Learning Streams

Join Ms. Debra of OLIDA Learning in this interactive workshop for neurodiverse students with an IEP or 504 Plan and at 4^th grade reading level. Ms. Debra will be utilizing the interactive course that she created, Your Guide to Self-Advocacy to lead the student on a path of self-exploration to define needs then articulate those preferences by being a strong self-advocate. An essential aspect of life-skills, this workshop gives students tools to be comfortable advocating for their individual needs in a variety of situations.

There are seven units in the course with an activity at the end of each unit. These activities are designed to help the student become an effective self-advocate and includes role-playing, journaling, and guided research to name a few.

Four 90-minute sessions: July 16, 18, 23, & 25

Cost: This workshop is offered as a free resource to help students have necessary tools to be successful. Donations are appreciated and we will request feedback to help us further develop this program.

Class Note: If possible, students should bring a laptop and a pair of headphones if they have them.

About the Educator: Debra Desmarais is the Senior Partner with OLIDA Learning. Our mission is to create engaging online learning courses to support educational and personal growth for teens and young adults with disabilities. Our goal is to develop fully accessible, self-paced courses that enhance life-long learning for high school students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 Plan.

Debra also teaches at Sacred Heart University for the Art & Design Department where she instructs students in graphic design, typography and the Adobe Creative Cloud.