Allison Chase

“Asperger’s/High Functioning Autism Spectrum: When Is Your Program Appropriate for

Students with These Disabilities?”

Terri Daly, Ctr. for Autism and Related Disabilities

9:45-10:15 VENDOR COFFEE BREAK

10:15-10:45 DOE Information Laura Harrison

10:45-12:00 McKay Scholarships “National and State Perspective” Steve Hicks

Robyn A. Rennick

12:00-1:00 Lunch by Regions

Legislative Action and Advocacy: What Have You Done? What Can You Do?

1:00-1:30 Legislative Action and Advocacy Robyn A. Rennick

1:30-2:30 Concurrent Sessions

Technology at Your Fingertips John Miullo

Communicating Effectively with Parents: How Do You Get the Word Out

to Current Parents and Prospective Parents?

Woody Futrell, Trinity Christian Academy

Alicia Braccia, Providence Academy

2:30-3:00 Wrap-Up Steve Hicks

Morning Concurrent Sessions:

“Options for Students Not on a Regular Diploma Track”

Regular Diploma, Special Diploma, Certificate of Completion – a range of graduations options are available to our students. Jessica Shay, Director of Development for Providence Foundation and Cannon Cameron, Program Specialist, ESE Transition Services for Orange County Public Schools will address the different types of graduation options, when they are appropriate, and what ramifications they have for the student’s post-secondary education or training.

“Associations You Need to Know”

LDA, CEC, The Able Trust: The “Alphabet Soup” of associations can be confusing. Our panel will clear up the confusion and describe the services and resources available through Learning Disabilities Association (Cathy Einhorn), Council for Exceptional Children (Janet Raney) and The Able Trust (Allison Chase). Find out how these associations can be beneficial to your students, parents and organization.

“Aspergers/High Functioning Autism Spectrum: When Is Your Program Appropriate for Students with These Disabilities?”

Terri Daly, Center for Autism and Related Disabilities will provide an overview of the Autism Spectrum Disorders, core deficits, expected challenges and needs, and accommodations for success in education. These students require curricular and behavioral supports, as well as understanding of their unique strengths and social needs, to become successful. These can be provided in many McKay Schools, with some creative thinking! Learn how to determine if your program can provide supports for these students, how to ask the right questions, and how to collaborate with families for success.

General Meeting

“McKay Scholarship: National and State Perspective”

The McKay Scholarship is the largest disability scholarship in the United States. As other states explore or develop scholarship programs, they will often visit Florida to study our program. The Coalition of McKay Scholarship Schools has become one of their information sources. Our president, Steve Hicks, and Legislative Chair, Robyn A. Rennick, have spoken with legislators and parents throughout the country concerning the McKay Scholarship model. Hicks and Rennick will present the National Perspective concerning Choice Programs and where Florida stands in their expansion of Choice.

“DOE Information”

Laura Harrison, Director of Scholarship Programs and Home Education for the Office of Independent Education and Parental Choice FLDOE, will address any changes in procedure with the McKay Scholarship. She will field questions concerning the statute and the program.

Afternoon Concurrent Sessions

“Technology at Your Fingertips”

Free, assistive technology surrounds us. Helping our students to access this technology can open the world wider for them. John Miullo will present programs “at our fingertips” and participants will leave with knowing: 1) How to use the most common features of the latest Windows Ease of Access version; 2) How to find and access free Assistive Technology (AT) utilities, software and Apps online, and 3) How to use a most unique free computer access software.

“Communicating Effectively with Parents: How Do You Get the Word Out to Current Parents and Prospective Parents?”

Coalition board members, Woody Futrell of Trinity Christian Academy and Alicia Braccia of Providence Academy will facilitate this interactive workshop. Two public relations’ issues face our schools: How do we let prospective parents know about our programs and how do we maintain communication with our current parents. Be prepared to share ways that have worked for your school and learn from each other.