March 5, 2001--Regional Training
What: Communication Development for Students with Autism
Where:  UCF Holiday Inn
When:  8am-4pm
Who: Dr. Kathleen (Kat) Stremel
Dr. Kathleen (Kat) Stremel of Western Oregon University is a nationally recognized expert in communication issues for individuals with severe disabilities including autism.  She will present a full-day training for educators of students with autism and related disabilities.  Topics covered will include understanding the importance of forms and functions in communication, skills for assessing current levels of communication and communication needs, and how to apply communication training across academic domains and daily teaching activities.  This training is designed for teachers of students with autism, however, parents and other professionals may also attend.

March 7, 2001
What:  Vocational Issues
Where: Osceola County School Board Offices, 805 Bill Beck Blvd., Kissimmee
When:   3pm-5pm
Who: Eileen Wray,B.A.
Ms. Wray will help participants learn ways of preparing students for work placements and providing functional supports for students as they move to work environments.  Topics will include vocational interest assessments, local, state, and federal resources and appropriate timelines to initiate different levels of vocational training.

March 9, 2001
What: Teacher Training: Seminole and Osceola County Schools
Who:  CARD staff
CARD staff have committed to providing a full-day training to the county school systems to enhance existing teacher training and practice.  Topics are currently being determined, and could include communication issues, collaboration with families, reaching the difficult learner, basic overview of autism, and teaching methods for classroom assistants. (con't. next column)

Flyers will be mailed directly to teachers by district administrators, but parents may alert teachers as to the date the training will be offered.

March 13, 2001
What: Brothers and Sisters Dealing with Autism:  Throughout the Lifespan
Where:  UCF CARD office
When:  7pm-9pm
Who:  Serena Samar, B.S.
The relationship between a person with autism and his siblings is the longest-lasting relationship he/she will have.  What are the concerns and realities siblings fact?  Ms. Samar will present current research findings and reports on sibling issues throughout the lifespan.  This meeting is designed for parents and adult siblings, and other related professionals.

March 20, 2001
What: Locating and Accessing Resources for Families of Children with Autism
Where:  Brevard Parent to Parent, 5650 S. Washington Avenue, Titusville
When: 6:30-8:00pm
Who:  Kim Carper, M.Ed.
Ms. Carper will overview local resources and how to match needs of families to the appropriate agencies.

March 31, 2001
What:  Drive in Conference
Where:  UCF Student Union, Main Campus
CARD staff will present at this conference sponsored by MR/DD of Florida CEC.  There is a registration fee.