Learning Disabilities Association of South Dakota
October 2 & 3, 1998
Howard Johnson Hotel and Convention Center, Rapid City, South Dakota
1-888-388-5553
8:15-8:50 a.m. Welcome - James Huff, President, LDA-SD What's at Stake? - Ken Fredette, Past President, LDA-SD
9:00-10:00 a.m.
F1 Learning Disabilities and the Internet…Things YOU WANT TO KNOW! Presenter: Dan Boyd, State Library, Director of Braille and Talking Books, Pierre, South Dakota. This is a "how to" session on using the Internet to identify learning disability resources. The Internet enables people with disabilities to communicate with others who share the same issues and interests.
F2
A Minute of Prevention is Worth Years of Cure Presenter: Leigh Williams, Educator, El Paso, Texas This session will provide a symbol mastery instructional method that may be used in the regular primary classroom with all students. This multi-sensory technique is based on a dyslexia intervention mode.
F3 Current Understanding of ADHD Behavior: The Lack of Response Inhibition and its Consequences.
Presenter: Robert Arnio, Ph.D., Psychologist, Rapid City, South Dakota
The combination of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity has always been the hallmark of this disorder. Until recently, a clear understanding of the relationship between these factors was lacking. This presentation will provide the participants with a logical roadmap of how to intervene effectively with the most troublesome aspects of this behavior disorder. You should understand why individuals with ADHD are hyperactive, inattentive and impulsive. You should leave with the tools to customize your needed interventions to suit the child and situation.
9:00-10:30 a.m.
F4 Rewiring the Old System Presenter: Kim Hanes, Systems Change, Chamberlain, South Dakota Opportunities exist within the regular classroom structure to create a dynamic learning environment. Inclusion, flexibility and cooperation can be of benefit to all students whether they have special needs, are at-risk, or are talented/gifted. The session will address the issue of rewards and recognition and their impact on students of all ability levels.
F5 "Esio Trot" Reading Problems, Choices and Techniques Presenter: Gloria Robinson, Educator, Denver, Colorado What does this say? To some individuals it spells "tortoise". The child, family and educator so often do not know where or how to begin dealing with a child's inability to decode the written word….much less to be able to spell it. This session will explore these problems, examine some choices and provide participants with options and usable techniques.
9:00-11:00 a.m.
F6 Take a Walk in the Shoes of a Dyslexic Presenters: James Huff , President LDA, Rapid City, South Dakota and Dee Thompson, Executive Director, LDA Black Hawk, South Dakota This participatory workshop will give you a personal in-depth, multi-sensory experience designed to increase your awareness as to the difficulties and frustrations encountered by dyslexics. This simulation will provide insight on dealing effectively with dyslexic individuals. The "hands-on" workshop should lead to a greater empathy for what dyslexics experience every day of their lives.
10:00-11:00 a.m.
F7 Collaboration-Literacy-Adult Basic Education & the GED Program Presenter: Gene Dickson, SD Dept. of Education, Pierre, South Dakota Collaboration is imperative for the success of the different phases of literacy programs. The State of South Dakota strongly supports the efforts and objectives of each literacy element by providing financial assistance and central coordination. The relationship between the basic literacy program and the higher level programs (Adult Basic Education/GED) will be described.
F8 Issues, Challenges and Opportunities Facing the Adult Learner Seeking a GED and Employment Presenter: Keley Smith-Keller, MA, LPC, Pierre, South Dakota Many individuals who did not graduate from High School realize the importance of an education and enter Adult programs to acquire a GED. Some who are reading disadvantaged also struggle with a learning disability that may not have been recognized prior to dropping out of school. What can be done to identify the learning disabled? What additional services are available? What should teachers and counselors know that could help these students stay in school?
F9 What Do You Mean This Is Not ADHD? An Introduction to Non-Verbal Learning Disorders (NVLD) Presenter: Robert Arnio, Ph.D., Psychologist, Rapid City, South Dakota Children who are often hyperactive, socially inappropriate, constantly bug everyone and never stop talking share some behaviors in common with ADHD children, but that is not the problem. More importantly, providing interventions that are based and designed for ADHD children (including medications) is likely to be unsuccessful. Learn about the characteristics of Non-Verbal Learning Disorders and the effective intervention for these children.
