Below are the sessions we will be having thus far at the 2025 Homeschooling Special Needs Expo. If you're a homeschooling and/or special needs speaker and would like to submit to the Call for Speakers, please click here. Please check back here often as this will be updated.
Keynotes
Empowering Every Learner: Unlocking Potential Through Tailored Education
In this powerful yet moving keynote address, Terrie McKee, a mom of four special needs children, will encourage special needs parents to not give up, to seek out and teach to their childrens' gifts, talents, and interests, and to keep their eyes planted firmly on the future, whatever that may be. She will detail the valleys and victories of her son Sam's autism journey from being nonverbal to now being 30 years old, living on his own, and holding down a job. She will encourage parents to be the best advocates for their children.
Speaker: Terrie McKee, Homeschooling One Child
In this powerful yet moving keynote address, Terrie McKee, a mom of four special needs children, will encourage special needs parents to not give up, to seek out and teach to their childrens' gifts, talents, and interests, and to keep their eyes planted firmly on the future, whatever that may be. She will detail the valleys and victories of her son Sam's autism journey from being nonverbal to now being 30 years old, living on his own, and holding down a job. She will encourage parents to be the best advocates for their children.
Speaker: Terrie McKee, Homeschooling One Child
Adoption
Putting Your Adopted Child In The Driver's Seat
One of the challenges adopted kids often face is feeling powerless. Adopted families are forged through loss. And when that happens, our kids can feel like they are not in control of everything. That often trickles into their education and may look like a child or teen that is unmotivated. Let's talk about how to help empower our kids by owning and controlling parts of their life.
Speaker: Sarah McCubbin, Ten Minute Momentum
One of the challenges adopted kids often face is feeling powerless. Adopted families are forged through loss. And when that happens, our kids can feel like they are not in control of everything. That often trickles into their education and may look like a child or teen that is unmotivated. Let's talk about how to help empower our kids by owning and controlling parts of their life.
Speaker: Sarah McCubbin, Ten Minute Momentum
I Can't Do This On My Own
Finding resources for your adopted or special needs child's home education.
Speaker: Sarah McCubbin, Ten Minute Momentum
Finding resources for your adopted or special needs child's home education.
Speaker: Sarah McCubbin, Ten Minute Momentum
Adult Special Needs
Preparing for the Future (Heading Toward Adulthood)
We will discuss diploma choices, guardianship, trust funds and resources for parents to connect with as they prepare for the adult special needs journey.
Speaker: Susan Blackwell, Homeschooling the Child with Special Needs
We will discuss diploma choices, guardianship, trust funds and resources for parents to connect with as they prepare for the adult special needs journey.
Speaker: Susan Blackwell, Homeschooling the Child with Special Needs
Preparing Your Child for Adulthood
One of the scariest things to think about as a special needs parent of a child with moderate to severe challenges is: What happens immediately after high school and beyond? How can I make my child's life meaningful? Come and learn how to work toward a future of maximum independence and purposeful activity.
Speaker: Stephanie Buckwalter, ELARP Learning
One of the scariest things to think about as a special needs parent of a child with moderate to severe challenges is: What happens immediately after high school and beyond? How can I make my child's life meaningful? Come and learn how to work toward a future of maximum independence and purposeful activity.
Speaker: Stephanie Buckwalter, ELARP Learning
Autism
Ask an Autistic School Psychologist ANYTHING!
Have you had questions burning in your mind but have been too nervous to ask them on social media? Afraid you might be publicly shamed using the wrong terms? Here is your chance! Amy Bodkin is an Autistic School Psychologist and supports families worldwide with a wide variety of special needs. No question is off limits -- on any topic!
Speaker: Amy Bodkin, Amy Bodkin Consulting
Have you had questions burning in your mind but have been too nervous to ask them on social media? Afraid you might be publicly shamed using the wrong terms? Here is your chance! Amy Bodkin is an Autistic School Psychologist and supports families worldwide with a wide variety of special needs. No question is off limits -- on any topic!
Speaker: Amy Bodkin, Amy Bodkin Consulting
Tips for Homeschooling Teens with Autism
Homeschooling a teen who has autism can be difficult: the meltdowns, the structure, puberty...in this session, homeschooling mom of four special needs children (including autism), Terrie McKee, will unpack how she worked with her teen to teach him academics, social skills, and life skills (and navigate the changing world of puberty). She will encourage participants with tips she learned from her almost-30 years' experience of having a child with autism.
