TRAINING AND EVENTS
FOR 2024-2025

Click here for our events calendar.
Note that some events on this page are not posted to the calendar with registration open until approximately 30 to 45 days in advance.

This list is in active development throughout the year, with updates and additional training opportunities.
The latest update was on April 1, 2025.

Select a link below to jump to disability-specific training opportunities.

Autism Training and Resource Center

Blind/Visually Impaired

Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Deafblindness

Orthopedic Impairment

Traumatic Brain Injury

Recorded Trainings All Programs

 AUTISM TRAINING AND RESOURCE CENTER

REGION-WIDE AUTISM TRAINING EVENTS

Conducting Autism Evaluations and Determining Eligibility
October 16, 2024
8:30 AM to 3:30 PM
Format: In-Person

We also offer an autism evaluation series broken into eight parts. Scroll down for more information.

Supporting Students with Complex Behavioral Needs: An Overview of Practical Functional Assessment and Skill-Based Treatment (PFA-SBT)
This is a daylong introduction to Practical Functional Assessment and Skill-Based Treatment (PFA SBT)
October 18, 2024
8:30 AM to 3:30 PM
Format: In-Person

Creating Inclusive Classrooms and Combating Ableism for Autistic Learners:
A Conversation with a Neurodivergent Individual
October 30, 2024
8:30 AM to 10:00 AM
Format: Virtual

Autism in Schools - Video Modeling: An Evidence-Based Practice
December 11, 2024
8:30 AM to 3:30 PM
Format: In-Person

Supporting Students with Complex Behavioral Needs: 
An Overview of Practical Functional Assessment and Skill-Based Treatment (PFA-SBT)
March 5, 2025
8:30 AM to 4:00 PM

Differentiating Autism from other Eligibility Categories: Understanding Conditions that Mimic and Co-Occur with Autism
May 28, 2025
8:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Format: Virtual

INCLUSIVE KINDERGARTEN TRAINING

August 5 & 6, 2025
8:30 to 3:30 both days

Training Opportunities via STAR and OrPATS for 2024-2025!

Autism Evaluation and
Eligibility Determination Series

DATES
10.30.24 • 11.13.24 • 12.4.24 • 12.18.24 • 1.8.25 • 1.22.25  •  2.5.25 •  2.19.25 

TIME
9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
(some sessions may run longer)

FORMAT
Virtual

DESCRIPTION

In each session, we focus on a specific component of the evaluation and eligibility determination process. Each session will include a presentation of best practice guidance, followed by an opportunity for participants to ask technical questions, discuss specific issues, and problem-solve.

As always, we ask participants to refrain from using actual student names or disclosing any other personally identifiable information protected under FERPA.

These sessions are open to all Oregon public school and early childhood educators and staff. You are welcome to attend any or all of the sessions.

  SESSION LIST

Session 1 - October 30, 2024
Overview of the ASD Evaluation Process and Eligibility Criteria, Key Tenets
Overview of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) evaluations and eligibility determination process. Review of core features (social communication, restricted-repetitive patterns of behavior, interests or activities) and the seven domains. Contrasting medical diagnosis versus educational eligibility under IDEA. Describe the required assessments and criteria for eligibility. Exploring the referral process and obtaining consent to evaluate. Key tenets of evaluation best practices.

Session 2 - November 13, 2024
Gathering the Developmental History, Parent Interview and Required Health Information
How to gather the required Developmental History and conduct the Parent/Caregiver Interview to explore early developmental and current behavioral characteristics of autism. Gathering the required Medical or Health Assessment information, as well as the hearing and vision screenings.

Session 3 - December 4, 2024 (2.5 hours)
Social Communication Assessment for SLPs 
Review of requirements associated with the Social Communication Assessment completed by SLPs (functional receptive and expressive language, pragmatics in natural contexts with peers, social understanding). We will discuss a variety of assessment procedures, selected based on the age and presentation of each child or youth (e.g., verbally fluent versus non-speaking). While intended for SLPs, all school-based professionals are welcome! 

Session 4 - December 18, 2024
Conducting Unstructured and Structured Observations
Guidance on completing the required unstructured observations across settings and during peer interaction. Explore how to conduct structured observations (i.e. direct interactions). Discuss developmentally appropriate activities and elicitation techniques that assist the evaluator in assessing the presence or absence of behavioral characteristics associated with autism.

Session 5 - January 8, 2025
Review of Standardized Autism Identification Tools: Selection and Appropriate Use
Review of Standardized Autism Identification Tools that are valid and reliable, exploring strengths and limitations of each - and the appropriate use of these tools relative to other assessment components. Explore Additional Assessments and standardized instruments (e.g., cognitive, adaptive, emotional/behavioral) that assist in determining adverse impact and instructional needs.

