The Missouri Chapter of AER is pleased to announce
the 2015 Fall Conference and Business Meeting.
When:
Where:
Friday November 13, 2015
Hilton Garden Inn-Columbia, MO
3300 Vandiver Drive, Columbia, MO
Phone: 573-814-5464
Session Descriptions:
IA. Family Engagement: From Cradle to Career – Dr. Jane Groff
In this session participants will learn: Family engagement in education is an often
overlooked strategy for school improvement yet research shows it is one of the most effective
means to support student achievement and success. This session will introduce the research
behind family engagement as it relates to student achievement, as well as the Four Core Beliefs
necessary to engage families. Innovative examples of family engagement practices in Kansas
schools will be shared and participants will engage in group discussions to reflect on current
family engagement practices and strategize for improvements.
Presenter Background Information: Jane Groff, Ph.D. has served as the Executive Director
of the Kansas Parent Information Resource Center (KPIRC), a TASN project for 8 years. While
supervising KPIRC priorities, Jane focuses on providing professional learning and technical
assistance to Kansas educators and administrators in engaging families in their children’s
learning. She also provides trainings for families on parent leadership, parent advocacy and
family engagement in education. Jane is a certified teacher in preschool and elementary
education, as well as, elementary and secondary special education. Jane taught for 25
years in both general and special education classrooms in Kansas and Indiana. She has a
Master’s degree in Education and a Ph.D. in Special Education from Kansas University. Jane’s
passion is increasing meaningful family engagement in all Kansas schools. On a personal note,
Jane has been married to her husband, Dave, for 38 years and they have 3 grown children,
Jacob, Bethany and Meredith.
IB. Preparing for Post- Secondary Education – Heather Stout
In this session participants will learn: Many students with disabilities are interested in
pursuing an education beyond high school. Students consider post-secondary options such as
vocational schools, two- and four- year colleges, and universities. The purpose of this
presentation is to explain rights and responsibilities of both students and post-secondary
schools. In addition, resources to assist students and teachers to help individuals prepare for the
transition to the educational setting beyond high school.
Presenter Background Information: Heather Stout is a certified rehabilitation counselor with
over 15 years of experience in higher education disability support services. She received her
graduate degree in rehabilitation counseling from the University of Illinois and Rehabilitation
Counseling in Deafness from Western Oregon University. Heather has collaborated extensively
across disciplines in order to increase program effectiveness and expand opportunities for
individuals with disabilities. She is an active member of AHEAD and has served on the boards
of ILLOWA, IN-AHEAD, OR-AHEAD and MO-AHEAD. Heather is currently the Program
Director of Disability Services at Saint Louis University and is serving as the Vice-President of
MO-AHEAD.
IIA. Guide Dogs for the Blind – Nickolas Whitney
In this session participants will learn: The answer to: What Orientation and Mobility skills
are necessary to qualify for a guide dog? This presentation is an in-depth look at the process
of recommending students and clients for a guide dog. It includes, the role the Orientation
and Mobility Specialist takes when recommending students/clients and collaborating with the
guide dog team. It also includes an overview of the life-cycle of a guide dog, along with
appropriate etiquette when interacting with a guide and their guide dog. A guide dog will be
present and ready for a “test drive.” Our School is Guide Dogs for the Blind in San Rafael, CA.
Presenter Background Information: Nickolas Whitney is visually impaired since birth and a
graduate of the Missouri School for the Blind. His work history includes 20 years in
transportation management. Nickolas was the first blind Certified Transit Manager in the
United States and he has managed ADA service in Florida, and Charleston SC. Nickolas
currently works for Guide Dogs for the Blind as an Outreach Alumni Representative. He used
a white cane for more than 25 years and a guide dog now for about 12 years.
IIB. Transition Changes: Rehab Services for the Blind – Janet Moore and Keith Roderick
In this session participants will learn: Changes are coming in transition services. This will be
a two part presentation. First, come see what services are provided and how you can tap into
services provided by the Center for Braille and Narration Production. The second part will be is
discussion on the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) changes to transition
services. This will include eligibility for services, Pre-Employment Transition services, and
working with schools and IDEA in the provision of transition services.
Presenter Background Information: Janet has worked for Missouri RSB for 29 years. She
has been a Rehabilitation Assistant and Administrative Office Support Assistant. Currently, she
is executive Director of the Center for Braille and Narration Production. Keith has worked for
Missouri RSB for 17 years in many positions including Children’s Specialist, Vocational
Rehabilitation Counselor, Prevention of Blindness Program Coordinator, Management Analysis
Specialist, Policy Development Coordinator, and is currently the Fiscal and Administrative
Manager for RSB.