2026 Day of Learning Series | Arizona Autism Coalition

BETTER CONTEXT, BETTER OUTCOMES: ABA FOR SUPPORTING SDOH AND QUALITY OF LIFE

Alan Haberman, BCBA, LBA, S.E.E.K. Arizona

Social determinants of health (SDOH) and quality of life (QoL) factors are essential considerations for behavioral health providers, especially as people transition into adulthood. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) can be used to address these factors using existing assessment and intervention best practices to inform both direct and indirect services. Direct services may include promoting skills for self-determination; reducing environmental and social barriers through training and collaboration; and, increasing opportunities for inclusion in and access to meaningful life experiences. Indirect services may include referrals for other services; collaborating with other providers for cotreatment and coordination of care; and, engaging with training opportunities and academic literature to better individualize care.

THE ROLE OF EDUCATIONAL THERAPY

Dr. Shannon Troy, Ed.D, ET/P, Troy & Associates Educational Therapy

This presentation explores the vital role of the educational therapist as part of a collaborative support team for individuals with autism. Participants will learn how educational therapists partner with students, families, schools, and related service providers to support learning, self-advocacy, executive functioning, and educational planning. Topics include advocacy, homeschool program development, school collaboration, transition planning from elementary school through college, and fostering student independence. The presentation will also provide an overview of the Association of Educational Therapists (AET) and the professional standards that guide educational therapy practice.

DIFFERENT VOICES, DIFFERENT NEEDS: ACHIEVING NEURO-INCLUSIVITY

Faith Johnson, Arizona Achieve

This interactive presentation explores the diverse realities of neurodivergence, emphasizing that no two experiences are the same. Through the lived perspectives of three advocates: a Black, highly masking and verbal individual; a Brown, non-speaking advocate; and a white, verbal advocate, we highlight how neurodiversity presents across race, communication styles, and support needs. Attendees will gain insight into how identity and expression shape advocacy experiences, and learn practical strategies for adapting communication and support approaches. By engaging participants in discussion and reflection, this session equips attendees to advocate more inclusively, ensuring neurodivergent individuals are understood, respected, and empowered according to their unique strengths, preferences and needs.

3 WAYS SPECTRUM DISORDER AND TECHNOLOGY GET COMPLICATED

Adam Brooks, M.Ed., Bark Technologies

The integration of technology into every area of our lives has come at a cost. This is even more true for those who use or need assistive technology to operate in the world. In this session, we will explore three areas where dependency on technology can begin doing more harm than good: social connections, AI dependency, and isolation or seclusion. Together, we can help find healthy, more balanced ways for our exceptional children to utilize technology.

THE PEACE PATHWAY™ FOR THRIVING AND WELL-BALANCED AUTISM CAREGIVERS

Dolly Tampos Oksman, MA, MAED-SPED, CAS, Love. Heal Believe. LLC

This session introduces autism caregivers to the PEACE Pathway™, a wellness framework designed to support emotional balance, reduce daily stress, and strengthen overall well-being. Participants will explore simple practices to pause before overwhelm, build moments of calm into busy routines, reframe everyday caregiving stressors, nurture supportive connections, and create sustainable habits that promote resilience and whole-self wellness. This presentation equips caregivers with practical, real-life tools to feel more grounded, energized, and emotionally steady so they can navigate their journey with greater clarity, confidence, and peace.

PLANNING FOR THE NEXT SEASON IN LIFE: LEGAL, FINANCIAL & HEALTHCARE STRATEGIES FOR AGING ADULTS AND INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES

Emily Taylor, Esq., Elder Law Attorney, Cynthia Macluskie, Insurance & Benefits Advocate

Planning for the future takes more than one professional. Join elder law attorney Emily Taylor and insurance and benefits advocate Cynthia Macluskie as they discuss the legal, financial, and healthcare decisions that help protect individuals and families. Learn practical strategies for estate planning, Medicare, Medicaid, long-term care, and preserving benefits so you can confidently plan for the next season of life.

BEYOND RECREATION: BUILDING INDEPENDENCE THROUGH INCLUSIVE CAMPS

Hana Alanis, Jeanne Anastasopoulos, Isabelle Aiello, Matthew Millspaugh, Civitan Foundation

Inclusive sleepaway camp is more than recreation. It provides a supportive, real-world environment for practicing choice-making, communication, self-advocacy, social connection and daily living skills. It also helps families navigate a difficult part of fostering independence: knowing when to step back. Drawing on Civitan Foundation’s nearly 60 years of experience serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, this session explores how camp allows participants to test their independence while families practice trusting their growth from a safe distance. Attendees will gain practical guidance for evaluating readiness, preparing for separation, reinforcing new skills and identifying pathways to access.

Series Sponsor recognition with LOGO and company link on event website, social pages, event emails 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 remaining events.
(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 on all 3 event days with 6' table & 2 chairs
Breakfast, Lunch, unlimited beverages/snacks for 2 Exhibitor Staff at each event

EACH DAY OF LEARNING INCLUDES

SERIES EVENTS

INSPIRING FUTURE SUCCESS!
OCTOBER 17, 2026 | 8AM-3PM

REGISTRATION

$30

$60

SERIES SPONSORS

SCHOLARSHIP SPONSOR

LUNCH & LEARN SPONSOR - OCTOBER

OCTOBER EXHIBITORS

2026 SPONSORSHIP + EXHIBITOR OPPORTUNITIES

Series Sponsor - $5,000

Scholarship Sponsor - $2,000

Lunch & Learn Sponsor - $1,000

Exhibitors - $500