Name: Connect & Advocate Together! 2025 Arizona Autism Day of Learning Series - January 25, 2025
Start: 2025-01-25T09:00:00-07:00
End: 2025-01-25T15:00:00-07:00
Location: Desert Willow Conference Center

Register now for our first 2025 Arizona Autism Day of Learning Series event on Saturday, January 25th in Phoenix! Join us for information sharing and networking for professionals, families, self advocates or anyone supporting individuals with Autism and Neurodivergent conditions.
📅 Saturday, January 25, 2025
⌚ 9AM - 3PM
📍 Desert Willow Conference Center in Phoenix
👉 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!
💲 $30 for AAC Members // $60 for Non-Members
💲 Scholarships Available at https://azautism.wufoo.com/forms/m1ujtokg07ecifp/
▶️ Register now at https://arizonaautismcoalition.wildapricot.org/event-6002722
▶️ Learn more at https://dayoflearning.azautism.org/

𝙎𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙡𝙪𝙙𝙚:
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.
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.
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.
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.

▶️ Register now at https://arizonaautismcoalition.wildapricot.org/event-6002722
▶️ Learn more at https://dayoflearning.azautism.org/
💲 Family Scholarships Available at https://azautism.wufoo.com/forms/m1ujtokg07ecifp/

𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙤 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙨𝙥𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙤𝙧𝙨:
Mercy Care - Series Sponsor
All Abilities Ministry - Scholarship Sponsor
Autism Academy for Education & Development - Scholarship Sponsor
Mushkatel, Gobbato, & Kile, P.L.L.C. - Scholarship Sponsor
Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center - Scholarship Sponsor
Trulieve - Scholarship Sponsor