Amphitheater Public Schools

Agenda

8:30am-Continental Breakfast and Resource Tables

9:00am-Welcome Todd Jaeger, Amphitheater Superintendent

9:10am-9:20am- Amphi Student Services Leadership Team

9:20am-9:50am- Keynote, Loretta Alvarez, Sonoran Center for Excellence in Disabilities, University of Arizona. From School to Community: Building Lifelong Supports Together: This keynote highlights the power of collaboration between families, schools, and community organizations so students with disabilities experience a cohesive transition from school-based supports to meaningful adult lives in the community.

9:50am-Break for Continental Breakfast and Resource Tables

10am-10:50am-Breakout Sessions

10:50am-11am-Break and Resource Tables

11am-11:50am-Breakout Sessions

11:50am-12pm-Resource Tables

Breakout Sessions

Breakout Session 1- 10am-10:50am

Rob Wolf: “IEP Process 101 for Families” (Also offered at 11am breakouts) Gain a clear, step-by-step overview of how the IEP process works—from evaluation to goal setting to progress monitoring. This session will help families understand the roles of each team member and what to expect at every stage, so they feel confident and prepared to support their child’s learning

Carsen Kipley: “Students' Roadmap to College Accessibility.” The Disability Resource Center (DRC) at the University of Arizona will introduce disability services, focusing on how students transition from high school to higher education.  Learn about key differences between high school and college-level reasonable accommodations, review the process for students to affiliate with DRC, and the role of universal design versus individualized accommodations in promoting equal access.

Vanessa Hill: “Do You See What I See? Don’t Leave Talent on the Table." In this Parent/Educator Workshop, participants will learn about twice exceptionality (gifted and ADHD, Autism, Specific Learning Disability), ranging from the characteristics of twice exceptional learners to concrete strategies to help twice exceptional learners thrive at home and in the classroom. 

Breakout Session 2- 11AM-11:50AM

Rob Wolf: “IEP Process 101 for Families” Gain a clear, step-by-step overview of how the IEP process works—from evaluation to goal setting to progress monitoring. This session will help families understand the roles of each team member and what to expect at every stage, so they feel confident and prepared to support their child’s learning

Jessica Winchester: This workshop will be filled with easy ideas for promoting independence and work skills at home, advocating confidently during IEP meetings, and helping your child build self-determination—one of the most important predictors of adult success. By the end of this workshop, parents will leave with a deeper understanding of Employment First, new confidence in their child’s potential, and the tools to champion high expectations and meaningful employment opportunities. Together, we can light the path toward a future where every young person is seen for what they can do—and where their contributions are valued and included.

Jeff Thibault: “Empowering Families, Nurturing Futures” Launching a child with a disability into adulthood can feel overwhelming. We are here to help! Join us in this breakout as we explore the services and resources that are available to support your child’s success. These topics will include: DDD. ALTCS, AHCCCS, VR, SSI, SSDI, Guardianship, Special Needs Trusts, and more.

Community Resources

Sonoran Center University of Arizona

Parenting Special Kids Network INC

Encircle Families (formerly Raising Special Kids)

DES Rep

DK Advocate

Southern AZ Downs (SANDS)

Autism Society of Southern Arizona

Diverse Ability Incorporated