Speaker: Terrie McKee, Homeschooling One Child
Homeschooling a teen who has autism can be difficult: the meltdowns, the structure, puberty...in this session, homeschooling mom of four special needs children (including autism), Terrie McKee, will unpack how she worked with her teen to teach him academics, social skills, and life skills (and navigate the changing world of puberty). She will encourage participants with tips she learned from her almost-30 years' experience of having a child with autism.
Speaker: Terrie McKee, Homeschooling One Child
Navigating Pathological Demand Avoidance in Your Homeschool
Are you homeschooling a child who seems to push back on even the simplest requests? I get it—it can be tough. In this session, we’ll talk about Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), a profile of autism that shows up as a strong resistance to everyday demands. We’ll explore what PDA looks like in real life, why your child might be reacting this way, and most importantly, how you can create a home environment that feels safe and flexible for them. I'll share practical tips and strategies that honor your child's needs and make homeschooling less of a battle and more of a journey you can enjoy together.
Speaker: Michelle McCarthy, Brave Homeschooling Educational Services
Are you homeschooling a child who seems to push back on even the simplest requests? I get it—it can be tough. In this session, we’ll talk about Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), a profile of autism that shows up as a strong resistance to everyday demands. We’ll explore what PDA looks like in real life, why your child might be reacting this way, and most importantly, how you can create a home environment that feels safe and flexible for them. I'll share practical tips and strategies that honor your child's needs and make homeschooling less of a battle and more of a journey you can enjoy together.
Speaker: Michelle McCarthy, Brave Homeschooling Educational Services
Behavior
Behavioral Success in Your Child with (or Without) Special Needs
Children of all abilities can be frustrating when they don't behave. Can I get an Amen? Children with special needs can make us want to throw in the towel as we often lack confidence in our parenting, especially when it comes to behavior management. What do they understand? What are they actually capable of? What does it mean to exasperate my child? We'll talk about ditches we walk in, how to get out, and most importantly, strategies to manage behavior so you and your children with special needs can succeed in your daily life. You can do this!
Speaker: Melissa Crabtree, Heidi St. John
Children of all abilities can be frustrating when they don't behave. Can I get an Amen? Children with special needs can make us want to throw in the towel as we often lack confidence in our parenting, especially when it comes to behavior management. What do they understand? What are they actually capable of? What does it mean to exasperate my child? We'll talk about ditches we walk in, how to get out, and most importantly, strategies to manage behavior so you and your children with special needs can succeed in your daily life. You can do this!
Speaker: Melissa Crabtree, Heidi St. John
Behavior 101: Where do I start?
Behavior is challenging, but you can tackle it! Learn practical proactive and reactive responses to help your child manage their emotions in safe and respectful way.
Speaker: Stefanie Henry, Keystone Educational Services
Behavior is challenging, but you can tackle it! Learn practical proactive and reactive responses to help your child manage their emotions in safe and respectful way.
Speaker: Stefanie Henry, Keystone Educational Services
Crisis Management
Crisis Communication
Communication is key in a crisis situation! Learn how to effectively communicate with this step by step approach to deescalate children and adults.
Speaker: Stefanie Henry, Keystone Educational Services
Communication is key in a crisis situation! Learn how to effectively communicate with this step by step approach to deescalate children and adults.
Speaker: Stefanie Henry, Keystone Educational Services
Curriculum
Making Homeschool Curriculum Work for Your Special Needs Child
Finding the right homeschool curriculum for a child with special needs can be challenging. In this session, we’ll cover how to choose, modify, and adapt curriculum to suit your child’s unique learning style. You’ll learn practical tips and strategies to create a supportive and personalized homeschooling experience that works for your family. Whether you’re new to homeschooling or looking to make changes, this session will provide the guidance you need.
Speaker: Michelle McCarthy, Brave Homeschooling Educational Services
Finding the right homeschool curriculum for a child with special needs can be challenging. In this session, we’ll cover how to choose, modify, and adapt curriculum to suit your child’s unique learning style. You’ll learn practical tips and strategies to create a supportive and personalized homeschooling experience that works for your family. Whether you’re new to homeschooling or looking to make changes, this session will provide the guidance you need.
Speaker: Michelle McCarthy, Brave Homeschooling Educational Services
Help! How Do I Choose Curriculum for My Special Needs Homeschool!?
Choosing curriculum is hard for any homeschooling parent. Add in special needs, and it can feel downright impossible. Join Christine from Rabbit Trails Homeschool as she shares her journey of how she choose curriculum, adapted curriculum to fit her unique family, and how to easily modify curriculum so that it will work for your children.