11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
F10 Coping with Stress and Learning Disabilities Presenter: Glen Edwards, Author, Adelaide, Australia Glen is an Australian Vietnam veteran who is an expert on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). He has observed that stress, frustration and depression are the most common problems experienced by individuals who are dyslexic or learning disabled. What are the internal and external factors that can turn stress into a virtually paralyzing mode of living? How can the dyslexic or learning disabled individual minimize stress? How can others help?
F11 What Parents Would Like Teachers to Know…What Teachers Would Like Parents to Know...What Kids Would Like Both of Them to Know. Presenter: Barbara Garcia, Parent, Box Elder, South Dakota Communication between parents/teachers and student is an essential ingredient in any effective education plan. This session is designed for everyone to offer the benefit of experience to others including suggestions for change in the future.
F12 Early Identification and Intervention of Learning DisabilitiesPresenter: Beverly Doyle, Ph.D., Psychologist, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska Focus will be placed on the characteristics of young children having dyslexia and learning disabilities. An intervention program that has proven effective with at-risk students will be reviewed. This pilot program is presently operating in a school in Waterloo, NE. Data collected from this program will be presented as well as the methodology used to teach the students.
F13 What is the Coordinated Campaign for Learning Disabilities?Presenter: Ken Fredette, Past LDA-SD President, Moorhead, Minnesota Six leading learning disability organizations in the United States joined together forming a coalition dedicated to the principle of early identification of Learning Disabilities. This session provides insight into the array of information and services available for all stakeholders. These organizations have built a foundation for understanding the issues and the steps that can be taken to make sure that "no one is held back from leading a productive life because of learning disabilities".
F14 Using Technology to Help Students Succeed Presenter: Patrick Czerny, Dakotalink, Rapid City, South Dakota An overview of the Dakotalink project will be given along with demonstrations of assistive technology devices designed for individuals with learning disabilities.
Lunch 12:30-1:30 p.m.
"What is This Thing Called "Advocacy"? Keynote: Robert Kean, South Dakota Advocacy Everyone "advocates" for something. What is "advocacy"? Who does it and how? What is your role in advocacy? KNOW THE PROCESS!
2:00-3:00 p.m.
F15 Remedial Techniques Presenter: Bonnee Kinsella, Educator, Rapid City, South Dakota Bonnee, a retired elementary teacher, will review many successful techniques she has used over the years in teaching dyslexics and learning challenged students. These techniques are also effective in teaching students without learning disabilities. Bonnee acquired these techniques attending special education training at the Scottish Rite Hospital in Dallas, Texas.
F16 Cooperative Learning Presenter: Mike Reinhiller, SD System Change Project, Spearfish, South Dakota Different teaching strategies to include all children will be presented. What is inclusion? How can inclusion affect each student? Mike will present information and video footage on how inclusion has been successful in other schools.
2:00-3:30 p.m.
F17 Software and Technology Learning Tools Presenter: Judy Butterbaugh, Technology in Education, Rapid City, South Dakota The software and learning opportunities made available through technology will be discussed with a focus on new and interactive software programs. These new programs are designed for all students, including learning disabled, special needs and at-risk students.
F18 I Know that Child…He's in My Class Presenter: Leigh Williams, Educator, El Paso, Texas The behavioral characteristics of ADD/ADHD students will be reviewed as well as some strategies that the elementary teacher may use to help children maximize their abilities.
F19 Inclusion vs. Self-Contained Classroom Programs…Is there a Difference? Presenter: Beverly Doyle, Ph.D. Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska Dr. Doyle will address two models for serving children with dyslexia or other learning disabilities. Optimal ways of providing service to children will be reviewed.
3:00-4:00 p.m.