Session 6 - January 22, 2025  
Report Writing and Reviewing Results with Parents & Team
Guidance on report writing with templates and examples. Developing a profile of the child or youth, relative to developmental expectations. Meaningfully capturing strengths and abilities. Suggestions for guiding parents and caregivers through the evaluation and eligibility.   

Session 7 - February 5, 2025 
Facilitating Eligibility Determination Meetings and Navigating Complexity
Conducting an eligibility determination meeting, going through the eligibility criteria, and arriving at a team-based conclusion. Tips for navigating disagreements, understanding procedural safeguards, and parent rights (e.g., to request an independent education evaluation/IEE). Culturally Responsive Practices in autism evaluations.

Session 8 - February 19, 2025
Differentiating Autism in Girls
Understanding key differences in assessing autism in girls.

Please send any questions to Darthea Park at dpark@pps.net 

GUEST SPEAKERS AND SPECIAL EVENTS

A Teacher Centered Approach to Building Better
and Inclusion-Oriented Programs for Students
with Extensive Support Needs

Featuring Robert Pennington, Ph.D., BCBA-D
University of Kentucky

May 12, 2025
9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Format: Virtual

Autism in the Classroom: 
How to Connect and Engage with
Early Learners on the Spectrum

Featuring Richard Solomon, M.D., and Katie Scott, MS/LISW
from The P.L.A.Y. Project

May 13, 2025
8:30 AM to 3:30 PM
Format: Virtual

AAC & Autism: 
Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP)

Featuring Janie Cirlot-New, M.S., CCC-SLP
from The Center for AAC & Autism

May 21, 2025
8:30 AM to 3:30 PM
Format: In-Person

REGIONWIDE AUTISM
PROFESSIONAL LEARNING COMMUNITY

Regionwide Autism PLC meetings are held on second Mondays from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. The purpose of the Regionwide Autism PLC is to foster collegiality among educational professionals specialized in supporting children and youth on the autism spectrum, to share information and resources, and to participate in professional development. 

If you play a specialized role in your district leading or providing autism and behavioral services (e.g., autism specialist, BCBA, inclusion specialist) and would like to be included in the Regionwide Autism PLC? Email Darthea Park at dpark@pps.net.

Autism PLC Meeting Dates for 2024-2025

• October 14, 2024
• November 12, 2024
• December 9, 2024
• January 13, 2025
• February 10, 2025
• March 10, 2025
• April 14, 2025
• May 12, 2025

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BLIND AND LOW VISION (BLV)

What to Expect When You Have a Student who is Blind or Low Vision in Your Classroom
September 18, 2024
8:30 AM to 3:30 PM
Format: In-Person

Working with Students who are Blind or Low Vision as a Paraeducator in the Classroom
September 25, 2024
8:30 AM to 3:30 PM
Format: In-Person

Teaching Students with Cortical/Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI)
October 2, 2024
8:30 AM to 3:30 PM
Format: In-Person

PE is for Everyone: Adaptations for Students with Complex Needs
Presented by: Columbia Regional Inclusive Services & NW Association for Blind Athletes (NWABA)
January 29, 2025
9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Format: In-Person

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DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING (DHH)

DHH Play Group!  

Who is this for?
Children and families birth-to-age five, Deaf and Hard of Hearing

What time does it occur?
10:00 AM to 11:15 AM 

Where is Play Group?
At our Wilcox Elementary School building, offices for Columbia Regional Inclusive Services (CRIS) 
833 NE 74th Avenue
Portland, OR 97213

What are the dates?

• September 20, 2024
• October 18, 2024
• November 15, 2024
• January 17, 2025
• February 21, 2025
• March 21, 2025
• April 18, 2025
• May 16, 2025

Please contact Jennifer Goshman with any questions.

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2024-25 Oregon DeafBlind Project

Oregon Cohort 1: Open Hands, Open Access (OHOA) DeafBlind Learning Modules 
2024-25 School Year - Fall Schedule
Asynchronous 24/7 and Synchronous 1x a month 4-5:30 PM

​Making Meaningful Mobility Routines-A Team Approach: Students who have Complex Needs including DeafBlind
A Three-Part Series Featuring Amy Parker, EdD, COMS
November 6, November 13, November 20, 2024
2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Format: Virtual 

An Introduction to Haptic Communication: Haptics, You Laugh, DeafBlind Feel the Claws!!
Presented by Helen Keller National Center for DeafBlind Youths & Adults
February 11, 2025
3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Format: Virtual 