Speaker: Christine Zell, Rabbit Trails Homeschool
Choosing curriculum is hard for any homeschooling parent. Add in special needs, and it can feel downright impossible. Join Christine from Rabbit Trails Homeschool as she shares her journey of how she choose curriculum, adapted curriculum to fit her unique family, and how to easily modify curriculum so that it will work for your children.
Speaker: Christine Zell, Rabbit Trails Homeschool
Going Down the Rabbit Trail: Using Quality Literature in Your Homeschool
There’s nothing quite like curling up with a good book. You can teach your children through beautiful literature and all of the wonderful exploration that comes with it! See how literature based learning can transform your homeschool, how to create a love of learning, and what it means to go down the Rabbit Trail in your home.
Speaker: Christine Zell, Rabbit Trails Homeschool
There’s nothing quite like curling up with a good book. You can teach your children through beautiful literature and all of the wonderful exploration that comes with it! See how literature based learning can transform your homeschool, how to create a love of learning, and what it means to go down the Rabbit Trail in your home.
Speaker: Christine Zell, Rabbit Trails Homeschool
Exploring Curriculum Options
Mom of 17 homeschooled students and curriculum counselor for a statewide homeschool organization, Vicki shares the secrets to mapping out a successful course of study for your children. This workshop helps beginners to get a solid start in home education, and encourages veterans to re-examine goals and priorities. Includes a basic overview of different teaching approaches.
Speaker: Vicki Bentley, Homeschool with Confidence
Mom of 17 homeschooled students and curriculum counselor for a statewide homeschool organization, Vicki shares the secrets to mapping out a successful course of study for your children. This workshop helps beginners to get a solid start in home education, and encourages veterans to re-examine goals and priorities. Includes a basic overview of different teaching approaches.
Speaker: Vicki Bentley, Homeschool with Confidence
Delight-Directed Learning
Homeschooling Held Hostage
In the past twenty years, we’ve seen a lot of changes in the homeschool community. There is much more pressure being put on homeschoolers to excel academically. We’ve gone from a few brave moms who, without access to mainstream “curriculum”, managed to give their children an excellent education—but we’ve forgotten what made it excellent. It was excellent because these moms had a vision for homeschooling—they weren’t trying to re-create school at home. They were simply being obedient to the One who had called them to be different. They knew that if He had called them, He would equip them. And they were right. If you’re struggling to find joy in your calling as a homeschooling parent, if you’re looking for more LIFE in your homeschool, this is one workshop you won’t want to miss. join Heidi as she talks about her journey away from curriculum-driven, workbook based homeschooling and into delight-directed learning. What she learned will bless and inspire you.
Speaker: Heidi St. John, Heidi St. John
In the past twenty years, we’ve seen a lot of changes in the homeschool community. There is much more pressure being put on homeschoolers to excel academically. We’ve gone from a few brave moms who, without access to mainstream “curriculum”, managed to give their children an excellent education—but we’ve forgotten what made it excellent. It was excellent because these moms had a vision for homeschooling—they weren’t trying to re-create school at home. They were simply being obedient to the One who had called them to be different. They knew that if He had called them, He would equip them. And they were right. If you’re struggling to find joy in your calling as a homeschooling parent, if you’re looking for more LIFE in your homeschool, this is one workshop you won’t want to miss. join Heidi as she talks about her journey away from curriculum-driven, workbook based homeschooling and into delight-directed learning. What she learned will bless and inspire you.
Speaker: Heidi St. John, Heidi St. John
Encouragement
R.E.A.L. L.I.F.E. Homeschooling
Let's face it. Homeschooling is challenging. Sometimes it can feel like a major accomplishment just to take a shower and get the breakfast dishes cleaned up before dinner! Most homeschool moms feel the pressure of providing their children with a solid academic foundation ~ but there's so much more to homeschooling than academics, isn't there? The truth is that the greatest accomplishment of your homeschooling is to nurture your children in the ways of the One who made them. REAL LIFE Homeschooling is about getting real when it comes to the issues that are unique to homeschooling families ~ but more important than that, it's about being reminded why we are homeschooling in the first place. It's about keeping our eyes on the goal of discipling our children. If you have been or are on the edge of homeschool burnout, if you are wondering why God has called you on this homeschooling journey, or if you just need some honest, real encouragement, this is the one homeschool workshop you can't afford to miss out on!
