Please join on April 7 & 8 for Special Needs Network's Legislative Breakfast, and Free Advocacy and Autism Conference.

On day 1, key legislators will help us make sense of the new administration's proposed polices on education, healthcare, immigration and cuts to programs for the arts, Meals on Wheels, minority business programs and other critical services at the annual Legislative Breakfast and Advocate Summit.

On day 2, we provide 18 free workshops that are critical to help families preserve safety net services for kids and adults with autism and related disorders.

Please share with professionals, parents and advocates.

Registration is now open. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tools-for-transformation-11-conference-regi...

The First 100 Days: Standing Together to Protect the Rights of Children and Families.
A Special Convening of National and Local Elected Officials, Activists, Strategists,
Grassroots Leaders and Parent Advocates

The largest conference of its kind in Los Angeles, Tools for Transformation brings together renowned experts in medicine, law, education, and advocacy to provide families with cutting edge information and resources on national and state immigration, education, health care and disability policies. This is a MUST ATTEND conference for parents and professionals in the autism, developmental and learning disabilities, mental health, education, social justice and advocacy communities.

The conference includes 18 workshops and seminars led by recognized experts; an advanced advocates' summit; plenary session; networking reception; and an award luncheon which recognizes an outstanding student who has beaten the odds to achieve education and/or career success. A health and education resource fair provides families the opportunity to connect with experts, service providers, disability rights attorneys, and other special needs professionals.

Day 2: Sponsored by Special Needs Network, Inc.

Tools for Transformation Conference (Parents’ Day) and Resource Fair

This year’s conference features 18 “bootcamp” like workshops covering a range of educational, health and advocacy topics for parents and professionals. The workshops are complemented with a comprehensive resource fair which will provide invaluable resources to help parents learn the tools necessary to access special needs services for kids, teens, and adults.

Saturday, April 08, 2017

Susan Miller Dorsey High School
3537 Farmdale Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90016

Childcare, Breakfast, and Lunch Provided

Spanish Interpreters Available / Interpretación al Español Disponibles

7:30 am --Registration, Breakfast Served and Resource Fair Opens

8:30 am --Opening Plenary Session

Keynote Speakers: Hon. Maxine Waters (invited), Hon. Betty Yee

10:00 to 11:00 am—Track A Workshops

• The First 100 Days: Learn the Warning Signs sand Early Identification of Autism and Other Disabilities

• Life After High School: Applying for and Financing Community and 4 Year Colleges

• Advances in Autism Genetics: Hope for New Therapies

• Boys, Men, and Fathers: The Unique Role of Dads in Special Needs Families

• #BringMilekHome: Understanding the Journey to Find an Autistic Teen That Mysteriously Disappeared for 5 Days

• Living the Good Life: Wellness and Self-care for Parents and Caregivers

11:00 am to 12:00 pm –Track B Workshops

• “He Won’t Listen”: Using Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)Therapy to Manage Behaviors in Toddlers and Teens

• Is Your Relationship 50 Shades Darker?: Self Care and Relationship Tips for Parents

• Show Me the Money: Smart Financial Planning for Families and Understanding California’s ABLE Act

• Hooking Up: Everything You Need to Know to Help Special Needs Teen and Young Adults with Relationships, Dating, and Sex

• I Feel Like a Tennis Ball! Understanding the Role of Private Health Insurance, Regional Centers
and Medical Coverage for Behavior Health Treatment

• It’s Takes a Village: Accessing Community-based Services, Social Security Benefits and In Home Support Services

12:00 to 12:15 pm --Break

12:15 to 1:15 pm –Track C Workshops

• My Child is Not a Truant: Understanding Your Rights in School Disciplinary Proceeding

• It’s Difficult—But You Can Learn to Effectively Navigate California’s Regional Center System

• Become the Change: Strategies for Advanced Advocates on Protecting the Safety Net

• Master IEP Class

• When Litigation is the Only Option: Due Process Claims, Mediations, and Administrative Hearings

• Jobs, Jobs, Jobs, and Jobs: Self-Employment, Sheltered Workshops, and Everything You Need to Know to Help Your Special Needs Teen and Adult Get Paid.

1:15 to 2:30 pm---Beyond Barriers Luncheon