Click here for more information about the Oregon DeafBlind Project

Questions? Contact Darlene Daniels at ddaniels@pps.net 

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ORTHOPEDIC IMPAIRMENT
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY, AUGMENTATIVE & ALTERNATIVE COMMUNICATION

Funding Speech Generating Devices in Oregon
Hosted by Community Vision AT Lab and Columbia Regional Inclusive Services
October 2, 2024
4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Format: Virtual

SETT Framework: A Student-Centered, Collaborative Team Approach to AC/AT Tools and Strategies
October 23, 2024
9:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Format: In-Person

Adapted Play for Students with Complex Motor and Communication Needs

DATE TBD

9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Format: In-Person

Assessing and Goal Development for Students at the Earliest Developmental Levels of Communication: The Communication Matrix and Related Assessment
DATE TBD
Format: In-Person

Fundamentals of Promoting Access for Students with CMN
DATE TBD
Format: In-Person

Guest Presenters and Special Projects

Comprehensive Emergent Literacy for All: Unlocking Reading and Writing for Students with Extensive Support Needs

A Virtual Six-Part Series Featuring

Gretchen Hanser, Ph.D., OTR/L and Caroline Musselwhite, Ph.D., CCC-SLP

SESSION 1
January 23, 2025 ● Getting Started with Comprehensive Literacy for ALL: ALL Means ALL Students-Regardless of Their Disability!

SESSION 2
February 6, 2025 ● Shared Reading and AAC: Supporting Language and Literacy

SESSION 3
February 27, 2025 ● Alphabet Knowledge and Phonological Awareness Instruction Without the Drill!

SESSION 4
March 13, 2025 ● Shared Writing: From Simple 1 Lesson Activities to the 5 Lesson Framework of Predictable Chart Writing

SESSION 5
April 3, 2025 ● Time for Independent Reading: Finding the Right Book with the Right Access Method!

SESSION 6
April 24, 2025 ● Get Ready, Get Set, Write! Getting Emergent Writing on the Radar for Students with CCN & Physical Disabilities, Including CVI

SAVE THE DATE!
May 8, 2025 ● Pulling it All Together: Making Comprehensive Literacy Happen for All! 
An In-Person Daylong Event (Registration opens March 3)

REGIONWIDE ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY PLC

The AT PLC emphasizes support for students with complex communication and motor needs with low incidence disabilities, with a focus on access (e.g., ability switches, adapted toys, accessing computers and devices) and AAC. SLPs, special education teachers, OTs, and others with specialized expertise and interest in this area are welcome to attend!

AT PLC Meeting Dates for 2024-2025

• September 26, 2024
• November 7, 2024
• January 16, 2025
• March 6, 2025
  
• April 17, 2025
• May 29, 2025

Would you like to join the AT PLC or have other questions? Contact Ruth McKee. 

AT & AAC TRAINING TOPICS AVAILABLE PER DISTRICT REQUEST

Did you know that districts in our region may request custom trainings specifically for their staff?

The following list represents topics that we can focus upon, combine, or customize based upon staff interests and needs. To request a workshop, contact Darthea Park at dpark@pps.net or contact any member of the OI team.

Assessment of Children with Complex Communication Needs: Assessing children with Complex Communication Needs for eligibility and program planning purposes can be challenging.  In this training, we will review state eligibility requirements and share assessment tools and strategies that school districts have found helpful in this process.

Communication Partner Training: Successful communication is dependent not only on the augmentative communication tools available but also on communication strategies. This training will teach partner skills, in addition to student skills, that are critical to allow students to develop effective communication.

Partner Assisted Scanning: Partner assisted scanning is a way for communication "partners" to "assist" students by listing or "scanning" through possible choices.  It is an especially valuable strategy for those who have severe motor challenges and limited functional vision.

AAC Implementation Ideas and How to Get Started: May be customized to emphasize different age groups (EI/ECSE, School-Aged).  This training will focus on providing educators and therapists working in early intervention or in school-aged settings with evidence-based techniques for teaching and implementing AAC. Topics will include incorporating the use of core vocabulary for motivating activities and also for communication for academic tasks (Science experiments, etc.).

No tech and light tech AAC Ideas: Have you wondered why, in this fast-paced world of technology, no tech or light technology tools should be considered? Confused about all the names for these tools (PODD, PAS, PECS, PCS, Pixon). This training offers an overview of how to create and use individualized no tech or light tech tools to enhance your students’ communication, and it reinforces how vital these tools are.