Speaker: Heidi St. John, Heidi St. John
Let's face it. Homeschooling is challenging. Sometimes it can feel like a major accomplishment just to take a shower and get the breakfast dishes cleaned up before dinner! Most homeschool moms feel the pressure of providing their children with a solid academic foundation ~ but there's so much more to homeschooling than academics, isn't there? The truth is that the greatest accomplishment of your homeschooling is to nurture your children in the ways of the One who made them. REAL LIFE Homeschooling is about getting real when it comes to the issues that are unique to homeschooling families ~ but more important than that, it's about being reminded why we are homeschooling in the first place. It's about keeping our eyes on the goal of discipling our children. If you have been or are on the edge of homeschool burnout, if you are wondering why God has called you on this homeschooling journey, or if you just need some honest, real encouragement, this is the one homeschool workshop you can't afford to miss out on!
Speaker: Heidi St. John, Heidi St. John
I Want to Quit Homeschooling (But Before You do, Hear This!)
Heidi’s hunch is that you don’t need to quit… you need to see things new; to have fresh perspective and renewed vision. And maybe you need chocolate. That too. Come join Heidi for an hour of encouragement and chocolate. You’ll be glad you did!
Speaker: Heidi St. John, Heidi St. John
Heidi’s hunch is that you don’t need to quit… you need to see things new; to have fresh perspective and renewed vision. And maybe you need chocolate. That too. Come join Heidi for an hour of encouragement and chocolate. You’ll be glad you did!
Speaker: Heidi St. John, Heidi St. John
I'm Losing Myself: Help For The Burned Out Mom
Being a mom is full of challenges on a good day. Mix in learning challenges, unique family situations and being a homeschool parent and burnout almost seems inevitable. As we take care of our families and their needs, our needs as moms can get pushed further and further down the priority list. We move through our days but don't enjoy our lives because there is so much that is overwhelming, hard or out of our control. It's time to take your life back. It's not selfish to take care of you. And in the process you will find that as you do, you will take better care of everyone around you. Let's talk about the mindset and strategies you can use as a mom to thrive in whatever season you are in as we cast a vision for what it looks like to be moms and wives who also embrace our unique interests and callings.
Speaker: Sarah McCubbin, Ten Minute Momentum
Being a mom is full of challenges on a good day. Mix in learning challenges, unique family situations and being a homeschool parent and burnout almost seems inevitable. As we take care of our families and their needs, our needs as moms can get pushed further and further down the priority list. We move through our days but don't enjoy our lives because there is so much that is overwhelming, hard or out of our control. It's time to take your life back. It's not selfish to take care of you. And in the process you will find that as you do, you will take better care of everyone around you. Let's talk about the mindset and strategies you can use as a mom to thrive in whatever season you are in as we cast a vision for what it looks like to be moms and wives who also embrace our unique interests and callings.
Speaker: Sarah McCubbin, Ten Minute Momentum
Confessions of a Hot Mess Homeschool Mom
As homeschool moms, we can often feel discouraged. Are we doing enough? Are we choosing the right curriculum? Will our kids survive this?! You can be the very best “teacher” for your kids, even as a hot mess homeschool mom. Christine from Rabbit Trails Homeschool will talk about her own homeschooling journey teaching children with ADHD, how she has seen her kids thrive, how God has led her through the ups and downs, and how you can be perfectly imperfect and still do an incredible work in your home.
Speaker: Christine Zell, Rabbit Trails Homeschool
As homeschool moms, we can often feel discouraged. Are we doing enough? Are we choosing the right curriculum? Will our kids survive this?! You can be the very best “teacher” for your kids, even as a hot mess homeschool mom. Christine from Rabbit Trails Homeschool will talk about her own homeschooling journey teaching children with ADHD, how she has seen her kids thrive, how God has led her through the ups and downs, and how you can be perfectly imperfect and still do an incredible work in your home.
Speaker: Christine Zell, Rabbit Trails Homeschool
When Life Broadsides Your Homeschool
You had a wonderful plan at the beginning of the school year for a well-rounded education, envisioning academic excellence and character development in your smiling, well-adjusted offspring. But then . . . life happened. How do you find "normal" again? In this workshop, Vicki helps you focus on the essentials when you're on the frontlines, especially in a crisis situation. (There is some focus on specific life crises.)
Speaker: Vicki Bentley, Homeschool with Confidence
You had a wonderful plan at the beginning of the school year for a well-rounded education, envisioning academic excellence and character development in your smiling, well-adjusted offspring. But then . . . life happened. How do you find "normal" again? In this workshop, Vicki helps you focus on the essentials when you're on the frontlines, especially in a crisis situation. (There is some focus on specific life crises.)
Speaker: Vicki Bentley, Homeschool with Confidence
General
Tricks of the Trade: Teaching Children with Disability
This session is focused on methods of effectively teaching children living with disability. Attendees will leave with a handful of tools necessary to help them effectively educate their child!
