Including More Autistic Voices in xMinds Programming
NOTHING ABOUT US WITHOUT US
The mission of xMinds is to improve education for students on the autism spectrum. To achieve that goal, xMinds is now committing to increase dramatically the input we get from individuals on the autism spectrum. What better way to make meaningful progress than to hear from the individuals directly impacted by our work? Students and former students on the autism spectrum will be part of each of our speaker events this year, and we will continue to seek their input in all our other programming. We believe that by including autistic individuals' voices in our programming, we will help educators more effectively respond to the needs of autistic students, and we will promote inclusion, respect, and acceptance of the entire autism spectrum in our community.
Navigating Online Instruction: Saturday Q & A Series
Q&A WITH EDUCATORS ON SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 12
This strange new school year is here, and you may have some questions about how to make virtual learning work for your ASD student. To meet that need xMinds is offering parents and students the opportunity to ask educators about specific issues you’re having with distance learning –– issues like actively participating in synchronous learning, virtually connecting with classmates, executive function supports, optimal use of AAC devices, etc. Click here for registration details and to learn about the guest educators who will be answering your questions.
Q&A WITH EDUCATION ATTORNEY ON SEPTEMBER 26
Our Q&A series will continue with Education Attorney Kimberly Glassman who will answer your questions about hot legal topics in distance learning, including Distance Learning Plans, virtual IEP meetings, compensatory education, and opting out of distance learning.
Q&A WITH AUTISTIC STUDENTS AND PARENT COACH ON OCTOBER 10
Our Q&A series will finish with two MCPS high school students who are on the autism spectrum, along with research psychologist, special needs navigator, and parent coach Sarah Wayland, Ph.D. Together they will answer parents’ and students’ questions about distance learning and offer insights from these students' perspectives. One of our autistic panelists will communicate with the assistance of an AAC device.
Have You Considered a Tutor for Your Student?
Even if your student has the best teacher in the world, you may still feel distance learning is leaving gaps in their education. xMinds compiled a list of parent-recommended tutors and tutoring services with special education experience. We hope this information might help you find a tutor who can provide academic support for your student during distance learning--and after. Visit our Tutoring Services page for more information.
Distance Learning Resources at xMinds.org
The xMinds website has a variety distance learning resources. We recently added a webinar produced by Suzanne Keith Blattner, ED.S. & Associates and the latest MCPS Autism Unit parent training webinars. Our site also contains all MCPS Community Updates during distance learning, independent distance learning resources for both ALO and diploma-bound students, and guidance for parents on special education advocacy during distance learning.
This Year's Annual Innovators in Education Conference is Focused on Emotions -- It's Soooooo Important
xMinds encourages educators and parents in Montgomery County to register for the one day online Innovators in Education conference hosted by the Center for Communication and Learning on October 17. This year the Conference will focus on the important topic of social-emotional learning, and the speakers will be amazing!
For educators and related service providers who support students on the autism spectrum, xMinds is offering a limited number of grants to attend the Conference. Each xMinds grant is for $75, which covers most of the cost to attend this Conference, and continuing education credits are also available. If you’re interested in an xMinds grant, please apply here. Parents are also encouraged to attend, and the Center for Communication and Learning is offering a limited number of parent scholarships, which you can apply for here.
.png)
