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Conference website: www.assec.org

AGENDA AT A GLANCE
Sat./Sun., Feb. 1 & 2 - (2) Day Pre-Conference Credit Courses
8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Mon., Feb. 3 - Main Conference - Day 1
8:15 am - 4:50 pm

Tues., Feb. 4 - Main Conference - Day 2
8:15 am - 3:30 pm

Wed., Feb. 5 - Main Conference - Day 3
8:15 am - 12:00 pm

***Agenda subject to change

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Subject: Inclusion clear filter
Monday, February 3
 

10:30am AKST

Alaska Center for Accessible Materials "How Can We Help? LIMITED
Monday February 3, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
Participants will learn what print disability is and develop an understanding not all students with print disability receive support through special education services.  They will learn about the process of identifying print disability in students and the tools available for supporting students with print disability.  Participants will have an opportunity to interact with the accessible materials and assistive technology to support students with print disability.  
Presenters
avatar for Meriah Cory

Meriah Cory

AKCAM - Grant Coordinator, Alaska Center for Accessible Materials
The Alaska Center for Accessible Materials is a grant that provides alternative formats and assistive technology to students across the state who need support accessing print. These can be students with physical, vision, or processing disabilities. AKCAM also provides support to teams... Read More →
avatar for Samantha Weiland

Samantha Weiland

SESA Multiple Disabilities & Alaska Center for Accessible Materials Specialist, Special Education Services Agency
Monday February 3, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
Fireweed (1st Floor)

10:30am AKST

Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges: A Collaborative Framework for Supporting At-Risk Children and Fostering Equity LIMITED
Monday February 3, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
Revolutionize support for at-risk students through a student-centered, collaborative approach that spans all school environments. This talk showcases success stories from rural Alaskan school districts, demonstrating how to transcend isolated interventions and create a holistic, empowering educational experience. Learn how seamless partnerships between general education, special education, and therapy teams can transform learning outcomes. Discover simple yet powerful techniques for building essential skills throughout the school day, fostering a supportive ecosystem within natural learning environments. This innovative approach has yielded impressive results, including accelerated progress in speech development, enhanced sensory regulation, improved fine motor skills, and enriched language acquisition among others. Join us to explore how these proven, adaptable strategies can be tailored to your unique school community, promoting equity and unlocking the full potential of every student for lasting academic achievement.
Monday February 3, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
Birch/Willow (1st Floor)

10:30am AKST

Engaging Neurodiverse Students through Multimedia and Project-Based Learning LIMITED
Monday February 3, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
A deep dive into using multimedia, hands-on projects, and student-led presentations to help neurodivergent students thrive. Emphasizing how creative outlets and tech tools like digital storytelling and game-based learning can engage SPED students.
Presenters
BC

Billeen Carlson

Secondary Generalist, Nikolaevsk School
Monday February 3, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
Chartroom (15th Floor)

10:30am AKST

Executive Function Skills: What are they and how to improve them! LIMITED
Monday February 3, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
Have you wondered how to help struggling students in your classroom?  Have you wondered what is causing the struggle?  In this session, we will explore Executive Function Skills and how they may be dysfunctional for some students whether or not they have an IEP.  We will discuss strategies on how to develop these skills for positive outcomes.
Presenters
avatar for Susan Wolf

Susan Wolf

Exec. Director / Educational Psychologist, Empowerment Research, LLC
Having spent over three decades in public health and education with an emphasis on pediatric disabilities, I'm an open book. As a parent of a now-adult son with a traumatic brain injury in early childhood and as a severe TBI survivor myself, I have intense passion to share the brain... Read More →
Monday February 3, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
Aleutian (2nd Floor)

1:30pm AKST

Accessible Escape Room LIMITED
Monday February 3, 2025 1:30pm - 3:00pm AKST
Prepare for an interstellar adventure with the Mars Escape Room, where participants use APH STEM products to solve problems and complete a mission critical to their crew's survival. This workshop focuses on teamwork, communication, and the practical application of STEM principles in a collaborative scenario designed to simulate the challenges faced on Mars.

Objectives:
1. Discover innovative ways to incorporate APH products into the Expanded Core Curriculum, enhancing the educational experiences of students with visual impairments.
2. Identify and discuss the application of UDL principles in classroom activities to enhance accessibility and engagement for all students, particularly those with visual impairments.
3. Develop strategies to guide students using logical reasoning and deduction to solve complex problems, fostering higher-order thinking skills.