Speaker: Russ Duncan, Joni & Friends NC
This session is focused on methods of effectively teaching children living with disability. Attendees will leave with a handful of tools necessary to help them effectively educate their child!
Speaker: Russ Duncan, Joni & Friends NC
High School
High School Record-Keeping 101 (An Overview)
High School Record-Keeping 101 - Vicki will share record-keeping strategies for documenting your high school journey. Learn to create organized transcripts, assign credits, calculate GPAs, and document progress effectively. Gain confidence in creating rubrics, assembling portfolios, summarizing courses, and recording test scores and awards. Whether planning for college or other future paths, this workshop will equip you with practical tools to navigate high school record-keeping with confidence.
Speaker: Vicki Bentley, Homeschool with Confidence
High School Record-Keeping 101 - Vicki will share record-keeping strategies for documenting your high school journey. Learn to create organized transcripts, assign credits, calculate GPAs, and document progress effectively. Gain confidence in creating rubrics, assembling portfolios, summarizing courses, and recording test scores and awards. Whether planning for college or other future paths, this workshop will equip you with practical tools to navigate high school record-keeping with confidence.
Speaker: Vicki Bentley, Homeschool with Confidence
Homeschooling Special Needs 101
Help for New Homeschoolers
Are you new to homeschooling or considering homeschooling? This workshop is for you! We will break down the NC homeschool law (and address other state homeschool laws as needed!), discuss pulling children out of brick and mortar school and go over first steps in your homeschooling journey, including the daunting topic of choosing curriculum! Bring your questions and concerns, and we will figure all this out together!
Speaker: Amanda Wares, North Carolinians for Home Education
Are you new to homeschooling or considering homeschooling? This workshop is for you! We will break down the NC homeschool law (and address other state homeschool laws as needed!), discuss pulling children out of brick and mortar school and go over first steps in your homeschooling journey, including the daunting topic of choosing curriculum! Bring your questions and concerns, and we will figure all this out together!
Speaker: Amanda Wares, North Carolinians for Home Education
Homeschooling the Child with Special Needs
We will discuss how YOU can homeschool your child with learning differences. There will be a discussion of learning styles, teaching choices, and implementing accommodations and modifications. A Q and A session will follow our workshop.
Speaker: Susan Blackwell, Homeschooling the Child with Special Needs
We will discuss how YOU can homeschool your child with learning differences. There will be a discussion of learning styles, teaching choices, and implementing accommodations and modifications. A Q and A session will follow our workshop.
Speaker: Susan Blackwell, Homeschooling the Child with Special Needs
Homeschool Co-ops/Groups
Successfully Advocating and Integrating Your Unique Learner into Homeschool Groups
When you have a child with a unique ability, it is sometimes hard to integrate them into a homeschool co-op or support group. However, you do want them to be around other kids. Many groups are run by parents and adults who do not understand your child’s ability. How do you navigate all of this without having your child become a target? How do you help adults understand your child’s needs with patience? In this talk, Leilani will share how you can be an advocate for your child in a world that doesn’t always understand. (This presentation addresses homeschooling and all disabilities)
Speaker: Leilani Melendez, Living with Eve
When you have a child with a unique ability, it is sometimes hard to integrate them into a homeschool co-op or support group. However, you do want them to be around other kids. Many groups are run by parents and adults who do not understand your child’s ability. How do you navigate all of this without having your child become a target? How do you help adults understand your child’s needs with patience? In this talk, Leilani will share how you can be an advocate for your child in a world that doesn’t always understand. (This presentation addresses homeschooling and all disabilities)
Speaker: Leilani Melendez, Living with Eve
Mental Health
Homeschooling in the midst of mental health struggles (Yours AND Theirs)
Our kids are more likely to have depression, anxiety, and other mental health struggles. How do we homeschool when day to day survival is hard enough? What if you as the parent also are dealing with mental health issues? From a mom that has been there done that, both personally and with my kids - I will share what has worked for us (and what has NOT worked), and how we made it through homeschool in the midst of mental health struggles.
Speaker: Amanda Wares, North Carolinians for Home Education
Our kids are more likely to have depression, anxiety, and other mental health struggles. How do we homeschool when day to day survival is hard enough? What if you as the parent also are dealing with mental health issues? From a mom that has been there done that, both personally and with my kids - I will share what has worked for us (and what has NOT worked), and how we made it through homeschool in the midst of mental health struggles.
