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630 Educators providing Courses delivered Online

Centred Excellence

centred excellence

Stirling

Welcome to the About Us section of the website. Here you can learn how VCU-ACE works to improve services to those with ASD through discovery and implementation of evidence-based practices. Student working with her teacher Vision VCU-ACE is a state and national leader in developing, cultivating, and disseminating knowledge to increase implementation of research-based practice needed to effectively support individuals with autism spectrum disorder to lead quality lives in their home, school, community and work. Mission VCU-ACE improves services and supports for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by promoting the implementation of research-based practices in schools and the community through training, technical assistance, research, and collaboration. Training includes providing professional development to expand the expectations, knowledge, and skills of those who live with, educate, and support individuals with ASD. It supports the sustainable implementation of research-based practices by providing Instructional activities and resources to anyone who wants to learn more about ASD and to leaders who guide professional development initiatives in home, school, community and work. Technical assistance includes facilitating, implementing, and evaluating systems-change initiatives customized to the unique needs of stakeholders in educational and community environments, regions, and the Commonwealth. It supports the sustainable implementation of research-based practices by providing team facilitation, coaching, strategic planning, and project management in agencies, school divisions and direct services settings to build the capacity and confidence of those who support individuals with ASD. Research includes asking questions, seeking answers, and disseminating findings on important socially significant issues impacting individuals with ASD across the lifespan to improve quality of life. Research is conducted in real-world settings using sound research methodologies. Collaboration includes maintaining a spirit of cooperation in our interactions with colleagues and developing and sustaining partnerships with individuals with ASD and their families as well as local, commonwealth, and national entities to enrich, develop, disseminate, and deliver training, technical assistance, and research activities. Core Values We believe all individuals with ASD have the right to: Access high quality supports and services across the lifespan that will enable them to lead lives of their choosing Be treated with dignity and respect in all aspects of their life, especially when receiving supports and services Exercise choice and control in their lives to the greatest extent possible Lead self-determined lives Communicate with a system that supports full participation across environments and people Choose meaningful relationships Receive an education that prepares them for life beyond high school including postsecondary education, employment, and engaged community citizenship Be contributing members of their communities and be valued friends, co-workers, and family members We know that: Research-based instruction and supports to individuals with ASD in home, school, community, and work settings results in those individuals leading quality lives. All Virginia Public Schools can educate all of Virginia's students to become active and productive members of their communities. High expectations, knowledge, and skills improve the lives of all individuals, especially those with ASD. The education, inclusion, and support of individuals with ASD are a shared responsibility by all community members. Collaboration and cooperation among individuals with ASD, families, educators, and community partners ensures diverse and comprehensive innovations across the lifespan. We are committed to: Expanding our own and others' knowledge Enhancing the implementation of research based practices needed to effectively support individuals with ASD across the lifespan to lead quality lives in their home, school, community and work Discovering real world solutions to real world problems through research in home, school, community, and work settings Utilizing research-based evidence to guide the implementation of foundational practices and supports that result in meaningful outcomes for individuals with ASD Ensuring kind, compassionate, person-centered services Promoting strong inclusive communities that embrace all individuals, including those with ASD, for the gifts they offer

The Insight Institute

the insight institute

London

I work as a wellbeing coach and specialist autism support worker guiding, supporting and empowering the people I work with to live the best lives they can. I aim to be a a catalyst in individuals transformation, ushering souls towards their fullest potential and most authentic and integrated versions of self. I believe that every person has the potential to actualise a life with wellbeing, purpose and deep meaning at the forefront; with the right resources, support and self-belief anything is possible. My Integrative Wellbeing Coaching approach comes from a belief that a holistic approach to wellbeing through combining physical, emotional and spiritual well-being is vital to improved long-term wellbeing. I am a 500hr qualified yoga and meditation instructor, with a passion for spirituality and related practices. I have worked in various settings that inform how I work. My work with the charity S.A.N.E on a mental health helpline and W.I.S.H (women in secure hospitals) gave me a deep understanding of lived experiences of mental health. My time in various community settings both in youth and adult services offering support and wellbeing services, has developed my awareness of the factors from our childhood and youth as well as socio-economic and environmental factors that inform the adults we become. In recent year my interest has been in working with individuals and groups to get deeper into the work of creating transformation in their hearts and lives. My practice is informed by my own journey through mental health challenges and addiction recovery. Its my lived experience that gives me a genuine compassion, directness and approachability. Alongside my wellbeing work I work as a Specialist Autism Support Worker with the National Autistic Society. I am passionate about working with the unique strengths and challenges of neuro-diversity, having pursued a late diagnosis of ASD myself in 2017.