Presenters
avatar for Leslie Weilbacher

Leslie Weilbacher

Outreach Specialist -Northwest, American Printing House for the Blind
Leslie is the Outreach Specialist for the Northwest Region with APH. Leslie completed her Bachelor of Arts in Comparative Literature and German from the University of Oregon with her first guide dog Cammy. After interning with Mobility International USA (MIUSA) and the Wesley Foundation... Read More →
Monday February 3, 2025 1:30pm - 3:00pm AKST
Lupine (1st Floor)

3:20pm AKST

Alaska Native Values-Understanding Alaska's First People LIMITED
Monday February 3, 2025 3:20pm - 4:50pm AKST
This presentation offers educators the opportunity to delve into important values that Alaska Native peoples have held for centuries. Whether you are new, or a seasoned educator you will learn about topics including Historical trauma, Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act and how tribal support can help your students transitioning out of school, SPED Resources, traditional values, and communication methods. You will learn how the Alaska Native world view will influence your students' progress in the Western world. This presenter will also have an opportunity to interact with Alaska Native arts and artifacts and ask questions about how and why they are an important part of Alaska Native Values.

Presenters
avatar for Dawn Young Valley

Dawn Young Valley

Sisu Services for Alaskans
Dawn is Gwich'in Athabaskan and Aleut from the Native Village of Fort Yukon. She cares passionately about the Alaska Native population and wants everyone she meets to understand the unique challenges students face in Western-style education. Dawn was a licensed foster parent for over... Read More →
Monday February 3, 2025 3:20pm - 4:50pm AKST
Aspen/Spruce (1st Floor)

3:20pm AKST

DIF Grant and Employment Training Opportunities for Transition Age Youth with Disabilities LIMITED
Monday February 3, 2025 3:20pm - 4:50pm AKST
Presentation about the recently awarded Disability Innovation Fund grant to Department of Education and Early Development and it’s funding for programs to increase the number of Alaska youth and other individuals with disabilities into competitively integrated employment. Discussion of key activities, partner organizations, goals, and available programs and resources being funded by this grant and where individuals can seek resources to assist youth with disabilities leaving school prepare for the workforce.
Presenters
avatar for Karen Heath

Karen Heath

Co-Director, UAA Center for Human Development
Karen Heath is a lifelong Alaskan with a love for everything employment related. She started her journey in the employment field at Fairbanks Resource Agency as one of the first job coaches in the state. In the 90's She obtained her MS in Vocational Rehabilitation from the University... Read More →
SV

Samantha Vetter

Governor’s Council on Disabilities and Special Education
Monday February 3, 2025 3:20pm - 4:50pm AKST
Denali (2nd Floor)

3:20pm AKST

Executive Functioning Strategies Across the Neurodevelopmental Continuum LIMITED
Monday February 3, 2025 3:20pm - 4:50pm AKST
This session will focus on supports and strategies in the classroom and program settings for children in the PK-22 arena.  There will be interactive activities with work products to be shared among participants.
Presenters
avatar for Susan Wolf

Susan Wolf

Exec. Director / Educational Psychologist, Empowerment Research, LLC
Having spent over three decades in public health and education with an emphasis on pediatric disabilities, I'm an open book. As a parent of a now-adult son with a traumatic brain injury in early childhood and as a severe TBI survivor myself, I have intense passion to share the brain... Read More →
Monday February 3, 2025 3:20pm - 4:50pm AKST
Aleutian (2nd Floor)

3:20pm AKST

Supporting Student Engagement & Behavior in the Classroom: UA Panel Discussion LIMITED
Monday February 3, 2025 3:20pm - 4:50pm AKST
Join professors from the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF), University of Alaska Southeast (UAS), and University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) School of Education for an engaging Q&A panel on behavior management in the classroom. The panelists will discuss effective engagement strategies, cultural influences, ways to foster inclusion, and trauma-responsive behavior techniques. No matter your role in a school, this event offers valuable insights to enhance your approach to behavior management and support diverse learners. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain practical knowledge and strategies for creating a positive learning environment!
Presenters
RC

Robyn Capp

University of Alaska of Southeast (UAS)
avatar for Tara Maltby

Tara Maltby

Faculty, University of Alaska Fairbanks
BF

Brooke Freeburg

Faculty, University of Alaska Fairbanks
HB

Heather Batchelder

Dr., University of Alaska Southeast
Monday February 3, 2025 3:20pm - 4:50pm AKST
Alaska (2nd Floor)