Speaker: Amanda Wares, North Carolinians for Home Education
Nonverbal
Communication Options for the Nonverbal Child
Nonverbal does not mean non-thinking. There is a lot going on in your child’s mind. Learn how to draw out some of those thoughts and build your child’s thinking skills. Whether your child is non-speaking, minimally speaking or unreliably speaking, there are ways to help him communicate. Learn about the different options and how these can be used to build your child's independence and lower his frustration level.
Speaker: Stephanie Buckwalter, ELARP Learning
Nonverbal does not mean non-thinking. There is a lot going on in your child’s mind. Learn how to draw out some of those thoughts and build your child’s thinking skills. Whether your child is non-speaking, minimally speaking or unreliably speaking, there are ways to help him communicate. Learn about the different options and how these can be used to build your child's independence and lower his frustration level.
Speaker: Stephanie Buckwalter, ELARP Learning
Occupational Therapy
Unveiling Primitive Reflexes: Understanding Their Impact
Join Sarah Collins, OTR/L, in this insightful seminar as she explores primitive reflexes' role in children's learning. Sarah will define primitive reflexes and discuss their influence on motor skills, attention, and sensory processing. Through practical insights, participants will learn to identify signs of reflex retention and discover effective intervention strategies. Backed by research, Sarah will provide resources for integrating primitive reflexes, empowering attendees to support children's optimal development. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your understanding and practice in nurturing children's growth.
Speaker: Sarah Collins, HomeschoolOT
Join Sarah Collins, OTR/L, in this insightful seminar as she explores primitive reflexes' role in children's learning. Sarah will define primitive reflexes and discuss their influence on motor skills, attention, and sensory processing. Through practical insights, participants will learn to identify signs of reflex retention and discover effective intervention strategies. Backed by research, Sarah will provide resources for integrating primitive reflexes, empowering attendees to support children's optimal development. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your understanding and practice in nurturing children's growth.
Speaker: Sarah Collins, HomeschoolOT
Parenting
Parent Self-Regulation So We Can Coregulate with Our Kids!
As homeschool parents, we constantly prioritize our children’s well-being, including their sensory needs. We often wonder about the factos influencing their ability to sit and focus, their clothing preferences, and food choices. However, it’s crucial to recognize that our own sensory needs play a significant role in shaping theirs. In this insightful seminar, we will explore all eight sensory systems then provide practical tips and strategies to enhance our own sensory regulation, creating a positive trickle-down effect on our kids. Together, we’ll learn how to foster a nurturing environment that supports sensory grown and overall well-being for all. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to empower yourself as a homeschool parent and boost your child’s sensory development!
Speaker: Sarah Collins, HomeschoolOT
As homeschool parents, we constantly prioritize our children’s well-being, including their sensory needs. We often wonder about the factos influencing their ability to sit and focus, their clothing preferences, and food choices. However, it’s crucial to recognize that our own sensory needs play a significant role in shaping theirs. In this insightful seminar, we will explore all eight sensory systems then provide practical tips and strategies to enhance our own sensory regulation, creating a positive trickle-down effect on our kids. Together, we’ll learn how to foster a nurturing environment that supports sensory grown and overall well-being for all. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to empower yourself as a homeschool parent and boost your child’s sensory development!
Speaker: Sarah Collins, HomeschoolOT
Planning
Defining Scope and Sequence Each Year for the Special Needs Child
When teaching a neurotypical child, you can often just use the curriculum’s table of contents for your scope and sequence. But what happens when your child moves slower than that—even much slower? You have to set your own scope and sequence. This is the key to a successful school year, one where you don’t give up months—or even weeks—into the school year.
Speaker: Stephanie Buckwalter, ELARP Learning
When teaching a neurotypical child, you can often just use the curriculum’s table of contents for your scope and sequence. But what happens when your child moves slower than that—even much slower? You have to set your own scope and sequence. This is the key to a successful school year, one where you don’t give up months—or even weeks—into the school year.
Speaker: Stephanie Buckwalter, ELARP Learning
Play
Embracing Risky Play in Homeschooling: Fostering Growth and Confidence
As homeschool parents, providing a well-rounded education for our children often means stepping outside the box. This workshop will delve into the concept of risky play—a crucial, yet often misunderstood, aspect of childhood development. Research divides risky play into 8 different forms, all involving activities that allow children to experience a healthy amount of risk and challenge. These activities help children build confidence, resilience, and problem-solving skills, all of which are essential for their overall growth. Led by an occupational therapist, former recreational therapist, and fellow homeschool mom, this session will define risky play, provide tips and tricks to ease our parental struggle, and ways to adapt risky play with respect to each child’s unique abilities and limitations.
