OrPATS Newsletter Fall 2018

Fall Newsletter

OrPATS Training Site Development and Network

The OrPATS Project has developed a network of 40 training sites which model evidence-based instructional strategies. These training sites provide a system to build state and local capacity to serve students with ASD in a variety of settings across all ages. This proactive approach allows for individualizing services for students with ASD while modeling a system that can be replicated in other classrooms. Training sites have been effectively used since 2003 as a vehicle to train school district staff in evidence-based instructional strategies.

Training focuses on behavioral methodologies (including discrete trial training, pivotal response training and teaching within functional routines), student schedules, inclusion and teaching students to be independent in daily routines.

The intent of the training sites is to provide a setting to demonstrate and train staff in a variety of evidence-based strategies. Training sites keep abreast of current research in the field of autism and implement strategies that are effective for students.

Training sites have been established at the preschool, elementary and secondary levels and are available for school district staff to visit.

Regional ASD Consultants collaborate with the training sites to provide training and follow-up to a broader audience within their region.

Web-based professional development activities for general education teachers to support students with high functioning autism

News

Training for Oregon Child Care Providers

OrPATS Child Care Provider Workshops

OrPATS is again scheduling workshops in each region of the state for child care providers who work with children with autism and other developmental disabilities. The workshops are free of charge. The training shares practical methods for child care centers to use immediately with their children. Each center receives a set of visual supports and a subscription to the STAR Media Center (includes Themes First! and Routine Essentials). The workshops include lecture, demonstrations of specific methods, video examples and hands-on practice. The Child Care workshops are being held in each of the following regions: Columbia, NWRESD, Cascade, Central, Willamette, Southern, Lane and Eastern.

For more information visit www.orpats.org

Online General Education Training Modules Available

The OrPATS Project can provide school district staff with access to a series of on-line training modules designed for general education teachers. The modules include information on how to assist students with autism that are included in general education classrooms. There are four modules for elementary teachers and another four modules for secondary teachers. To obtain login information to view the modules or to request logins for general education teachers in your school district, click on the following link and complete the form provided.

Request Login Information for the General Educator Professional Development Modules

OrPATS Presentation Conducted at:

ODE/COSA Special Education

Administrators Fall Conference 2018

Evidence-based Methods for Teaching Children and Youth with Autism Presented by OrPATS

This year's Special Education Administrators Fall COSA (Confederation of Oregon School Administrators) conference session presented by the OrPATS project, shared the latest information on the evidence-based educational treatments for students with autism. The OrPATS presenter provided information on how to implement practical solutions for teaching communication and social skills to young children with autism. It also included information on methods for working with middle and high school students. Information was provided about the resources available from the Oregon Program Autism Training Sites and Support Project, including, access to model training sites, workshops and hands-on training.

Visit an OrPATS Training Site

Educators are encouraged to schedule a visit to one of the many OrPATS Training sites throughout the state. To schedule a visitation, go to the OrPATS website and review the map of Oregon for contact information for each of the training sites.

Evidence-based Practices Information Module

This new module is being developed to enhance the understanding of the Oregon Program Self-Assessment's implementation component. The EBP information module will be available by winter 2019.

New Autism Consultant/Specialist Training

The OrPATS Project, in collaboration with the Oregon Regional Programs and the Oregon Department of Education, will again be offering a 2-part training (4 days total) for Autism Consultants/Specialists this school year.

Part 1 of this training will be held at Willamette ESD in Salem, Oregon on November 27 & 28, 2018. This training is intended specifically for new or newer regional and district ASD Consultant/Specialists. We also welcome any other team members who this training would be applicable to. This may include:

Special Education Teachers, School Psychologists, Speech/Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists and Physical Therapists. This two day workshop focuses on autism characteristics, the Oregon eligibility procedures and functional communication.

Part 2 will be held February 27 & 28, 2019 and will focus on evidence-based practices, positive behavior supports, transition planning, visual supports and instructional coaching.

OrPATS will reimburse school districts for travel expenses for participants needing to travel further than 50 miles from home.

For additional information, registration and travel reimbursement form please visit our website:

www.orpats.org

OrPATS Workshop Update

& ASD Self-Assessment Support

The OrPATS project has already conducted over 11 workshops across the state this fall and there are still a few more to come. As our trainers conduct the last of the fall workshops, they are also starting to schedule and conduct site visits. Site visits provide support to existing training sites and assistance to new implementation sites to establish the use of evidence-based practices in their programs. OrPATS is also available to facilitate the use of the Oregon Self-Assessment. If your program or district is interested in conducting the self-assessment, contact the OrPATS trainer in your region ( www.orpats.org ).

Substitute Reimbursement Requests

Remember to submit your substitute reimbursement request for an OrPATS workshop or training site visit prior to the workshop/training date. There is a limited amount of funds available on a first come first serve basis. Please click here to download the substitute reimbursement request form.

OrPATS Webinars Available

Participants who attend a workshop offered by OrPATS will receive a link to a follow-up webinar. Look for an email with login information after attending an OrPATS workshop.

OrPATS Staff

Joel Arick

Project Director

[email protected]

Wynter Franzke

Autism Consultant

[email protected]

Brenda Hancock

Project Coordinator

[email protected]

Alicia Schneider

Autism Consultant

[email protected]

Darby Lasley

Project Coordinator

[email protected]

Jennie Willis

Autism Consultant

[email protected]

Karen Shepherd

NWRESD Administrative Support and Consultant

[email protected]

Jenny Workman

Autism Consultant

[email protected]

About OrPATS

The Oregon Program Autism Training Sites and Support (OrPATS) project brings evidence-based practices to Oregon schools throughout the state. More than 40 training sites have been established in Oregon public schools in each region of the state and across all grade levels.

Have a question? Need more information?

[email protected]