Autism Resource Training Center
As a significant provider of services to individuals with developmental disabilities and behavioral health challenges, Jawonio recognizes that the co-occurrence of autism and psychiatric disabilities is a growing phenomenon in our community. We are also aware that this lifelong challenge for individuals, families, and the community, requires a continuum of services that will provide interventions beginning at the earliest stages.
The Autism Resource Training Center at Jawonio will serve as a hub for individuals and families throughout the Mid-Hudson Valley region. The Center will also provide the resources and expertise needed for community outreach and education.
Speakers
Daniel Moldovan: Disability Resource Coordinator
Kristin Finch LMHC: Supervisor of Behavior Specialists
Dr. Russell Tobe M.D: Director of Clinical Evaluation Center
Katherine Aquino-Melendez: Senior Attorney The Arkontaky Law Group
Farida Rodriguez: ASL Employment Counselor
Courtney Burnham: Supervisor of Vocational & Placement Services
Ritza Santiago Ed.D: Director of Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program
Robert Sbordone MSOL: Director of Workforce Development
Consuelo Senior, LMSW: CSE Assistant Director YAI Knowledge
Tatyana Kochergina: E-500 RYT Founder and President of Balance with TK
2024 ARTC Schedule
Estate Planning – “Planning for Who and What?”
Katherine Aquino-Melendez: Senior Attorney The Arkontaky Law Group
9/11/2024 @ 7pm | Audience: All
Katherine Aquino-Melendez, Senior Attorney at the Arkontaky Law Group will present on the importance of planning for your family and mostly your family members with special needs and/or disabilities. It is imperative to understand the significance of planning for the future and also understanding what mechanisms exist for planning. A lot of times we overlook the planning aspect, but it is extremely important and essential to protect your children and/or family members with special needs.
Unlocking Expression: The Impact of American Sign Language on Non-Verbal Communication in Autism and Speech Disorders
Farida Rodriguez: ASL Employment Counselor
Courtney Burnham: Supervisor of Vocational & Placement Services
9/18/2024 @ 7pm | Audience: All
American Sign Language (ASL) is a visual-gestural language used by individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, as well as by non-verbal individuals with conditions like autism or speech disorders. It provides a structured and visual means of communication, which can be easier for some individuals with autism to understand compared to spoken language. ASL relies on handshapes, movements, and facial expressions to convey meaning, offering a more accessible, concrete and empowering way for non-verbal individuals to communicate their thoughts, feelings, and needs effectively, and to better interpret and express emotions and ideas.
Advances in Treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorders
Dr. Russell Tobe M.D: Director of Clinical Evaluation Center
10/9/2024 @ 7pm | Audience: All
Dr. Tobe is a board-certified adult and child and adolescent psychiatrist. He is Director of the Clinical Evaluation Center at the Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research where he works with a multidisciplinary team of psychologists, social workers, psychiatric nurses, clinical evaluators, and research support assistants to study brain development and Autism Spectrum Disorders. Dr. Tobe will discuss advances in treatments for Autism Spectrum Disorders. Specifically, Dr. Tobe will update on results of recent multisite clinical trials and discuss obstacles in developing therapeutics in autism.
What is Sexuality for People on the Autism Spectrum?
Consuelo Senior LMSW: CSE Assistant Director of YAI Knowledge
10/16/2024 @ 7pm | Audience: All
There are a lot of myths and misconceptions about people with Autism around sexuality. Attend this session and get your questions answered
How can the Consumer Directed Personal Assistant Program (CDPAP) work with you?
Ritza Santiago Ed.D: Director of Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program
10/30/2024 @ 7pm | Audience: All
CDPAP helps people with special needs, receive care in their home setting with Personal Assistants (PAs) close to them: family, friends, neighbors, anyone they choose. PAs also get paid to care for their loved ones. This segment will cover the basics and provide information on the program and its eligibility.
Financial Empowerment: Small Steps for Big Results
Robert Sbardone, MSOL: Director of Workforce Development
11/6/2024 @ 7pm | Audience: All
People with disabilities need the same financial knowledge and skills as those without disabilities – to manage money, create a spending plan, effectively use banks, reduce debt, and use credit wisely. This session provides tips and tools to help build or expand financial literacy that is inclusive of people with disabilities.
Helping People with Autism to Build Healthy Relationships
Consuelo Senior LMSW: CSE Assistant Director of YAI Knowledge
11/13/2024 @ 7pm | Audience: Young Adults
CDPAP helps people with special needs, receive care in their home setting with Personal Assistants (PAs) close to them:family, friends, neighbors, anyone they choose. PAs also get paid to care for their loved ones. This segment will cover the basics and provide information on the program and its eligibility.
Mindfulness Interventions for Autistic Children
Tatyana Kochergina: E-500 RYT Founder and President of Balance with TK
11/20/2024 @ 7pm | Audience: All
Yoga provides a calming atmosphere, allowing children to slow down. Breathing strategies help reduce irritability, regular heart rates and release emotions. Mindful breathwork also serves as a self-soothing tool and potential replacement behavior for other obsessive, aggressive or self-stimulatory behaviors.
Advocacy
Diana Hess: Chief Communications & Developmental Director
11/20/2024 @ 7pm | Audience: All
Advocacy is a critical effort for self advocates, families and staff to amplify their voices when we need change. Change can be affected in many ways and this session will discuss the various tools and opportunities to ensure that we are heard by our NYS elected officials.
Sign up: Financial Empowerment: Small Steps for Big Results
For more information, please contact:
Kristin Finch LMHC, Supervisor of Behavior Specialists
Kristin.Finch@jawonio.org
845.708.2000 x8334
