Workshops, Training Topics and Information
Before You Begin
How We Choose Workshops to Offer
We get a lot of requests for our free workshops, and we wish we could do them all! To make the most impact, we focus on a few key things when picking which ones to offer. Here’s what helps your request stand out:
- Priority topic areas targeted by our Parent Training and Information (PTI) project
- Diverse locations across the state
- Local sponsors providing space, publicity, refreshments and AV equipment (if needed)
- Target audience including both parents and professionals
- Attendance should number at least 15 people
- Training event is open to all members of the community
Workshop Topics
Workshop Topic #1
Utah Parent Center Orientation on Services and Programs
This brief presentation provides parents and professionals with information on the services and programs provided by the Utah Parent Center. In this presentation, participants will learn what the UPC staff can do to help them and their families.
Workshop Topic #2
Parents as Partners in the IEP Process
Parents are important members of the IEP team. They can and want to be effective partners with other members of the team in developing and delivering special education programs for their student with disabilities. However, they often lack information. These workshops help parents understand their role, rights and responsibilities in the IEP process. Parents will also learn how to effectively prepare for, participate in and follow-up on IEP meetings held on behalf of their student. Trainers who are parents of children with disabilities will present information.
Workshop Topic #3
From NO Where to KNOW Where: Transition to Adult Services
As families of youth and young adults with disabilities, we have learned many things – but most of us admit that we have much more to learn. The transition to adult life can leave you feeling you are “NO Where”…totally lost! Get to “KNOW Where” by learning about transition planning and related issues.
Workshop Topic #4
Tools for Constructive Communication: Learning to Communicate as an Effective Team Member
Some of the most important skills – or tools – needed by parents and all team members are good communication skills. In these interactive workshops participants will learn and practice 5 basic skills that can lay the foundation for the effective exchange of ideas and information. Participants will also learn the principles of interest-based negotiation. Effective relationships often employ constructive communication – the kind that builds effective teams. Everyone will want these tools in their toolbox.
Workshop Topic #5
Section 504: The OTHER Service Option
What do parents need to know about Section 504? It is important for parents of students with disabilities and special needs to have information and an understanding of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Understanding the provisions of this important law can help parents be effective partners in working with schools to meet the educational needs of their student with disabilities.
Workshop Topic #6
Stress…And What To Do About It!!!
Yes…WE FEEL STRESS!!! In this workshop we explore some of the things that “make us crazy”, the unique stressors related to living with and raising a child with a disability (or working in the disability field). More importantly, participants will learn and practice some techniques to help you deal with the stress! These interactive workshops will benefit all participants by helping them understand STRESS…AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT!!!
Workshop Topic #7
Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports
The purpose of this workshop is to introduce families to a new way of thinking about their child’s behaviors and about the need to advocate for behavioral interventions and supports. These workshops introduce and provide an overview of the concepts of functional assessment and positive behavior interventions and supports. (It is not designed to teach how-to skills in these areas.)
Workshop Topic #8
Gifts and Challenges: A Child with Special Needs in Your Family
For Parents: Having a child with special needs is a wonderful experience that many of us did not anticipate. We find ourselves experiencing a different life from what we expected. Participants in these workshops will explore some of the unique “gifts and challenges” that are ours. Participants will get and and have an opportunity to share ideas for recognizing and appreciating gifts, managing challenges, understanding and coping with feelings, recognizing how parents’ emotions impact their interactions with professionals and much more!
For Professionals/Educators: Professionals and educators will gain insight and understanding of the experiences of parents of children with disabilities and special needs. Participants in these workshops will explore some of the unique “gifts” that families receive and “challenges” that families face. Participants will get and have an opportunity to share ideas for recognizing and appreciating gifts, managing challenges, understanding and coping with feelings, recognizing how parents’ emotions impact their interactions with professionals and much more!
Workshop Topic #9
Negotiation and Advocacy Skills: How to Successfully Advocate and Negotiate Within Public Service Systems Through Interest-Based Negotiation
Managing conflict in one’s personal or professional life – starts with you! These workshops teach participants step-by-step strategies of how toovercome conflict, manage your emotions, work together for the best solutions, find the proper resources and take concerns to the next level. This process is called “Interest-Based Negotiation”. It is a process that should improve (not damage) relationships and allow everyone to come to an agreement that is satisfying to all parties involved.
Request a Workshop
We’re excited to bring our workshops to your community! Whether you’re a parent, educator, or community member, our training sessions are designed to provide practical tools, heartfelt insights, and real-world strategies to support individuals with disabilities. To request a workshop in your area, simply fill out the form below. Let us know your preferred topic, location, and audience details, and we’ll work with you to make it happen. Have questions? Give us a call at 801-272-1051 or 1-800-468-1160, or shoot us an email at info@utahparentcenter.org. Let’s create something impactful together!