Student Environment Tasks Tools (SETT): Framework for Identifying and Implementing Assistive Technology Interventions: The SETT Framework is a tool that helps teams gather and organize information that can be used to guide collaborative decisions about services that foster the educational success of students with disabilities. Participants will learn why considering the Student, Environment and Tasks are just as important as considering the features of the Tools. Individuals will learn a team-based, approach to implement AT and AAC tools and strategies.

Aided Language Stimulation and Core Vocabulary: AAC is not just about tools, it's about using effective strategies and techniques to teach communicative competence.  Very few students begin communicating immediately when a tool is presented to them, they need to be taught how to use the tool. This training focuses on one of the most important strategies for teaching students to communicate using AAC tools, Aided Language Stimulation. The Importance of modeling core vocabulary within authentic and motivating strategies will also be discussed.

Programming and Use of Specific AAC Apps (Proloquo2go, LAMP, GoTalk Now, TouchChat, etc.): With all of the AAC apps that are available now, it can be challenging to keep up with how to go about programming the app so that it can be individualized for a particular student. This training is ideal for Speech & Language Pathologists that may not be familiar with a specific app and would like to learn more about how to program the device for their student.

Mastering the Art of Switch Assessment and Switch Access: Switches help people with disabilities access a range of equipment and technology. The aim of a switch assessment is to determine which switch, movement and switch position is the most appropriate for the student. This involves a process of trial and error, trying a range of switches, movements and positions to determine which combination provides the most successful method of access to an activity for the user.

iPads:  Switch it up!: This provides a hands-on class with iPads provided by CRIS that covers an array of apps that are specifically designed with built in switch access as well as switch access within iOS.

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 TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY (TBI)

The Oregon Center on Brain Injury Research and Training (CBIRT) in partnership with Regional Inclusive Services offers TBI professional development opportunities for school-based and early childhood professionals via the CBIRT events page. 

You can also access a treasure trove of recorded TBI presentations via this CBIRT link providing access to recorded webinars featuring experts in the field of brain injury.

Oregon Traumatic Brain Injury Educational Team Webinar Schedule 2024 – 2025

The following are offered by CBIRT in collaboration with Oregon Regional Services  

Current Management for Youth with Concussion
September 13, 2024
8:00 to 9:00 AM
Speaker: Sara Chrisman, MD, Seattle Children's Hospital

New Member Training
October 18, 2024
8:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Speakers: Chris Ives, MA, Sarah Knudsen, MS, CCC-SLP, Malory Turner, MAT, Melaney Grenz, MA, CCC-SLP

Return to Learn at the College Level and High School Level
October 25, 2024
8:00 AM to 9:00 AM
Speakers: Steven Broglio, PhD and Allyssa Memmini, PhD

Caregiving: Navigating Provider Relationships and First Responder Interactions
November 1, 2024
9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Speakers: Various Speakers

The Relationship Between Cognitive-Linguistic Performance and Sleep and Anxiety in Young Adults with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
November 15, 2024
8:00 AM to 9:00 AM
Speaker: Rocio Norman, PhD, UTHSC

2024: Sports Related Concussion Update
December 13, 2024
8:00 AM to 9:00 AM
Speaker: Ryan Rockwood, President of The Oregon Athletic Trainers’ Society (OATS)

School-Based Supports for Students with Brain Injuries
January 24, 2025
8:00 AM to 9:00 AM
Speaker: Susan Davies, Ed. D

School Based Athletic Trainer Challenges
January 31, 2025
8:00 AM to 9:00 AM
Speaker: Sam Johnson, PhD, ATC, CSCS

Advancing Brain Health: Innovations in Cognitive and Behavioral Approaches to Measurement, Enhancement, and Scalability
February 14, 2025
8:00 AM to 9:00 AM
Speaker: Lori Cook, PhD, Center for Brain Health

Supporting First Responders and Justice Involved Persons 
February 21, 2025
9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Speakers: Various Speakers

Overview of Executive Functions as Methods to Manage Challenges following Concussion or Brain Injury
February 28, 2025
8:00 AM to 9:00 AM
Speaker: McKay Sohlberg, PhD 

Strategies for Challenging Behaviors
May 9, 2025
8:00 AM to 9:00 AM
Speaker: Amy Yillik, DEd, Culture of Care program with High Desert ESD

RECORDED TRAININGS - ALL PROGRAMS

AUTISM

Autism Inclusive Practices Series (2023-2024) Preschool to Early Elementary 

Autism Inclusive Practices Series (2023-2024) Upper Elementary, Middle and High School

ORTHOPEDIC IMPAIRMENT

AAC Academy (2023-2024)

DEAFBLIND

Coming Soon

BLIND AND LOW VISION

Coming Soon

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