Supporting People with Sensory & Movement Differences - with Compassion, Collaboration & Respect

Webinar Series

The Anne Cross Leadership Initiative (ACLI) was created to honour the contribution of Anne Cross to Uniting Care Queensland during her years as the Chief Executive Officer.

As part of this initiative we are excited to be able to offer a series of webinars with Kate McGinnity, Sharon Hammer, Lisa Ladson and Anna Nikolay from Wisconsin in the United States during May and June 2021. Each of these presenters brings experience of working closely with individuals with autism and their families. With a keen interest in understanding the impact of sensory and movement differences and the use of video technology to provide creative support, they have collaborated on various projects and publications including their books “Lights! Camera! Autism! Kate McGinnity was a keynote speaker at the CRU Conference in 2016 and we are delighted to welcome her back along with her colleagues. Collectively these presenters bring many years’ experience providing support and training to people with autism, their families, schools, universities and community groups .

Event 1: The Impact of Sensory and Movement Differences and Diversity on Learning, Behavior and well, EVERYTHING!

Webinar Presentation Wednesday 19th May 2021 9.30am - 11.30am (Brisbane, AEST)

Live Q&A Session Wednesday 26th May 2021 9.30am - 10.30am (Brisbane, AEST)

The manner in which a person handles incoming information is paramount in determining the most successful supports for an optimally independent, rich and full life. How do we get there? Let’s go together! Join us in this explanation & video demonstration of what occurs for individuals with sensory and movement differences and diversity.

Based on the work of Leary and Donnellan (2012), we’ll use this understanding as a cornerstone for determining learning and behavioral approaches that are collaborative & successful for some of our most complex learners.

Download the flyer here (pdf)

Download the accessible flyer here (word)

Link to Event 2

About the Webinars:
This webinar series will be delivered across 4 separate sessions:
2 webinar presentations, each followed a week later with an opportunity to link with the presenters for a live Question & Answer session. If you are unable to watch the presentation at the time it is shown, you can register to receive a link to watch it in your own time before the Q&A session.

There is no cost to attend this initial series of events, they are generously subsidised by the ACLI.

Q&A Sessions:

Please note that numbers will be limited for the Q&A sessions and priority will be given to people with disability and their families if we are over-subscribed.

Who Should Attend:
This workshop has been designed for families. However we welcome all supporters eg teachers, therapists, support workers, supports co-ordinators etc to join us too.

About the Presenters:

Sharon Hammer, MS, LPC
Sharon is an Educational & Behavioral Consultant, & a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 20 years of experience working with children & individuals on the autism spectrum & their families. Sharon is a partner at Imagine a Child's Capacity, where she provides training & consultation to schools, community members, and parents. Sharon has co-authored two books and DVD's about using technology to support individuals with autism, Sharon co-created the first "Sensory Friendly" movie going experience in Wisconsin, & is committed to increasing awareness & possibilities in community for individuals on the spectrum.

Lisa M. Ladson, BA, CABA
Lisa is also involved with Imagine a Child’s Capacity, in Wisconsin. She currently provides psychoeducation, individual skill development & training to individuals in their school, home & community environments. As a former special educator, Lisa has served as a classroom teacher, certified resource teacher & behavior specialist, assisting individuals with disabilities for over 30 years. Lisa is co-author of Lights, Camera! Autism! & contributing author to Autism: The Movement-Sensing Perspective (2018). Lisa is committed to helping those she supports to achieve personal growth and overall well-being using a positive, individualized and person-centered approach.

Kate McGinnity, M.S.
Kate is an international presenter & author as well as a nationally recognised consultant/ coach & teacher in the field of autism. She has over 35 years of experience working with individuals with autism & their families. Kate was recognised as the National Teacher of the Year by the Autism Society of America, & is currently involved in private practice providing training & consultation/coaching to professionals & parents as well as counseling & yoga to individuals on the autism spectrum. Kate is the co-author of “Walk Awhile in My Autism” (2005); “Lights! Camera! Autism! Using video technology to enhance lives” (2011); & “Lights! Camera! Autism! 2 .” She is committed to bringing her passion & compassion to every aspect of her work and life.

Anna Nikolay
Anna Nikolay is a special education teacher & Autism consultant in Wisconsin. Early in her career Anna became a member of an autism support team, co-leading the team after her initial year. Anna develops & presents training for staff & families, & is known for her ability to collaborate with individuals & students. Anna's work helps to support & amplify voices of individuals with Autism. In 2020, Anna started in the Education Policy and K-12 Leadership Master’s program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

There is no cost to attend, but registration is essential.

Everyone who registers will receive a recording of the webinar that will be available to view until the live Q&A session.

You may already know that the event time will not be convenient for you. Please help us by indicating during registration if you are planning to watch the webinar presentation live on the day, or if you are planning to watch the recording later - Thankyou.

Watching the webinar presentation prior to participating in the LIVE Q&A sessions is required.

Community Resource Unit Ltd.

CRU has a 30 year track record of working across Queensland to help people with a disability take control of their lives and take their place in their community

Contact CRU if you need assistance or are unable to register online, by calling (07) 3844 2211 or email us at cru@cru.org.au