Speaker: Sarah Collins, HomeschoolOT
As homeschool parents, providing a well-rounded education for our children often means stepping outside the box. This workshop will delve into the concept of risky play—a crucial, yet often misunderstood, aspect of childhood development. Research divides risky play into 8 different forms, all involving activities that allow children to experience a healthy amount of risk and challenge. These activities help children build confidence, resilience, and problem-solving skills, all of which are essential for their overall growth. Led by an occupational therapist, former recreational therapist, and fellow homeschool mom, this session will define risky play, provide tips and tricks to ease our parental struggle, and ways to adapt risky play with respect to each child’s unique abilities and limitations.
Speaker: Sarah Collins, HomeschoolOT
Religious Encouragement
God Speaks Their Language Too! Teaching My Child with Special Needs the Word of God
Have you ever wondered if your child with unique abilities will struggle to understand who God is in their life? Have you ever found it difficult to teach such complex ideas to a child who is literal. In this presentation Leilani will share with you some creative strategies and practical tips on how to teach our children with special needs the foundation of our faith. She will also address our concerns, worries and fears to put your mind at ease that God is with you and in control. (This presentation addresses homeschooling and all disabilities)
Speaker: Leilani Melendez, Living with Eve
Have you ever wondered if your child with unique abilities will struggle to understand who God is in their life? Have you ever found it difficult to teach such complex ideas to a child who is literal. In this presentation Leilani will share with you some creative strategies and practical tips on how to teach our children with special needs the foundation of our faith. She will also address our concerns, worries and fears to put your mind at ease that God is with you and in control. (This presentation addresses homeschooling and all disabilities)
Speaker: Leilani Melendez, Living with Eve
How to Teach Your Exceptional Child about Faith
Do you struggle to teach your special needs child about faith? In this session, Terrie McKee from IAJ Ministries and Homeschooling One Child will share how she taught her special needs children (autism, ADHD, dyslexia) about the Christian faith and how that has encouraged her (and her children) in life. She'll give biblical and practical ways to model and explain the Christian faith to kids.
Speaker: Terrie McKee, Homeschooling One Child
Do you struggle to teach your special needs child about faith? In this session, Terrie McKee from IAJ Ministries and Homeschooling One Child will share how she taught her special needs children (autism, ADHD, dyslexia) about the Christian faith and how that has encouraged her (and her children) in life. She'll give biblical and practical ways to model and explain the Christian faith to kids.
Speaker: Terrie McKee, Homeschooling One Child
Help! God is Giving Me the Gift of Patience and I Don’t Want it!
We’ve often heard the phrase, “Don’t pray for patience.” However, as a parent of a child with a disability, we are thrusted into a lifestyle that requires patience. It can be challenging, forcing us to face daily hurdles that can be emotionally taxing. Everything that we do requires careful thought, and we often find ourselves discouraged, isolated, and even depressed. In this encouraging presentation, we will explore the gift of patience through relatable stories from not only a special needs parent perspective but from a biblical worldview. If you need encouragement, this is the session for you. (This presentation addresses self-care for parents of all disabilities)
Speaker: Leilani Melendez, Living with Eve
We’ve often heard the phrase, “Don’t pray for patience.” However, as a parent of a child with a disability, we are thrusted into a lifestyle that requires patience. It can be challenging, forcing us to face daily hurdles that can be emotionally taxing. Everything that we do requires careful thought, and we often find ourselves discouraged, isolated, and even depressed. In this encouraging presentation, we will explore the gift of patience through relatable stories from not only a special needs parent perspective but from a biblical worldview. If you need encouragement, this is the session for you. (This presentation addresses self-care for parents of all disabilities)
Speaker: Leilani Melendez, Living with Eve
To Nurture a Child's Soul
What most parents want more than anything else is to nurture their child's soul. But sometimes, this can be exceptionally challenging! How do we nurture a child's soul without trampling their personhood or unintentionally distancing them from the very thing we want to share with them? Join Amy as she shares from her experiences as an Autistic child, as an expert on Child Development, and as a Homeschool Mom. Amy will help you avoid some of the pitfalls she has come across, what she has learned from them, and how those lessons can speak truth to parents regardless of their religious tradition.
Speaker: Amy Bodkin, Amy Bodkin Consulting
What most parents want more than anything else is to nurture their child's soul. But sometimes, this can be exceptionally challenging! How do we nurture a child's soul without trampling their personhood or unintentionally distancing them from the very thing we want to share with them? Join Amy as she shares from her experiences as an Autistic child, as an expert on Child Development, and as a Homeschool Mom. Amy will help you avoid some of the pitfalls she has come across, what she has learned from them, and how those lessons can speak truth to parents regardless of their religious tradition.
