Summer Training
Testimonials
Teacher Comments 2008
"Since mid-spring, I’d been struggling with the physical structure of my room – it needed some serious changes. After the training, I was able to create designated spaces for Free Play, Sensory, Leisure, Work w/Teacher, Work Alone and Group Activities. I also started the first day with visual schedules for all students. It was apparent within hours of students arriving that 2 kiddos were familiar with this structure and used it with little prompting. (Others have since caught on) I honestly believe this made our first week much calmer and successful)."
"Our classroom schedule, individual student schedules and PARA schedules are all being tweaked daily but I’m hoping to create a beautiful choreographed plan like the examples provided – I LOVE structure and organization too. I’ve also created a teacher/PARA work counter with needed supplies (Boardmaker symbols, Velcro, frequently used tools like 123 Magic, Token boards, etc). Having this area and these items readily available has been so helpful."
"Besides the above mentioned things – I frequently recall strategies and tips, from our discussions as well as modeling, that have made a difference while I’m ‘in the moment’ (like less talking and more visuals, blocking, prompting steps). Honestly, the impact of your training has been immeasurable."
"…thank you for the outstanding training this summer. I’ve implemented several of the strategies already with success and plan to incorporate more as the year progresses."
Parent Comments 2008
"I just wanted to give you an update and how things are going. We had a wonderful IEP meeting today. We got there and sat down and we went over the recommendations that we had given them from the summer training and they had addressed each one. They had also met with teacher and not only talked about the HANDS training but had all collaborated and had created new schedules, transition slips work stations and had made all kinds of visuals they were already using that we knew nothing about and they told us that they were amazed at how comfortable child seemed working with these changes. They have done more than we ever expected. We left the meeting feeling excited about the way things were going. They are not just using what they learned with child but made changes in their overall approach. It was amazing to see. I almost cried I was so happy. I can't believe this is the same school that had us on the verge of pulling him out and homeschooling."
"Thank you for all your help over the years. And thank you for putting together the HANDS in Autism training program, it is wonderful getting to see the results first hand."
