2024 HANDS IN AUTISM® SUMMER TRAINING INSTITUTE: BUILDING COMMUNITY LEADERS IN EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICES

Since 2005, we have been offering this training to education & community service personnel from across the state, nation, and globally - amassing over 500 alumni! We have offered this and other intensive trainings online as well. We hope you will attend the training and join in our alumni group, keeping in touch and abreast of new opportunities with HANDS for years to come.

We are happy to welcome a range of school personnel, community service providers, administrators, and other preK-12 professionals working with students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and related disabilities in school and community settings.

This year, HANDS in Autism® will continue offering our Intensive 5-Day or Multi-Week Trainings as online, onsite, and hybrid options to better meet your needs and schedule! We have made important modifications to the training format and structure—carefully considering the impact that online training and learning may have on all areas relating to essential elements in programming for success for individuals with ASD and others with social, communication and behavioral disorders. The use of evidence-based principles and practices are no less relevant in the current context; but with more online and/or hybrid (i.e., online and live) efforts, the application of these principles is paramount. Effective adaptations and collaborations must be used to ensure, wherever and however the instruction is delivered, that essential elements for successful intervention are implemented to attain the most successful outcomes.

Our intensive training is based on the comprehensive HANDS in Autism® Model composed of evidence-based behavioral and educational strategies rooted in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), current literature, and practice. The Model provides the framework, curriculum and process for training participants in the flexibility to effectively set up the physical environment, understand the reasons behind student behaviors, and develop teaching and support strategies that will help students reach their potential in the educational setting and beyond. Topics including proactive supports, classroom and community accommodations, goal setting, skills assessment and teaching. You will engage in:

• Interactive practice, coaching, and feedback within simulated and video-based formats
• Practical discussions regarding problem-solving solutions that work across settings and disabilities
• Experiences perfect for new and experienced teachers, para-professionals, administrators, job coaches, transition specialists, coordinators & other community providers.

For more information, see the HANDS in Autism® HOUSE Model description on our Training & Services page.

1. Participate! (in learning & assessments, including pre, post, and follow-up): Regardless whether you are in a virtual or onsite environment, our learning activities are synchronous and team-based with multiple breakouts, design and development, and hands-on experiences with students. To learn, you MUST participate!
2. Collaborate! (with your peers and HANDS trainers): Whether it is a small group discussion or teaching activities for students, you are learning as part of a team!
3. Engage! (in small and large group discussions, submission of your work, and enjoyment of activities): To better remember new skills and tie them in with what you already know, you need to practice! Engaging across all types of activities will help you with that!

1. Canvas, our learning management system, where you will access learning materials, videos, simulations, and individual and group activities, submit your quizzes and assignments, and receive individual feedback as planned
2. Zoom, an online conferencing platform, that we will use throughout the week to hold small group activities and large group discussions, provide modeling of techniques, and foster participation in other group assignments.

Participation across both platforms is required! You can access the training from any device: phone, tablet, or laptop. However, we would recommend using a larger device (e.g., laptop) to make your interaction with HANDS trainers, other learners, and materials easier.

The registration fee is $1,000 until June 1 and $1,250 thereafter (see scholarship & grant opportunities available in next tab). *The fee includes the following:

• Active learning with our experienced trainers
• Access to learning materials during the training course
• Downloadable resources to use and share within the natural setting after the training
• Unique virtual networking and training experience
• 42 contact hours towards your professional development
• Ongoing boosters after training to support the generalization in your setting
• Connection with HANDS trainers and fellow participants for networking, collaboration and general support ongoing

Yes, partial scholarships through HANDS in Autism are available to qualifying participants: SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION. Additionally, to make learning accessible for families and professionals, we have created a resource list featuring grants for individuals and also have partial scholarships available with approved applications. Contact us for a copy.