National speakers enable Partners participants to learn “what’s possible” because the policies, practices, or activities are successful in other places.
The quality of the Texas Partners in Policymaking program depends on speakers who can present “what’s possible” and who:
Are experts in the topic area, including having an understanding of the connection between levels of government, systems change, and policy results.
Have a broad perspective on cutting edge/best practices in disability issues that are consistent with an empowering vision.
Understand what Partners in Policymaking is all about and are committed to the Core Values.
Know how to communicate about their topic of expertise through adult learning methods including blended learning.
Are motivated and enthusiastic themselves, and able to inspire and energize participants.
2017-2018 National Speaker Line-Up
Training Workshop Schedule
Sent
Confirmed
Session
Date
Subject
Speakers Austin
Speakers RGV
1
10/11 Aug 2018
HISTORY of Disability Services
HISTORY of Parent Movement, Self-Advocacy, Independent Living &
People First Language
Since the way we think drives the way we act, Kathie believes real change can only occur if we first acquire new attitudes and perceptions about disability. Kathie is the parent of two young adults; her son, Benjamin, has a disability and recently earned his Master’s degree. (Disability does not have to be a barrier to a person’s success!) She combines her earlier career in the media with personal experiences in the disability arena to ignite positive and long-lasting change.
Kathie believes the inclusion of people with disabilities can best be accomplished when they move from clienthood to citizenship, and replace traditional “special” and segregated services with assistance from the abundant supply of natural supports and generic services that exist in every community. And everyone has an important role to play in this effort!
In lively and insightful workshops across the United States and Canada, Kathie questions today’s conventional wisdom, suggests alternatives to traditional disability-related services, and covers a variety of topics including: People First Language, developing new attitudes and perceptions, using natural supports and generic services, cooperative advocacy, relationships and communication, inclusive education, empowerment, disability history, and more. While she’s been a “trainer” for over 20 years, she still considers herself a “student”— learning from individuals with disabilities, family members, and others who attend her presentations and touch her life in a variety of ways.
Kathie is the author of Disability is Natural: Revolutionary Common Sense for Raising Successful Children with Disabilities (now in its third edition); Apple-Bites: Commonsense Disability Strategies for Everyone; hundreds of articles that are incorporated into two different books of reproducible articles; and the widely-disseminated “People First Language” article. She’s also the creator of the Disability is Natural DVD as well as a wide assortment of bright, colorful, and positive “Disability is Natural” products that are featured on her website (www.disabilityisnatural.com). Several universities use her books, and her articles are featured in other publications and websites. Kathie created the Bowl of Apples logo to illustrate a new way of thinking: just as apples are natural, disability—like gender, ethnicity, and other characteristics—is a natural part of life. (This paradigm shift is included in the Federal Developmental Disabilities Act.)
A graduate of Texas Partners in Policymaking (a disability leadership training program) in 1991, Kathie presents at Partners programs in many states and provides technical assistance to many Partners coordinators. She also presents keynotes and workshops at international, national, and state conferences; provides day-long trainings for parent groups, schools, and human service agencies; and has coordinated conferences and developed training curriculum.
Kathie and her family lived in Colorado for over 20 years, but recently returned to their home state of Texas. Before the births of her children, she was a broadcast television writer, producer, and director and a print journalist. She’s energetic, positive, and determined to help create a society where all are valued and all belong.
Karen also holds a Master’s Degree in organization development from Whitworth College in Spokane, Washington, and a Bachelor’s Degree from the College of St. Catherine. Karen interned with the father of adult education, Malcolm Knowles.
She is famous for interactive training that produces breakthroughs in interpersonal effectiveness.
Karen Ray is President of Karen Ray Associates, a consulting firm that specializes in training and organization development for community, non-profit and government agencies. Karen has consulted with many organizations since the inception of her practice in 1983; her work focuses on collaboration, teambuilding and leadership.
Karen has taught teambuilding and communications courses for Metropolitan State University and the College of St. Catherine. She holds a Master’s degree in Applied Behavioral Sciences from Whitworth College, Spokane, Washington with a specialty in organization development. Her most recent book “The Nimble Collaboration” is distributed internationally by the Wilder Foundation.
Patrick Schwarz, PH.D., is Professor of Diversity in Learning & Teaching for National-Louis University, Chicago. A dynamic author and motivational speaker, Dr. Schwarz is also Chief Executive Officer of Creative Culture Consulting, LLC. His books From Disability to Possibility: The Power of Inclusive Classrooms (Heinemann, 2006); You’re Welcome: 30 Innovative Ideas for the Inclusive Classroom (Heinemann, 2007); and “Just Give Him the Whale!”:20 Ways to Use Fascinations, Areas of Expertise, and Strengths to Support Students with Autism (2008) have inspired teachers nationwide to reconceptualize inclusion in ways that help all children. Dr. Schwarz’s professional focus is furthering education and services that promote the status of individuals with a range of support needs. He works to facilitate successful engagement in various environments, allowing people to make contributions and develop experiences that are important to them.
Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Rehabilitation Counselor
Gladys has served as the Administrator for Mission Rehabilitation Services for over 7 years and is also in private practice as a Licensed Professional Counselor. She is a member of various professional organizations as well as local advocacy groups in her hometown of McAllen, Texas. She has a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling from The University of Texas Pan American and is a certified rehabilitation counselor. She was Governor-appointed to the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities as a family member in August 2011 where she also serves as the Chair of the Project Development Committee.
3
5-6 Oct 2018
INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY
SERVICE COORDINATION
PERSON CENTERED PLANNING
Al Condeluci (5 OCT)
Michelle Howard-Herbein (6 OCT)
Jennifer Caruso (5-6 OCT)
4
9/10 Nov 2018
SUPPORTED, COMPETITIVE & CUSTOMIZED EMPLOYMENT
VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION
COMMUNITY & SINGLE ISSUE ORGANIZING
Karen Flippo is employed at the Institute for Community Inclusion at the University of Massachusetts Boston. Currently she serves as the Project Director for the Contemporary Practices in DD Leadership and Management Course and the National Employment Learning Community. Previously she was the Project Manager for the Partnerships in Employment Transition to Employment National Technical Assistance Center. Partnerships in Employment was an 8 state systems change project funded by the U.S. Government to advance policies and practices to increase competitive employment for youth and young adults with intellectual disabilities. Karen is also the Project Manager for the Direct Course College of Employment Services, an online training program to build the skills of those providing employment services to individuals with disabilities. Her experience spans over 35 years in the disability field including curriculum development and delivery, technical assistance, organizational development, project management, direct service, policy development, and program evaluation.
Veronica Ayala (9 NOV)
RGV Community Event (10 NOV)
5
11/12 Jan 2019
CREATING A VISION
GUARDIANSHIP and the 84thLegislature
MEDIA TRAINING
Erin Taylor (11 JAN)
Yolanda Valenzuela (12 JAN)
Elaina Tardio (11 JAN)
TBA
6
15/16 Feb 2019
ADVOCACY & LEADERSHIP at the TEXAS CAPITOL
Mock Hearing – Senate Chamber at Texas State Capitol
Joe Gagan (15/16 FEB)
7
1/2 Mar 2019
FEDERAL DISABILITY ISSUES
Erin Prangley (1/2 MAR)
TBA
8
12/13 Apr 2019
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
Graduation at Texas State Capitol
