Active Learning: Promoting Independence And Learning In Children With Multiple Special Needs

Date/Time: July 16-18, 2018

Location: Grousbeck Center, Watertown, MA.

Description: Given the opportunity, any child can learn! Active learning, an innovative approach developed by Dr. Lilli Nielsen has reshaped educational programming. Motivating and empowering those with multiple special needs to be engaged by their environment, instead of being controlled by it.

Join Ms. Patricia Obrzut, M.S., O.T.R/L., as she provides you with this fresh and pioneering approach. Learn how to increase functional independence and developmental skills while reducing stereotypical, self-injurious or aggressive behaviors. This exciting conference will feature lecture, video and demonstrations. Active Learning equipment and materials will be on display throughout this conference.

Individuals with multiple disabilities (cerebral palsy, visual impairment, cognitive impairment, autism, hearing impairment, etc.) are at great risk from developing reliance on others to interact with the world around them. Active Learning recognizes that every child/adult with special needs is unique. The programming and intervention for facilitating learning must reflect this individuality. Active Learning emphasizes creating a developmentally appropriate and enriched environment so that children and adults with multiple special needs become active learners. This conference will help professionals and parents understand the theories of Active Learning, to facilitate simple ways to change the environment, and to create a daily curriculum that fosters independent and appropriate developmental learning.

Learning Objectives:

Participants will be able to:

• Establish rich environments to encourage active learning vs. passive learning

• Identify the role of play as a developmental tool in learning

• Understanding the dynamic learning circle and the role a disability plays in disrupting this process

• Identify strategies to encourage developmental learning

• Identify how to use Active learning as an instrument for decreasing self-injurious behavior, self-stimulatory behaviors or aggressive behaviors

• Understand the purpose and use of equipment that facilitates an Active Learning environment including: the Little Room, Resonance Board, HOPSA-dress, Support Bench, Multi-functional table and others.

• Understand and identify the emotional and intellectual levels of the special needs child. Identifying the role of the adult in promoting skill development

• Assess a child’s developmental level with the use of the Functional Scheme

• Establish a rich and appropriate Active Learning curriculum by developing appropriate IEPC goals.