News and Knowledge

OAR is hosting two free webinar events in the coming months on the topics of self-determination and travel training. Those who attend the live events will receive a certificate of attendance.

Self-Determination: Tips for Including Students in Their Education and Transition Planning

Tuesday, April 28, 11 a.m. ET

Presenter Deborah Hammer will introduce the fundamental concepts of self-determination for students with autism and related disabilities, with input from student members of the self-determination club she facilitates. Her presentation will cover how to teach these concepts, power-standards for IEP goals, how to include students in the IEP process, and other strategies for supporting students in developing self-determination skills. Self-advocates are encouraged to attend.

Hammer has worked professionally for over two decades on behalf of individuals with disabilities and their families. As the autism specialist for Arlington Public Schools, she provides training and support to school staff, parents, and students. She is the founder and facilitator of a social club for young adults with autism and related disabilities, Cool Aspies, and advisor to a student self-determination club. She also frequently presents at national and international conferences, including Autism Society of America, Council for Exceptional Children, and the National Autism Conference. She was the recipient the Eileen Crawford Award for Educators in 2017 and has twice been a recipient of the Arc of Northern Virginia’s Educational Leadership Award.

Register for Self-Determination: Tips for Including Students in their Education and Transition Planning, which includes a Q&A session.

Transportation: Options and Concerns for Those Living with ASD

Thursday, June 25, 11 a.m. ET

Presenter Earnst Ilang-Ilang II will discuss transportation services, challenges, and remedies for individuals living with ASD. Meaningful community participation is important for increased social interaction, access to services, and overall quality of life, and transportation plays a critical role in providing individuals access to such services and activities. Conversely, public transportation can act as a barrier to integration for those who are unable to independently utilize it.

Ilang-Ilang will discuss increasing safety and security for people with ASD learning to use public transit and share travel training procedures that can be utilized for this population. Specific information about local transportation options will also be offered for those living in the DC metro area.

Ilang-Ilang is a former United States Navy sailor who was honorably discharged after being diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia, a painful nerve disorder. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in sociology at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Afterward, he obtained his master’s degree in social work at Radford University in 2016. He was president of both his undergraduate and graduate school classes and was included in the prestigious “Who’s Who Among American Colleges and Universities” in 2014. Since graduating, he has maintained a career in the mental health field as a clinician, supervisor, and social worker. Using his knowledge of disabilities and mental health issues, Ilang-Ilang trains individuals in the DC metro area on the skills necessary to effectively utilize transportation.

Register for Transportation: Options and Concerns for Those Living with ASD, which includes a Q&A session.

Questions? Comments?

Please contact programs@researchautism.org or call 703-243-9762. For more information on OAR’s webinar program, or to view archived presentations of past webinars, go to OAR’s website.