3:20pm AKST

Using Descriptive Teaching to Support the Learning of AAC users LIMITED
Monday February 3, 2025 3:20pm - 4:50pm AKST
“Using a descriptive style, the teacher mentions and references the context-specific words, then teaches concepts behind the words using high frequency, re-usable, common words” (Van Tatenhove 2009). The teachers explain a term using common words that they know are already in the communicator’s AAC system. Rather than memorizing vocabulary to answer closed ended questions students use core vocabulary to demonstrate understanding of a concept.
Presenters
avatar for Jennifer Schroder

Jennifer Schroder

Multiple Disability Specialist, SESA
My name is Jennifer and I was born and raised in MN.  My first teaching job was in Bethel, AK.  After that I worked at a residential school for children with autism and then as a teacher for students with multiple disabilities at a school for the Deaf.  I returned to AK to work... Read More →
Monday February 3, 2025 3:20pm - 4:50pm AKST
Chartroom (15th Floor)

3:20pm AKST

Who's in my Classroom? A Review of Related Service Providers and How to Maximize Collaboration LIMITED
Monday February 3, 2025 3:20pm - 4:50pm AKST
The world of Special Education has many players! An effective IEP Team must understand the unique skills, training, and responsibilities of each related service provider within the school setting. Have you ever wondered why some students are "pulled" from class while others aren't? Or why a child might receive occupational therapy at a clinic but not at school? If you’re looking to enhance your collaboration skills with therapists and itinerant teachers, this session is designed for you!
Presenters
Monday February 3, 2025 3:20pm - 4:50pm AKST
Birch/Willow (1st Floor)
 
Tuesday, February 4
 

12:45pm AKST

AI-mazing Tools for Special Ed: A Beginner’s Guide LIMITED
Tuesday February 4, 2025 12:45pm - 1:30pm AKST
Curious about AI? In this beginner-friendly session, we’ll dive into what AI is, how it works, and how it can transform learning for students with special needs. From cool tech tools to personalized learning, you'll walk away with exciting ideas to spark innovation in your classroom. No tech expertise needed—just bring your curiosity!

Presenters
Tuesday February 4, 2025 12:45pm - 1:30pm AKST
Aleutian (2nd Floor)

12:45pm AKST

Building a Classroom for All: A Guide to Differentiation Success LIMITED
Tuesday February 4, 2025 12:45pm - 1:30pm AKST
Come and learn how to support diverse learners in all educational environments. Differentiation in education is the practice of tailoring teaching methods, instructional materials, and learning activities to meet the diverse needs of students. It involves recognizing that students have varying backgrounds, readiness levels, interests, and learning profiles, and adjusting instruction to ensure that all students can access and engage with the curriculum effective.
Presenters
BF

Brooke Freeburg

Faculty, University of Alaska Fairbanks
Tuesday February 4, 2025 12:45pm - 1:30pm AKST
Lupine (1st Floor)

12:45pm AKST

The Power of Authenticity: Supporting Children to Unmask and Advocate. LIMITED
Tuesday February 4, 2025 12:45pm - 1:30pm AKST
This session will focus on the importance of embracing authenticity in self-advocacy. We’ll explore how masking, a coping mechanism often used to avoid bullying or fit in, can hinder a child’s ability to communicate their needs and access the support they deserve. By recognizing and addressing masking behaviors, we can help children feel empowered to embrace their true selves, reduce the need for masking, and foster effective self-advocacy. Participants will also learn about antibullying strategies and policies that create safer spaces for children to express themselves authentically and thrive.
Presenters
avatar for Jordan Christian LeVan

Jordan Christian LeVan

IEP Advocate, Fighting for my Voice LLC
Jordan Christian LeVan is a disability and mental health advocate residing in Greensboro, NC. Jordan graduated from Guilford College with a bachelor's degree in psychology, emphasizing mental health studies. Living with childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) and multiple disabilities... Read More →
Tuesday February 4, 2025 12:45pm - 1:30pm AKST
Alaska (2nd Floor)

12:45pm AKST

Understanding FBA's and BIP's LIMITED
Tuesday February 4, 2025 12:45pm - 1:30pm AKST
Understanding FBA’s and BIP’s is a look into Functional Behavior Assessments and Behavior Intervention Plans- so that you understand them better. Can explain to others what they are and how they are properly used. We will also look at how to include secondary students in the process of both FBA’s and BIP’s. Hopefully there will be time to share experiences that attendees have had and collaborate solutions to try. 
Presenters
avatar for Kimberly Santagata

Kimberly Santagata

Special Education Teacher, Anchorage School District
I am a third year special education teacher for ASD and a UAS student.
Tuesday February 4, 2025 12:45pm - 1:30pm AKST
Denali (2nd Floor)

