This interactive brain-based presentation will explain Executive Functioning and the Impulse Control system in easy-to-understand terminology. Best of all, the fun illustrations and role-plays will give you the tools to teach these concepts at school (Elementary-Middle School). Applications include: Teaching how the pre-frontal cortex (i.e.: The President) works A description of where AD/HD falls on the Spectrum of Presidential Functioning The Big Five strategies for improving the President’s functioning How the President and Emotional system work together at various developmental stages How this amazing system is hijacked by electronic gaming and social media. These same strategies and terminology can be applied at home for parent participants. Empower your students to take control of their Presidential functioning!​​​ ​​​ Ella Munk will delight you with her unusual style of story-telling as she shares her life story, featuring what it’s been like to be a young woman with an intellectual disability in today’s world. ​​​​ Brewability Presented by Tiffany Fixter and Morgan Forsyth ​ Join Brewability, an inclusive brewery and pizzeria that proudly hires adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We will kick off with a short pilot video that provides an overview of our company, our mission, and the impact we have on the community by creating meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Following the video, we will delve into actionable strategies and techniques that special education teachers can use to prepare students for the workforce. We’ll cover essential skills for employment, including communication, social skills, and hands-on job training. Attendees will leave with practical tools and methods to help students transition successfully from the classroom to meaningful employment opportunities within the restaurant and hospitality industry. Together, we can foster a more inclusive future by empowering students with disabilities to confidently transition from the classroom to a fulfilling career. Join us to explore how you can make a difference in your students' lives and help build a more inclusive workforce. ​​​​ 1:45 PM - 2:55 PM Breakout Sessions ​​​​ Don't Underestimate Me: One Student's Perspective on Reading Presented by Emily Wilson, M.Ed. & Simon Schmid ​​​ Simon entered Emily’s middle school class unable to decode cvc words. Now in high school, Simon has transformed as a reader, advocate for himself, and supporter of others. Simon and Emily share their experience navigating explicit reading instruction, advocacy, and creating an effective IEP team. ​​​ ADHD and Girls: The Often Overlooked Struggle Presented by Kristen Hayton ​​​ Research shows girls are as likely to have ADHD as boys, but it frequently manifests differently. We will explore the unique challenges faced by girls with ADHD, why they are often underdiagnosed, how ADHD presents in girls, cooccurring conditions, and strategies for supporting their needs. ​​​