Upcoming 2025 Dates:

January 25 | July 19 | October 18

Location: 

Desert Willow Conference Center

4340 E Cotton Center Blvd
Phoenix, AZ

• Informative & Interactive Sessions

• Continental Breakfast, Hot Lunch Buffet,

  All Day Beverages & Snack Breaks

• Continuing Education Certificates

• Sponsor & Exhibitor Resource Fair

• Complimentary Parking

• Affordable Pricing- Thanks to Generous Sponsors!

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE!

Jon Meyers, Executive Director, Arizona Developmental Disabilities Planning Council

Demystify fact from fiction with accurate information on disability related legislative issues and learn how they impact the DDD community. This session will touch on changes to state DDD services including the Parents as Paid Providers program along with federal Medicaid changes and what to watch at both the state and

federal levels.

CANNIBIS AND THE SPECTRUM

William Troutt, NMD, Trulieve

Considerations of utilizing cannabis as a therapy for individuals on the spectrum. Dr Troutt will discuss risks and benefits, constituents of the cannabis plant, THC, CBD and others, Dosage strategies, modalities of use, how the cannabis plant interfaces with our bodies and realistic expectations. Questions and interaction will be encouraged during this presentation.

COMPASSION RECHARGE: STRESS RELIEF FOR PARENTS & CAREGIVERS OF NEURODIVERSE CHILDREN

Dolores Tampos-Oksman, CAS, M.Ed., Love, Heal, Believe, LLC.

Caring for a child with autism is a profound journey of love and dedication—but it can also be overwhelming, leading to exhaustion, stress, and burnout. This empowering talk shares practical, science-backed stress reduction techniques to restore balance, boost resilience, and recharge your emotional well-being. You'll discover how to care for yourself without guilt while providing your child's love and support through mindfulness, self-compassion, and boundary-setting strategies. Key Benefits: Reduce stress & prevent burnout, Let go of guilt & embrace self-compassion, Develop emotional resilience – Handle challenges with more patience, and confidence, Restore energy & joy in caregiving.

TEEN TRANSITION TO ADULTHOOD: WHAT TO KNOW FOR TRANSITION PLANNING

Victoria Ikerd-Schreiter, Esq.

The law requires that students receiving special education be provided services to help them make a successful transition from high school to life post high school. This session will review the laws regarding this critical transition period, the Individual Transition Plan (ITP) process, the difference between a DIPLOMA and a CERTIFICATE, and types of assessments for establishing goals in the areas of Post-Secondary Education, Vocational Training, Integrated Employment, and Independent Living.

Lunch

CONFIDENT VOICES: EMPOWERING PARENTS TO ADVOCATE LIKE PROS AT IEP MEETINGS

Hope Kirsch, Esq., Lori Kirsch-Goodwin, Esq., Kirsch-Goodwin & Kirsch, PLLC, Education Attorneys

Join us for an empowering and informative session led by two nationally recognized special education attorneys who represent students and their families. This session equips parents and guardians with the knowledge, confidence, and practical strategies needed to effectively advocate for their child during IEP meetings—without the need to hire an advocate or attorney. Through real-world examples and clear explanations of legal rights, participants will learn how to: Understand the IEP process and key legal protections; Prepare for meetings with confidence and clarity; Ask the right questions and speak up effectively; Handle disagreements and navigate common challenges; Build strong, collaborative relationships with school teams.

GUARDIANSHIP: PROCESS, TIMING & WHAT TO EXPECT

Matthew Gobbato, Esq., Sara Lignoski, Paisley McCullen, Mushkatel, Gobbato & Kile, PLLC

An attorney and two legal assistants from Mushkatel, Gobbato & Kile, PLLC will present on the process, paperwork and timing for being appointed as a guardian (or limited guardian). Understanding the process will take the mystery out of guardianship. The legal assistants are the first point of contact to clients and the court in this process. Learn what to expect, start to finish.

GIVING THE DIGNITY OF RISK

Jared Stewart, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA, ASA, Scenic View Academy

It is completely understandable for parents and professionals to want to protect vulnerable Autistics. We see the obvious challenges and worry about their ability to safely navigate the world of adulthood. But that same

urge to protect can sometimes go to extremes that actually end up disabling those individuals and robbing them of the opportunities and autonomy that could have led to greater resiliency, success, and quality of life. Join Jared Stewart, Autistic BCBA, to gain valuable insight into how to achieve the critical balance between our responsibility to care and the universal human right to make personal choices.

CREATING A LIFE CARE PLAN FOR YOUR LOVED ONE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

Karen Starbowski, MassMutual SpecialCare

Creating a future that provides for both your own financial needs and those of a dependent with special needs can feel overwhelming. This workshop will discuss four focus areas that should be considered with integrated planning, and a recommended timeline to avoid any disruption in the care of a loved one with special needs.

END

Arizona Autism Coalition

Members

Non-Members

Targeted topics:

• Physical and Mental Health & Wellness
• Housing & Supported Living
• Building Life Skills
• Employment Training & Services
• Education Services & Supports
• Integrated Home & Community Support
• Invitations to repeat previous hot topic sessions

Presenters should represent best practices, leadership, and advocacy with focus on providing a promising future for individuals with Autism and other neurodivergent conditions.

All Abilities Ministry 

Arizona Lionhearts

Autism Academy for Education & Development

Blue Balloon ABA

Division of Developmental Disabilities 

EPIC Disability

MedOne Healthcare

Mercy Care

Mushkatel Gobbato & Kile, PLLC

Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center

Springbrook Behavioral Health

• Series Sponsor recognition with LOGO and company link on event website and social pages for one year.  
• Logo on event tote bag given to attendees at all 3 events.
• Logo on event day marketing materials and signage for all 3 events.
• Opportunity to Present at one of the 3 events (if desired).
• (3) Exclusive FB posts with tag/link to your page and/or website.
• (2) Complimentary Tickets for each Day of Learning event-6 total tickets.
• Exhibitor Table for each Day of Learning event with 6' table & 2 chairs.
• Breakfast, Lunch, unlimited beverages/snacks for 2 Exhibitor Staff at each event.

• Scholarship Sponsor recognition with LOGO and company link on event website and social pages for one year.
• Logo on event day marketing materials and signage for all 3 events.
• (1) Exclusive FB post with tag/link to your page and/or website.
• Exhibitor Table on (1) event day of choice with 6' table & 2 chairs.
• Option to add Exhibitor table on other event days at reduced rate of $100.
• Breakfast, Lunch, unlimited beverages/snacks for 2 Exhibitor Staff.

• Lunch & Learn Sponsor recognition with LOGO and company link on event website and social pages for chosen event day.
• Logo on event day marketing materials and signage.
• Opportunity to present special info session featuring topic of your choice and/or highlighting your company’s mission,product or services.
• Exhibitor Table on event day with 6' table & 2 chairs.
• Breakfast, Lunch, unlimited beverages/snacks for 2 Exhibitor Staff.
• Complimentary admission for (1) Presenter.

• Exhibitor Table on event day with 6' table & 2 chairs.
• Lunch for (2) Exhibitor Staff.

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