1:50pm AKST

(Virtual Presentation) All reading counts: improving literacy for students with disabilities LIMITED
Tuesday February 4, 2025 1:50pm - 2:35pm AKST
Many people have the idea that listening to audiobooks somehow doesn't count as reading. But audiobooks can be a lifesaver, not only for people with vision impairments, but also for students with reading disabilities.  They transmit knowledge, build a joy of literature, and promote increasing attention spans.  The Alaska Talking Book Center provides free access to audiobooks and more.  Learn how to take advantage of this completely free service to improve literacy for ALL students.
Presenters
avatar for Freya Anderson

Freya Anderson

Head, Information Services & Historical Collections, Alaska Talking Book Center / Alaska State Library
A longtime Alaskan librarian, I'm passionate about working with others to make Alaska a better place for all.  Areas of special interest are access to information, access to alternate formats for people who have difficulty reading traditional books, and using copyright fairly to... Read More →
avatar for Nadine Kramarz

Nadine Kramarz

Early Literacy and Children’s Services Coordinator, Alaska State Library
Nadine Kramarz is the Early Literacy and Children’s Coordinator for the Alaska State Library. She has been a student library aide, children’s librarian, reference librarian, and library director. She earned her MS in library and information science from Drexel University. Her... Read More →
Tuesday February 4, 2025 1:50pm - 2:35pm AKST
Birch/Willow (1st Floor)

1:50pm AKST

Kids2Careers: PK-12 Postsecondary Exploration & Planning LIMITED
Tuesday February 4, 2025 1:50pm - 2:35pm AKST
ACPE's Kids2Careers includes a new suite of FREE resources (5-12) to help students and families with important grade level postsecondary and career exploration and planning steps, plus Early Career Explorers (PK-4) classroom resources. Learn about our 6-lesson Curriculum, in-person and digital Campus Events, Panel Discussions, Pathway Planning Presentations, Student Success Steps (PK-12), Family Guiding Steps (PK-12), Digital Senior Calendar, Senior Checklist, Planning Templates, and SO much more!
Presenters
avatar for Shelly Morgan

Shelly Morgan

K-12 Specialist, Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education
As the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE’s) K-12 Specialist, I manage the postsecondary & career exploration and planning resources Early Career Explorers (PK-4) and Kids2Careers (5-12). I develop curriculum and postsecondary planning resources to help educators... Read More →
Tuesday February 4, 2025 1:50pm - 2:35pm AKST
Aleutian (2nd Floor)

1:50pm AKST

Working Together: Enhancing Special Education Services Through Collaboration LIMITED
Tuesday February 4, 2025 1:50pm - 2:35pm AKST
This presentation explores the critical role of collaboration in delivering high-quality special education services. Participants will learn strategies to foster effective teamwork between general and special education teachers, specialists, administrators, paraprofessionals, and families. Emphasizing shared responsibility and open communication, the session will highlight best practices for co-teaching, individualized support, and inclusive environments. Attendees will leave with practical tools to enhance collaboration.
Presenters
RC

Robyn Capp

University of Alaska of Southeast (UAS)
Tuesday February 4, 2025 1:50pm - 2:35pm AKST
Denali (2nd Floor)

2:45pm AKST

AI for SPED: Tech Tools to Enhance Learning for Neurodivergent Students LIMITED
Tuesday February 4, 2025 2:45pm - 3:30pm AKST
A tech-focused presentation on leveraging AI tools like text-to-speech, AI-generated lesson plans, and tailored feedback loops to support SPED students. This session would highlight how AI can reduce teacher workload, automatically generate scaffolding for struggling students, and create personalized learning experiences.
Presenters
BC

Billeen Carlson

Secondary Generalist, Nikolaevsk School
Tuesday February 4, 2025 2:45pm - 3:30pm AKST
Alaska (2nd Floor)

2:45pm AKST

Transition Services into Adulthood: Connecting with Community Resources/ Navigating the Process LIMITED
Tuesday February 4, 2025 2:45pm - 3:30pm AKST
This presentation highlights the critical importance of transition services in special education, emphasizing agency connections, recreational leisure, and experiential learning in the community. Participants will explore effective strategies for fostering collaboration between educators, families, and local agencies to enhance student outcomes. By integrating community resources and recreational opportunities, we can empower students with disabilities to develop essential life skills, build social connections, and navigate their transition to adulthood. Join us to discover innovative practices that support holistic development and promote successful, meaningful transitions for all learners.
Presenters
AA