F20 Messages of Belonging Presenter: Connie Pollard, Ph.D., Black Hills State University, South Dakota Teachers' and students' beliefs in their capabilities to produce desired outcomes through personal action is a critical component to teacher, student, and school success. The verbal, structural, and procedural messages sent to teachers, students and parents, and how those messages are received, are the building blocks to developing a strong sense of self-efficacy in teachers and students. In this presentation, Dr. Pollard, will address "systems communications" within schools that promote and create learning environments of empowerment for educators, students, and parents. Specific examples of how to improve communication between students, students and teachers, and teachers and parents will be presented.
3:30-5:00 p.m.
F21 Dyslexia - An Update Presenters: James Huff, President, LDA-SD, Rapid City, South Dakota and Dee Thompson, Executive Director, LDA-SD, Black Hawk, South Dakota Dyslexia was first described in the medical literature 102 years ago (1896). Dramatic progress in the identification and treatment of dyslexics has been made within the past 5 years. In 1998, definitive medical and technological findings were published in the New England Journal of Medicine and the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science on the origin and neurological basis for dyslexia. This workshop will provide a comprehensive overview of techniques used in the identification, remediation and accommodation for the dyslexic individual.
F22 IDEA, The Building Blocks to Literacy, Life-Long Learning, and Opportunity Presenter: Robert Kean, SD Advocacy, Pierre, South Dakota The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1997 (IDEA) states that a systems approach to serving persons with special needs is now federal law. The student joins the parent, teacher, psychologist, counselor, and transition specialist, who are all essential in forming the network to provide the building blocks, which enables Literacy and life-long learning for students with special needs.
4:00-5:00 p.m.
F23 Early Intervention: Examining the Reggio Emilia Early Childhood Centers Presenter: David Calhoon, Ph.D., Black Hills State University, South Dakota Dr. Calhoon will explore topics of early intervention and child development by examining the Reggio Emilia Early Childhood Centers as prototypes of naturally inclusive environments.
F24 Transition Services and the Individual Education Plan (IEP) Presenter: Dave Halverson, Transition Specialist, BHSS, Sturgis, South Dakota The IEP is largely directed by "transition" issues. These issues will be discussed as they affect middle school and high school students with learning disabilities. From both a "systems" perspective and an "individual" perspective, the session will look at issues of remediation, assistive and adaptive options, and planning for further education or work after high school.
F25 Adaptive and Coping Survival Strategies Presenters: Gaye Heidinger, RN, and parent, Mitchell, South Dakota and Annie Anderson, Mitchell, South Dakota What are some of the techniques individuals with dyslexia and other specific learning disabilities use to get organized, successfully handle school, work, social and personal living skills situations? How does self-advocacy fit in? Gaye and Annie will share organizational skills and techniques individuals with dyslexia can use successfully.
7:00-9:00 p.m. - Banquet - "Ask the Experts". The Banquet will afford a unique opportunity for individuals to ask questions of a distinguished panel of experts including physicians, psychologists, educators, advocates and parents.
S1 Table Topics An opportunity for you to meet with multiple conference speakers in a small group setting. You will determine topics for discussion.
9:00-10:00 a.m.
S2 Current Understanding of ADHD Behavior: The Lack of Response Inhibition and its Consequences Presenter: Robert Arnio, Ph.D., Psychologist, Rapid City, South Dakota The combination of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity has always been the hallmark of this disorder. Until recently, a clear understanding of the relationship between these factors was lacking. This presentation will provide the participants with a logical roadmap of how to intervene effectively with the most troublesome aspects of this behavior disorder. You should understand why individuals with ADHD are hyperactive, inattentive and impulsive. You should leave with the tools to customize your needed interventions to suit the child and situation.
S3 Literacy in the Home Presenter: Doris Hodge, Educator, Box Elder, South Dakota The session offers techniques for preparing pre-school children to be successful students by using free and inexpensive materials found in the home. These techniques are fun and educational for both children and parents.
S4 Transition Services and the Individual Education Plan (IEP) Presenter: Dave Halverson, Transition Specialist, BHSS, Sturgis, South Dakota The IEP is largely directed by "transition" issues. These issues will be discussed as they affect middle school and high school students with learning disabilities. From both a "systems" perspective and an "individual" perspective, the session will look at issues of remediation, assistive and adaptive options, and planning for further education or work after high school.
