Virtual Webinars

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- December 6, 2022: Effective Communication as Couples After the Arrival of Children
Supporting Bilingualism for Children with Special Needs with Carla Benitz
Description: Join us for a discussion around how (and why!) to encourage our children growing up in bilingual or multilingual households to maintain their heritage language or languages. Many times, families may hear that their child with special needs should only be learning English. In reality, continuing to learn their home language is possible AND highly recommended. We will be exploring myths around bilingual language development, and practical tips to encourage use of more than one language.
Presenter's Bio: Carla Benitz is the speech-language pathology program manager at Kindering Bothell. She has worked with bilingual/multilingual children with special needs for the past 9 years at Kindering. She speaks four languages herself and is passionate about supporting families to maintain their heritage language(s) and culture.
How to Share the Load When Raising a Child with Behavioral Challenges
Description: We will discuss real life challenges and solutions for moms and dads, that are raising children with difficult behaviors, at home and in the community.
Presenter's Bio: Nelson Rascon is currently the Executive Director of Dads M.O.V.E. His involvement with the nonprofit world started as he was raising his three special needs children. While searching for support for his children he collaborated and built relationships with several nonprofits and parent support groups. His expertise is rooted in personal experience, National Peer Certification (2012), certification in additional training modules, certified training module development, and serving as a Peer Certified Counselor. He has also attended and presented at several national conferences. It was in 2007 that he decided to launch Dads M.O.V.E. with a host of dadvocates. He seeks to expand awareness about mental health and special needs for his community.
Sexual Assault Awareness & Response: What Parents and Caregivers Need to Know
Description: "What you will learn: • The risk factors and warning signs of sexual abuse and/or exploitation of your child with a disability. • How to talk to your child about sexual abuse and exploitation. • How to effectively respond to abuse and what resources are available. • How to talk to your kids about internet, phone, and gaming safety. • The risk of “sextortion” and how to respond if it occurs.
About The Arc of Spokane’s Sexual Abuse Prevention Program: Many people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are uniquely vulnerable to sexual abuse and exploitation. The Arc of Spokane’s Sexual Abuse Prevention program works to end sexual abuse of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities by educating disability professionals, parents, guardians, and family caregivers about how to recognize abuse and correctly respond to it. "
Presenter's Bio: Jim Lane, is a retired Sergeant with twenty-five-years-experience in California law enforcement. He completed assignments in patrol, training, and investigations, which included specialty assignments in a regional task force monitoring sex offenders and investigating on-line sexual predators. Since retiring, he has worked as an activity director in a memory care community, a program manager to men in a residential recovery program and is currently a trainer with the Arc of Spokane as a Sexual Abuse Prevention Trainer. He is the father of four grown children, one of whom is a proudly independent 26-year-old with IDD.
Special Education: 10 Tips for Advocating for Your Child
Description: "Are you looking for ways to more effectively engage with your child's education? Please join us for TEN TIPS FOR ADVOCATING FOR YOUR CHILD, an overview of special education and recovery services for parents and caregivers of loved ones with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Topics include:
*A brief overview of the law
*Recovery services
*Modifications vs. accommodations
*IEPs vs. 504 plans
*Supporting children with challenging behaviors
*DATA!
*Placement
*Working with the IEP Team
*So much more!"
Presenter's Bio: Rachel has been an active member of the disability community since 2009, and is passionate about disability advocacy, and supporting families through all the joys and challenges of raising their children. She is a former two-term member of the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council, and has worked at The Arc of King County since 2015. She is currently the Community and Family Support Program Manager at The Arc, and has worked with hundreds of families as they navigate complex systems, advocate for their sons and daughters, and learn to support their children as people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in our community. Rachel is also the parent of a 17 year old autistic son, and feels strongly about self-determination and the importance of amplifying the voices of marginalized and underserved individuals.
Financial Strategies
Description: There are three Phases of Family Life, based on age, for a child with special needs: Pre-Guardianship, Post-Guardianship, and Independent Living. Each phase has its own unique financial challenges. However, with proper planning, parents/guardians can hopefully find peace, knowing that their child’s financial well-being is protected throughout their life span as well as in the event of an unforeseen life change. We will discuss the resources available to you and have an open conversation where you can ask questions and/or share life experiences.
Presenter's Bio: Sheldon is a Wealth Advisor at Snider Financial Services. He holds three designations; the Chartered Special Needs Consultant (ChSNC®) Retirement Income Certified Professional(RICP®) and the Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®). He is also Life and Disability licensed. Sheldon is extremely passionate about helping families and their children with special needs. He connects with them on a personal level because his youngest daughter has Down syndrome. He knows the extra demands that this puts on families as well as their need for high quality planning. Sheldon understands the advocacy needed in providing for children with special needs. He has organized a network of professionals who serve these families and is regularly asked to speak at school districts and organizations such as the Washington State Fathers Network, and the Issaquah, Tahoma and Kent School Districts.
Guardianship and Special Needs Trusts
Description: Covering questions such as: What is a guardianship? Why do I need one? What is a special needs trust, what types are there and why are they needed?
Presenter's Bio: Christy Thompson Ibrahim is the lead attorney at Jones & Ibrahim PLLC and has practiced law with the firm since 1998. She is a graduate of Brigham Young University and the University of Washington School of Law. She had a brother with Down Syndrome, and her mother, Margaret-Lee Thompson, started the King County Parent Coalition. Christy has taught Disability Law at the UW Law School for over 15 years and is the editor or co-editor of three disability textbooks. She recently completed a term on the board of the Arc of Washington, and she was inducted into the Public Interest Law Association's Hall of Fame at the UW Law school.
Effective Communication as Couples After the Arrival of Children
Description: Research shows that the arrival of the first child carries with it many unexpected stresses for most marriages. When you add in all the stresses related to special needs, the marriage can take a real hit, but there are strategies to stay resilient and connected, even under all these stresses. Bill will share the 4 most important skills to help you succeed.
Presenter's Bio: Bill has worked as a Couples Therapist leading groups at the Gottman Relationship Institute and Swedish Hospital, and he has worked as a Social Worker at Boyer Children's Clinic and the EEU at UW for nearly 30 years combined.
Each session will be recorded and posted on the WA State Fathers Network website. By clicking submit to register, you acknowledge that you’re aware the session(s) you attend will be recorded and grant permission to be recorded.

Virtual Webinars

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