Making a Difference for Students with Differences: Bullying and Disability

If you know, work with or love a child with Asperger’s syndrome, autism, ADHD, learning disabilities or cognitive/physical disabilities this workshop, presented by The Ophelia Project, will help you understand the challenges they face with bullying and friendship.

Dr. Gertrude A. Barber National Institute
100 Barber Place
(136 East Ave.)
Erie, Pa. 16507

Participants will:
• learn a common language of peer aggression and consider the 3 roles involved: target, aggressor, and kid-in-the-middle
• gain an understanding of the recent research about bullying and disability
• deepen awareness of the social experiences of students with special needs
• increase understanding of how peer aggression affects students who have Asperger’s Syndrome, autism, ADHD, LD, and cognitive/physical disabilities
• learn about resources to support families and educators
• consider ways to support friendships among children with and without disabilities
explore ways to create socially safe school environments that encourage acceptance of differences.

*Act 48 credits available. This training is free and open to the public. If you need babysitting services, please RSVP by September 18, 2009 to The Ophelia Project at 814-456-5437.*

Presenter: Christine Linkie, MS OTR/L
The Ophelia Project

Christine Linkie has worked with children and families for many years, most recently as a therapist in public education inclusion programming for students with special needs. Linkie has a master’s degree in occupational therapy; her background also includes curriculum development and theater arts-in-education. She is responsible for the advancement of new programming to address the development of pro-social skills, healthy relationships, and safe environments to help create schools and communities that are caring and productive.