Adam Ahonen

Life Skills Special Ed, ASD
Tuesday February 4, 2025 2:45pm - 3:30pm AKST
Birch/Willow (1st Floor)

2:45pm AKST

Unlocking Potential: Recognizing and Responding to Executive Function Challenges in the Classroom LIMITED
Tuesday February 4, 2025 2:45pm - 3:30pm AKST
Executive function skills—such as planning, organization, and self-regulation—are crucial for student success, both academically and in life.  This session explores how using a universal design approach to teach these skills can benefit all learners, while also meeting the specific needs of neurodiverse students such as those with a history of traumatic brain injury. Participants will learn practical strategies to create inclusive classrooms that nurture independence, resilience, and long-term success.
Presenters
avatar for Sena Gilbert

Sena Gilbert

Youth Brain Injury Program Coordinator, SERRC, Alaska's Educational Resource Center: Youth Brain Injury Program
I have a passion for improving community collaboration and developing training and practices that support students and families impacted by brain injuries. SERRC's Youth Brain Injury Program is a statewide system of support for Alaska students with brain injury which includes addressing... Read More →
SM

Sarah Moreau

SERRC Alaska's Educational Resource Center: Youth Brain Injury Program
Tuesday February 4, 2025 2:45pm - 3:30pm AKST
Chartroom (15th Floor)
 
Wednesday, February 5
 

10:30am AKST

"Building Inclusion through Executive Function and Relationship Remediation" LIMITED
Wednesday February 5, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
Do your students struggle with appropriate interactions in and out of school?  In this interactive session we will examine how strategies for building executive function skills can increase inclusion with friendships and other appropriate relationships in their community.
Presenters
avatar for Anna Zierfuss

Anna Zierfuss

MAP Mentor Program Coordinator / Parent Navigator, Stone Soup Group
Wednesday February 5, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
Aleutian (2nd Floor)

10:30am AKST

Data! Data! Help your teachers, your paraprofessionals (and yourself) collect useable Data! LIMITED
Wednesday February 5, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
Special Education relies on data to track goal progress, behaviors, and eligibility. Data should be a happy world in our profession, not a thorn. How can we make data easier to collect and easier to use? Can collecting data be fun?  Can it be exciting?  YES!
Presenters
LS

Linda Schipman

SPE Teacher, Bering Strait School District, Tukurngailnguq School (Stebbins)
Wednesday February 5, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
Birch/Willow (1st Floor)

10:30am AKST

Disability Justice: From Awareness to Action LIMITED
Wednesday February 5, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
This seminar will introduce participants to the concept of “Disability Justice’, focusing on its history, key principles, and real-world applications. The session will explore the intersectionality of disability with race, class, gender, and other identities, highlighting the ways systemic ableism affects marginalized communities. Participants will leave with practical tools to support the movement in their own communities.
Presenters
avatar for Winter Marshall-Allen

Winter Marshall-Allen

SpEd Teacher, Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
Wednesday February 5, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
Lupine (1st Floor)

10:30am AKST

Teacher-Proofing the Classroom: Tools and Strategies for Sustainable Learning LIMITED
Wednesday February 5, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
This presentation focused on practical strategies and tools that empower teachers to create self-sustaining classrooms, where student learning continues even in the teacher's absence or with minimal direct instruction. The session introduced AI-enhanced tools, blended learning environments, and project-based learning approaches that allow students to work independently, fostering a more resilient, tech-supported, and student-driven learning experience.
Presenters
BC

Billeen Carlson

Secondary Generalist, Nikolaevsk School
Wednesday February 5, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
Aspen/Spruce (1st Floor)

10:30am AKST

The Road to High Quality-Defensible Instruction for Significant Disabilities LIMITED
Wednesday February 5, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
The changed environment of instruction after the pandemic means administration and management of special education must be thoughtfully planned and executed for staff, students, and families. The work of addressing instruction with staff new or relocated to classrooms of students with moderate-severe disabilities along with the differentiated learning needs of these students is complex. Social – emotional supports; for staff and students must be provided along with rigorous and clear directions for the implementation of a curriculum which meets the highest standards for student learning. Come to this session to discuss the challenges and successes in implementation of an outstanding structure and roadmap from moderate to large urban Public Schools.

Presenters
avatar for Ann Meyer

Ann Meyer

Vice President, Attainment Company
Attainment is the leading provider of blended learning solutions with traditional curriculum, apps, software, web-based programs, and AT solutions for special education PreK- 12+. A scientific research-based approach to curriculum creation for ELA, math, science, social studies, and... Read More →
Wednesday February 5, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
Fireweed (1st Floor)
 
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