Upcoming 2025 Dates:

January 25 | July 26 | 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!

9:00am-9:15am

OPENING REMARKS
Ann Monahan, Arizona Autism Coalition

9:15am-10:15am

STUDENT DISCIPLINE-WHAT ARE MY CHILD’S LEGAL RIGHTS?

Hope Kirsch, M.Ed., Esq., Lori Kirsch-Goodwin, Esq., Kirsch-Goodwin & Kirsch PLLC

Discipline of students has been increasing more and more every school year. Learn why, and learn what schools can and cannot do, and what you can do when your child is facing discipline. Learn about the extra protections for students with IEPs and 504 Plans. We will also discuss FBAs and BIPs and Title IX.

ASK THE ATTORNEY!

Emily Kile, Esq., Mushkatel, Gobbato & Kile, PLLC

This is an opportunity for the audience to bring general questions regarding guardianships, conservatorships, SSI, ABLE accounts, probate, special needs trusts and more! It seems like there is never enough time to answer question so this is the opportunity to get answers.

10:30am-11:30am

AUTISM AND MEDICAL CARE TEAMS

Todd Levine, MD, Phoenix Children's Hospital

Dr. Levine is a Psychiatrist at Phoenix Children’s who specializes in caring for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and behavioral difficulties. This session will provide information and strategies for the following objectives: 1) Discuss the variety of medical care systems that exist in the community. 2) Describe the challenges that families of special needs children and adults have in navigating them. 3) Review family strategies to receive and coordinate medical care for a special needs family member.

EMPOWER U: BUILDING SELF ADVOCATES FOR THE FUTURE

Amanda Steele, SLP-A, Lisa McCormick, BSW, EPIC Disability Advocacy

Discover how EPIC Disability Advocacy's EmpowerU program enhances the lives of neurodivergent individuals through self-determination and self-advocacy. This session highlights the development and impact of our two-cohort model—Trailblazers and Future Leaders—designed to promote confidence, communication, and leadership skills. Learn about our unique approach, participant success stories, and how self-development empowers neurodivergent individuals to reach their full potential. Join us for insights into building inclusive, supportive pathways for personal growth and advocacy.

11:30am-12:45pm

LUNCH
Hot luncheon buffet with soup, salad, entrees, dessert, beverages

12:45pm-1:45pm

NAVIGATING THE DDD/ALTCS JOURNEY: YOUR GUIDE TO ARIZONA’S DISABILITY SUPPORT SYSTEMS

Katie Hurtswicker, MSSW, LCSW, Arizona Lionhearts

This comprehensive workshop demystifies Arizona's developmental disability support systems, specifically focusing on the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) and Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS). The presentation walks through the qualification criteria, application processes, and available services for both programs, providing essential insights for families and individuals seeking support. It offers practical tips for navigating the application process, understanding eligibility requirements, and accessing vital resources for individuals with developmental disabilities in Arizona.

SUCCESS FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS WITH ASD

Roxanna Dewey, M.Ed., Glendale Community College

A general understanding of ASD and best practices is essential to support students beyond accommodations. Join this session to learn tips, tools, and strategies to support student success in college and beyond. 

2:00pm-3:00pm

BEYOND 20/20: VISION AND LEARNING IN THE CLASSROOM

Christina Esposito, Optometrist, Midwestern University

This presentation is designed to discuss the connection between vision and learning with children on the spectrum, developing an understanding among parents and therapists that vision is more than 20/20 on the eye chart, how to assess and diagnosis learning related vision problems in this population, how to manage these conditions and lastly how to provide accommodations to the school to help the student learn based on the their diagnosis and correlated findings.

ADVOCACY 101: TRANSFORMING PASSION INTO ACTION

Brandi Coon, Care 4 the Caregivers

This is a hands-on and interactive course designed for caregivers. We will explore what advocacy means to each of us. Those in attendance will gain the confidence to navigate systems, build strong support networks, and create meaningful change for your child's life. Whether you are seeking better educational accommodations, improved medical care, or more inclusive social opportunities, this course will empower you to turn your passion for your child's well-being into tangible, effective change.

3:00pm

END

Arizona Autism Coalition

Members

Non-Members

Targeted topics:

• Physical, Behavioral & Mental Health Supports
• Medical Issues & Treatments
• Home Programing
• Guardianship
• Supported Decision Making
• Caregiver Support
• Health & Fitness
• Community Programs

Targeted topics:

• 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

Trulieve

UnitedHealthcare

• 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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