S5 Messages of Belonging Presenter Connie Pollard, Black Hills State University, South Dakota Teachers' and students' beliefs in their capabilities to produce desired outcomes through personal action is a critical component to teacher, student, and school success. The verbal, structural, and procedural messages sent to teachers, students and parents, and how those messages are received, are the building blocks to developing a strong sense of self-efficacy in teachers and students. In this presentation, Dr. Pollard, will address "systems communications" within schools that promote and create learning environments of empowerment for educators, students, and parents. Specific examples of how to improve communication between students, students and teachers, and teachers and parents will be presented.
9:00-11:00 a.m.
S6 Take a Walk in the Shoes of a Dyslexic Presenters: James Huff , President LDA-SD, Rapid City, South Dakota and Dee Thompson, Executive Director, LDA-SD, Black Hawk, South Dakota This participatory workshop will give you a personal in-depth, multi-sensory experience designed to increase your awareness as to the difficulties and frustrations encountered by dyslexics. This simulation will provide insight on dealing effectively with dyslexic individuals. The "hands-on" workshop should lead to a greater empathy for what dyslexics experience every day of their lives.
10:00-11:00 a.m.
S7 What Do You Mean This Is Not ADHD? An Introduction to Non-Verbal Learning Disorders (NVLD) Presenter: Robert Arnio, Ph.D., Psychologist, Rapid City, South Dakota Children who are often hyperactive, socially inappropriate, constantly bug everyone and never stop talking share some behaviors in common with ADHD children, but that is not the problem. More importantly, providing interventions that are based and designed for ADHD children (including medications) is likely to be unsuccessful. Learn about the characteristics of Non-Verbal Learning Disorders and the effective intervention for these children.
S8 Using Technology to Help Students Succeed Presenter: Patrick Czerny, Dakotalink, Rapid City, South Dakota An overview of the DakotaLink project will be given along with demonstrations of assistive technology devices designed for individuals with learning disabilities.
S9 Parents and Teachers: Collaboration for Success Presenter: Beverly Doyle, Ph.D., Psychologist, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska The session reviews the need for parents and teachers to work collaboratively to provide optimal results for children with disabilities. Focus will be placed on each role that the parents and teachers must play in the education process.
S10 Issues, Challenges and Opportunities Facing the Adult Learner Seeking a GED and Employment Presenter: Keley Smith-Keller, MA, LPC, Pierre, South Dakota Many individuals who did not graduate from High School realize the importance of an education and enter Adult programs to acquire a GED. Some who are reading disadvantaged also struggle with a learning disability that may not have been recognized prior to dropping out of school. What can be done to identify the learning disabled? What additional services are available? What should teachers and counselors know that could help these students stay in school?
11:00 a.m.-12:00 noon
S11 Software and Technology Learning Tools Presenter: Judy Butterbaugh, Technology in Education, Rapid City, South Dakota The software and learning opportunities made available through technology will be discussed with a focus on new and interactive software programs. These new programs are designed for all students, including learning disabled, special needs and at-risk students.
S12 Coping with Stress and Learning Disabilities Presenter: Glen Edwards, Author, Adelaide, Australia Glen is an Australian Vietnam Veteran who is an expert on PostTraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). He has observed that stress; frustration and depression are the most common problems experienced by individuals who are dyslexic or learning disabled. What are the internal and external factors that can turn stress into a virtually paralyzing mode of living? How can the dyslexic or learning disabled individual minimize stress? How can others help?
S13 IDEA, Section 504, and Compliance Presenter: Robert Kean, SD Advocacy, South Dakota Congress set the date of July 1, 1998 as the benchmark date when most of IDEA requirements were to be fully implemented. What is the difference between IEP and Section 504 and who does this affect? The new IDEA is now law and should be in place. What does it mean for evaluations, IEPS, transition services, assistive technology, least restrictive environment, professional development and more?
