New Year, Stronger Connections! 2026 Day of Learning Series

Name: New Year, Stronger Connections! 2026 Day of Learning Series
Start: 2026-01-24T08:00:00-07:00
End: 2026-01-24T15:00:00-07:00
Location: Desert Willow Conference Center

Schedule

Sat Jan 24 2026 at 08:00 am to 03:00 pm

UTC-07:00

Location

Desert Willow Conference Center | Phoenix, AZ

Register now for our first 2026 Arizona Autism Day of Learning Series event on Saturday, January 24th in Phoenix! Join us for information sharing and networking for professionals, families, self advocates or anyone supporting individuals with Autism and Neurodivergent conditions.
📅 Saturday, January 24, 2026
⌚ 8AM - 3PM
📍 Desert Willow Conference Center in Phoenix
EACH DAY OF LEARNING INCLUDES:
👉 10 Informative Sessions with Expert Speakers
👉 Continental Breakfast, Hot Lunch Buffet, All Day Beverages & Snack Breaks
👉 Continuing Education Certificates
👉 Sponsor & Exhibitor Resource Fair
👉 Complimentary Parking
👉 Affordable Pricing - Thanks to Generous Sponsors!
💲 $30 for AAC Members // $60 for Non-Members
💲 Scholarships Available at https://azautism.wufoo.com/forms/melzhcd0mtjnjl/
▶️ Register now at https://arizonaautismcoalition.wildapricot.org/event-6451604
▶️ Learn more at https://dayoflearning.azautism.org/

𝙎𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙡𝙪𝙙𝙚:
FROM MYTHS TO MILESTONES: NAVIGATING AAC FOR FAMILIES & TEAMS
Emily Heisler, M.S., CCC-SLP, Ally Malone, B.A., SLPA, AZA United
This presentation will help parents and providers understand: a basic overview of what AAC is, how to identify when AAC is needed or can support communication, what AAC implementation looks like in relation to long-term communication goals (parent, providers, client, etc.) and what are the steps to obtaining an AAC device. It will address myths regarding AAC use to help support parent and provider understanding of the benefits of AAC and teach implementation strategies that will build success.
SELF ADVOCACY AND LEADERSHIP: TELLING YOUR STORY
Becky King, Faith Johnson, The Arc of Tempe, Arizona Achieve
What is self-advocacy? What does it mean to you personally? We will discuss why self-advocacy is important and provide space to reflect on what it means to participants with tools to help you share your story with others. From speaking up at medical appointments to addressing legislators on topics important to you, we introduce ways to advocate for yourself and others.
ABC’S OF EDUCATIONAL ASSESSMENTS
Victoria Ikerd-Schreiter, Esq.
This session unravels the process of educational assessments and covers how these evaluations are used to identify student needs, determine eligibility for services, develop a student's Individualized Education Program (IEP), and monitor their progress. We will cover the various types of assessments and how they areconducted in compliance with laws like the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Victoria will also discuss the new updated DDD assessments in Arizona as they are being used now.
DISABILITY BENEFITS & EMPLOYMENT: DEBUNKING THE MYTHS
Cynthia Macluskie, Cynthia Macluskie Insurance Solutions
This session focuses on debunking the biggest myths about disability benefits and work, providing clear and factual information to address common myths about losing benefits. We will cover the basic principles of competitive, integrated employment as the primary goal for individuals with disabilities and work incentive programs such as Ticket To Work, Freedom to Work, SSI, SSDI, Disabled Adult Child Program, Group Employment and Able Accounts that help individuals maintain healthcare and benefits.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Jon Meyers, Executive Director, Arizona Developmental Disabilities Planning Council
Demystify fact from fiction with accurate information on disability related legislative issues and learn how they impact the DDD community. This session will touch on changes to state DDD services including the Parents as Paid Providers program along with federal Medicaid changes and what to watch at both the state and federal levels.
EMPOWERING FUTURES-EMPLOYMENT TRAINING AND SERVICES FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH AUTISM
Heather Hall, M.Ed., Lauren Bedsole, M.Ed., ASU
This presentation focuses on empowering individuals with autism through effective employment training and transition services. Attendees will explore evidence-based strategies, vocational models, and statewide resources that promote job readiness, independence, and long-term success. The session highlights practical tools for educators, families, and service providers to support meaningful employment outcomes, inclusive hiring practices, and community partnerships. Grounded in real-world examples, “Empowering Futures” equips participants with actionable approaches to prepare neurodivergent individuals for purposeful work and fulfilling adult lives—transforming the transition from school to employment into a journey of confidence, capability, and inclusion.
STATE OF THE STATE INFO PANEL
Jon Meyers, ADDPC, Ann Monahan, AZ Autism Coalition, Barbara Brent, DAPA, Michele Thorne, DAPA, Cynthia Macluskie, Autism Society of Greater Phoenix, Patricia Haugland, Kindness Evolves
Open Q&A & session about issues in Arizona affecting the Disability community with reference to AHCCCS, DDD, and Medicaid funding.
FROM TRIBE TO TRANSCRIPT
Anthony Terrill, Robin Sweet, Gateway Academy
This session focuses on tips and tools to create a supportive yet challenging educational environment for neurodivergent students. We will cover community belonging, early college opportunities, athletics, and executive functioning supports to help students on the autism spectrum find their tribe, develop confidence, and achieve independence. Attendees will learn how students can earn college credit as early as sixth grade, participate in varsity sports, and gain real-world skills that prepare them for adulthood—all within a compassionate, inclusive framework that empowers them to thrive academically, socially, and personally in today’s ever-changing world.
OVERVIEW OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM
Fredrica Strumpf, JD, Maricopa County Public Defender, Elisha Dunn, Maricopa County Public Defender
What happens of you, a loved one, or someone you serve has had police contact that may result in arrest? Learn form criminal defense lawyers who exclusively work with clients with disabilities, how the criminal justice system is set up and how you can navigate it. There will also be discussion of ways to prevent such criminal justice involvement. (This is not a forum to discuss specific individuals or cases)
HOW TO EFFECTIVELY COLLABORATE
Hope Kirsch, M.A.Ed., Esq., Lori Kirsch-Goodwin, Esq., Kirsch, Goodwin-Kirsch, PLLC, Corey Montaño, Ph.D., SPED Director, Dysart Unified School District, Heather R. Pierson, Esq., Udall Shumway
This session will focus on how to work with the school and their attorney to resolve disputes, and what happens when the school brings its attorney to a meeting. We will explain the role of the special education director and the school's attorney, and you will get a behind-the-scenes view of how parents and the school can work together to avoid escalating issues and to resolve disputes.

▶️ Register now at https://arizonaautismcoalition.wildapricot.org/event-6451604
▶️ Learn more at https://dayoflearning.azautism.org/
💲 Family Scholarships Available at https://azautism.wufoo.com/forms/melzhcd0mtjnjl/

𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙤 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙨𝙥𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙤𝙧𝙨:
Mushkatel, Gobbato, & Kile, P.L.L.C. - Series Sponsor
Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center - Scholarship Sponsor
Cortica - Lunch & Learn Sponsor