Speaker: Amy Bodkin, Amy Bodkin Consulting
The Stages of Church Disability Culture
Churches are all at some stage of culture when it comes to caring for families affected by disability, ranging from unawareness to contribution. This session is designed to help parents figure out where their church is and give tips on how they can help their church move forward in disability culture.
Speaker: Russ Duncan, Joni & Friends NC
Churches are all at some stage of culture when it comes to caring for families affected by disability, ranging from unawareness to contribution. This session is designed to help parents figure out where their church is and give tips on how they can help their church move forward in disability culture.
Speaker: Russ Duncan, Joni & Friends NC
Self-Care
Self-Care for the Whole Family
Far more significant than any developmental or academic needs, inner peace is our most profound, and often overlooked, need. Join Amy Bodkin, Autistic School Psychologist, as she explains just how important self-care is for everyone and shares some practical ideas on how to make self-care a priority in your home!
Speaker: Amy Bodkin, Amy Bodkin Consulting
Far more significant than any developmental or academic needs, inner peace is our most profound, and often overlooked, need. Join Amy Bodkin, Autistic School Psychologist, as she explains just how important self-care is for everyone and shares some practical ideas on how to make self-care a priority in your home!
Speaker: Amy Bodkin, Amy Bodkin Consulting
Hope for the Weary
God has a purpose for each person, no matter their level of ability or disability. When you focus your homeschooling efforts on shaping your child’s character and talents to fulfill the three circles of purpose (based on Genesis chapter 2), every day can be a win—even if academics are a struggle. Come, be refreshed and know that your homeschooling efforts are not in vain.
Speaker: Stephanie Buckwalter, ELARP Learning
God has a purpose for each person, no matter their level of ability or disability. When you focus your homeschooling efforts on shaping your child’s character and talents to fulfill the three circles of purpose (based on Genesis chapter 2), every day can be a win—even if academics are a struggle. Come, be refreshed and know that your homeschooling efforts are not in vain.
Speaker: Stephanie Buckwalter, ELARP Learning
Sensory
Creating a Homeschool Sensory Program
Is your child a sensory seeker, sensory avoider, have low sensory registration, or other sensory processing concerns? Learn strategies from a homeschooling mama/ pediatric occupational therapist for creating a homeschool sensory program to help your child focus and succeed with their homeschool journey.
Speaker: Rebecca Thompson, OTR/L, Winston Salem State University - Occupational Therapy Dept Adjunct Faculty
Is your child a sensory seeker, sensory avoider, have low sensory registration, or other sensory processing concerns? Learn strategies from a homeschooling mama/ pediatric occupational therapist for creating a homeschool sensory program to help your child focus and succeed with their homeschool journey.
Speaker: Rebecca Thompson, OTR/L, Winston Salem State University - Occupational Therapy Dept Adjunct Faculty
Improving Visual Perceptual Skills
Does your child have difficulty interpreting and processing what they see? Do they have trouble matching items, dumping out containers to find what they need, recognizing letters in different fonts, or locating items that are partially hidden? Visual perceptual skills are important for school success, reading, handwriting and other life skills. Learn strategies from a homeschooling mama/ pediatric occupational therapist for improving your child's visual perceptual skills in your home environment.
Speaker: Rebecca Thompson, OTR/L, Winston Salem State University - Occupational Therapy Dept Adjunct Faculty
Does your child have difficulty interpreting and processing what they see? Do they have trouble matching items, dumping out containers to find what they need, recognizing letters in different fonts, or locating items that are partially hidden? Visual perceptual skills are important for school success, reading, handwriting and other life skills. Learn strategies from a homeschooling mama/ pediatric occupational therapist for improving your child's visual perceptual skills in your home environment.
Speaker: Rebecca Thompson, OTR/L, Winston Salem State University - Occupational Therapy Dept Adjunct Faculty
Testing
Testing for the Child with Special Needs
We will discuss how testing can help you as a parent decide how to prepare for your homeschool journey. Types of tests and accommodation possibilities will be covered as well as what to do with the results.
Speaker: Susan Blackwell, Homeschooling the Child with Special Needs
We will discuss how testing can help you as a parent decide how to prepare for your homeschool journey. Types of tests and accommodation possibilities will be covered as well as what to do with the results.
Speaker: Susan Blackwell, Homeschooling the Child with Special Needs