Session Catalog
All sessions can be customized based on audience and venue
Creating your Advocacy Story
In this session the focus is on “HOW” to create your advocacy story and “WHY” it is important. Some topics that will be discussed are what is your advocacy story, how to create your advocacy story, you have advocated before without realizing it, presenting your story and how to make a change, etc. while feeling confident in the process.
Taking Your Advocacy Story Beyond
In this session the focus is on now that you have your advocacy story, and it does not work what are the next steps. Some topics that will be discussed are revisiting your story (how can you take it above and beyond), you are not alone in the process (there is support all around you), to create a movement you need multiple voices, what is the chain of command (you talked to the teacher, who do you talk to next), etc. while feeling confident and supported in the process.
Student Self-Advocacy: Bumps and Hurdles
In this session the focus is on “HOW” to deal with the bumps and hurdles that can happen in middle school. Some topics that will be discussed are what does a typical day with bump and hurdles look like, what are your resources (who can you go talk to), practice makes perfect (practicing what to say), confidence is key (tips and tricks to feel more confident), etc. while feeling confident in the process.
Middle School: The Wonder Years
In this session the focus is on “WHY” and “HOW” to advocate (asking for help and learning how to) during your time in middle school. Some topics that will be discussed are communicating in the virtual world with teachers/staff, strategies for coping and thriving (and how it evolves the more you learn), getting digitally organized, learning to find your voice, knowing high school/class options, etc. while feeling confident in the process.
Student Voice in the IEP/504 Process
In this session the focus is on “WHY” and “HOW” to involve the student in the IEP/504 process. The meeting is for the student. It is important that the student have a voice in the IEP/504 meeting. Some topics that will be discussed are the process of an IEP/504 meeting, the purpose of the meeting, the benefits of advocating/asking questions if necessary, how to follow up after the meeting, etc. We emphasize ways student can contribute to the meeting while feeling confident in the process.
Parent Voice in the IEP/504 Process
In this session the focus is on “WHY” and “HOW” to involve and understand the parent role in an IEP/504 process and the importance of parents input on what might be needed for your student. Some topics that will be discussed are what happens in an IEP/504 meeting, why you should attend the meeting, the benefits for your student, how to follow up after the meeting, benefits of the overall meeting, etc. while feeling confident during the process.
How to Support Executive Functioning (for parents)
In this session the focus is on “HOW” to help your student learn Executive functioning and “WHY” it is an important skill for your student to learn and why you play a critical role in it. Some topics discussed are tips of empowerment and using them effectively, what is executive functioning, how does it affect your student, strategies on how to help your student live with it on a day-to-day basis, strategies to help support executive functioning, who can you count on for support or guidance, etc. while feeling confident and having your student feel confident in the process.
How to Use Executive Functioning (for students)
In this session the focus is on “HOW” students can learn executive functioning and “WHY” it is an important skill to learn. Some topics discussed are tips for empowerment and using them effectively, what is executive functioning (and how it affects you), strategies on how to cope with day-to-day challenges, who you can count on for support or guidance, etc. and how to do so while feeling confident in the process.
Transition: 5th to 6th grade
In this session, the focus is on ‘’WHY” and “HOW” to advocate while moving into the 6th grade setting. Some topics that will be discussed are what to expect going into 6th grade, who are your resources, how important your voice now is, communicating in the virtual world with teachers/staff, strategies for coping and thriving, etc. while feeling supported and confident in the process.
Finding your Passion
In this session the focus is on exploring your skills and talents. Some topics that will be discussed are utilizing skills and talents for community service and involvement in the virtual world, strategies for avoiding possible obstacles/challenges, what are potential resources to investigate, next steps to take your passion above and beyond, etc. While feeling confident in the process.
Cyber Bullying & Internet Safety
In this session, the focus is on ‘’WHY” and “HOW” to advocate (ask for help or support) with cyber bullying and Internet safety. Some topics that will be discussed are how to ask for support from a teacher/staff in the virtual world, what is a safe space, what does a safe website look like, etc. while feeling confident and supported in the process.
Technology Support for Parents & Internet Safety
In this session, the focus is on ‘’WHY” and “HOW” to support your student with the Internet. Some topics that will be discussed are learning to communicate with your student or their teacher in the virtual world, what does a safe website look like, how can you help your student with school, etc. while feeling confident and supported in the process.
Conquering Homework Chaos
In this session, the focus is on ‘’WHY” and “HOW” to advocate (ask for help or support) with home/school work. Some topics that will be discussed are how to ask for help from a teacher/staff in the virtual world, learning to ask for the best time to ask for help, learning how to follow up and plan for any future home/schoolwork, etc. while feeling confident in the process.
How to Receive Feedback
In this session, the focus is on “HOW” to effectively receive positive and negative feedback and how to respond appropriately to that feedback. Some topics that will be discussed are learning the many forms of feedback, how to accept and grow from criticism and compliments at home/school, learning the social skills of giving and receiving compliments/feedback, etc. while feeling confident and supported in the process.