S14 A Minute of Prevention is Worth Years of Cure Presenter: Leigh Williams, Educator, El Paso, Texas This session will provide a symbol mastery instructional method that may be used in the regular primary classroom with all students. This multi-sensory technique is based on a dyslexia intervention mode.
LUNCH - 12:15-1:30 p.m. Glen Edwards, Keynote
Author, Australia
1:30-3:00 p.m.
S15 Rewiring the Old System Presenter: Kim Hanes, Systems Change, Chamberlain, South Dakota Opportunities exist within the regular classroom structure to create a dynamic learning environment. Inclusion, flexibility and cooperation can be of benefit to all students whether they have special needs, are at-risk, or are talented/gifted. The session will address the issue of rewards and recognition and their impact on students of all ability levels.
S16 I Know that Child…He's in My Class Presenter: Leigh Williams, Educator El Paso, Texas The behavioral characteristics of ADD/ADHD students will be reviewed as well as some strategies that the elementary teacher may use to help children maximize their abilities.
S17 Understanding the Physicians Role in Child Psychiatry: How does his role compare to the role of a psychologist? Presenter: Neil Venard, MD, South Dakota The physician and psychologist can play a vital role in the screening, testing and treatment of ADD, ADHD, learning disabilities and related conditions including dyslexia. Children with learning disabilities who are not properly treated are at a tremendous risk to themselves and society. However, the psychiatrist's role is to assess the risk to the patient and community. The success of the child depends on the collaboration of the school, parents, patients and the doctors. Do you know what role you play?
S18 "Esio Trot" Reading Problems, Choices and Techniques Presenter: Gloria Robinson, Ph.D., Educator, Denver, Colorado What does this say? To some individuals it spells "tortoise". The child, family and educator so often do not know where or how to begin dealing with a child's inability to decode the written word….much less to be able to spell it. This session will explore these problems, examine some choices and provide participants with options and usable techniques.
S19 Self-Esteem, Collaboration and Information Resources Presenter: Bev Schreck/staff, South Dakota Parent Connection Any disability has the potential to decrease the child's self esteem. This session will discuss strategies to nurture self-esteem in the learning disabled child. What can be done in the home and in the school environment to affirm a sense of self worth? Staff will share information on the various services available through South Dakota Parent Connection.
3:00-4:00 p.m.
S20 Remedial Techniques Presenter: Bonnee Kinsella Bonnee, a retired elementary teacher, will review many successful techniques she has used over the years in teaching dyslexics and learning challenged students. These techniques are also effective in teaching students without learning disabilities. Bonnee acquired these techniques attending special education training at the Scottish Rite Hospital in Dallas, Texas.
S21 Early Intervention: Examining the Reggio Emilia Early Childhood Centers Presenter: David Calhoon, Ph.D., Black Hills State University, Spearfish, South Dakota Dr. Calhoon session will explore topics of early intervention and child development by examining the Reggio Emilia Early Childhood Centers as prototypes of naturally inclusive environments.
S22 What is the Coordinated Campaign for Learning Disabilities? Presenter: Ken Fredette, Past LDA-SD President, Moorhead, Minnesota Six leading learning disability organizations in the United States joined together forming a coalition dedicated to the principle of early identification of Learning Disabilities. This session provides insight into the array of information and services available for all stakeholders. These organizations have built a foundation for understanding the issues and the steps that can be taken to make sure that "no one is held back from leading a productive life because of learning disabilities".
3:00-4:30 p.m.
S23 Dyslexia - An Update Presenters: James Huff, President, LDA-SD, Rapid City, South Dakota and Dee Thompson, Executive Director, LDA-SD, Black Hawk, South Dakota Dyslexia was first described in the medical literature 102 years ago (1896). Dramatic progress in the identification and treatment of dyslexics has been made within the past 5 years. In 1998, definitive medical and technological findings were published in the New England Journal of Medicine and the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science on the origin and neurological basis for dyslexia. This workshop will provide a comprehensive overview of techniques used in the identification, remediation and accommodation for the dyslexic individual.
