Teaching Life Skills to Students with Severe Autism and Intellectual Disabilities
10:15 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Ms. Maria Parks
Ms. Maria Parks graduated from the University of Wisconsin Whitewater in 2018. During her final semester at UW Whitewater, she spent 6 weeks student teaching at Woodlawn Special Needs School in Jamaica. She has a Bachelor's of Science in Education with a Cross Categorical Special Education licence. She is employed with the School District of Waukesha in Waukesha, Wisconsin as a special education teacher working with students with intellectual disabilities and autism.
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Ms. Caitlin Martin
Ms. Caitlin Martin graduated from Carthage College in 2014 with two Bachelor of Arts degrees, one in Elementary Education and the other in Cross Categorical Special Education. She graduated in 2020 with a Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Carroll University, specifically focused in personalized learning and reading teacher licensure (#316). She is employed with the School District of Waukesha, Wisconsin as a special education teacher working with students with significant support needs.
Ms. Dana Furru
Ms. Dana Furru graduated from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee (UWM) in 2003 with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders. She continued on at UWM and obtained a Master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders in 2005, focusing on speech-language pathology in both the medical and educational settings. After graduating, she worked with adults and children in a rehabilitation hospital before pursuing a career in the public-school systems. For the past 11 years, she has worked as a middle school speech-language pathologist for the school district of Waukesha.
Abstract:
This session is centered on life skills in the classroom that build and foster student independence to the greatest extent possible. What happens to our most exceptional students after they leave us? Do they have the skills necessary to function in society? Do they have the skills to gain employment? Believe it or not, YOU have the power to help prepare your students for life after school through meaningful engagement in life skills activities right inside your classroom.
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The presentation takes a look at practical strategies and ideas to practice life skills with resources you already have! Come take a look at how you can service your students to equip them with meaningful skills for their future.