St Rose's Special School

st rose's special school

Gloucestershire.

The inspiring courage of the Dominican Sisters of St Rose Convent in Stroud, led them to found St Rose’s in 1912. Their foundations established the ethos for St Rose’s and St Martin’s today: the happy, family-atmosphere where children and students are challenged to develop and achieve their potential. Set in beautiful grounds within walking distance to the centre of Stroud we offer a nurturing and social environment for students to develop their independence. We provide education, therapy and day and residential care for children and students aged 2 to 25, with a wide range of disabilities, including Autism. In our nursery we have mainstream children, as well as children with disabilities. Many of our students have physical disabilities, as well as sensory, learning and communication difficulties; some also have complex health needs. Parents and carers trust us implicitly. Our very individual and flexible approach means we can easily adapt the programme for each student. As their needs and aspirations change and they develop, we offer new opportunities to support their personal growth and independence. Our integrated team of dedicated and specialist staff makes this possible. As well as specialist teaching staff, we have our own therapeutic staff on site, offering a range of therapies, including physio, speech and language, occupational, aquatic, massage and music. We have our own hydrotherapy pool. We also offer specialist medical support, 24 hours a day. Our staff are truly exceptional, and the trust we build with families is very strong. We also provide individual programmes through strong links with mainstream schools and FE colleges, so students can specialise and flourish where their aspirations lie. Fun and achievement exist side-by-side and we celebrate success in many ways. Students enjoy many social occasions and events held at St Rose’s and St Martin’s and at outside venues. We offer many extra-curricular activities including sports, clubs and educational visits. We welcome questions and visitors at any time.

Early Intervention Aberdeen

early intervention aberdeen

Aberdeen

Lara Goldie is a dedicated and passionate Speech and Language Therapist and mother to 4 young children. She has a BS in Audiology and Speech Language Pathology, and a Master's Degree in Communication Disorders and she is fully certified in the United Kingdom and the United States (CCC-SLP, MRCSLT, and HCPC-cert) and has 12 years of post graduate experience. Lara has worked in a variety of settings including Early Intervention, hospitals, Schools and voice clinics. She is skilled at treating a wide range of speech, language and voice disorders. Lara has worked extremely hard in her education and training in order to understand communication difficulties and to know the most efficient way to treat them. She is committed to providing current, research-based, and effective treatment and it brings great satisfaction for her to be a part of someone's journey to improve. linda Linda Lumsden is a local business woman and mother to 4 children, she became one of the United Kingdom’s youngest entrepreneurs, at the age of 18 with the assistance of the Princes Scottish youth business trust. She has owned and operated her businesses for over 21 years. In the late 1990s - early 2000s, She was one of three entrepreneurs involved in a Scottish government initiative “Think Business” which was part of the secondary education curriculum to inspire the next generation of Scottish entrepreneurs. Linda has a BA (Hons) degree in Law and Management and various SVQs and HND units in Business, Law and Childcare, She recently completed a Post Graduate certificate in Autism and Practice and is currently in her final year studying a Masters in Education at The University of Aberdeen. Her final research project is focussed on Pathalogical Demand Avoidance (PDA). Linda was deprived of schooling at the age of 14, when she was failed by the education system. She also has vast experience navigating the local authorities social care system following her brothers aquired brain damage. One of Lindas sons is twice exceptional and has an Autism Spectrum Condition diagnosis. His progress since working with Lara at the age of two has been phenomenal. The lack of funded support and services offered to improve the life chances of neurodivergent children, particulary those considered to be at the high functioning end of the spectrum, has given her the determination to help empower other families in similar circumstances. amanda Amanda Nicolson is a dedicated and passionate Social Care Professional with substantial experience at senior management level and comes with a proven track record managing large services and staff teams. Amanda started her career in care homes for the elderly as a Carer. She also has vast experience working with various vulnerable groups including children and adults with learning disabilities, the elderly and those with mental health challenges. Amanda is passionate about quality service provision, social justice and meaningful inclusion. Amanda met Linda while they were both studying at university. They both believe that everyone can flourish if they are given the support and resources to access the same opportunities that many of us can take for granted. Amanda has a BA (Hons) degree in Law and Management where she opted for modules that were relevant to her work experience including Child Care Law. She also has various SVQs and HND units in Business, Law, Health and Social Care. Amanda is currently studying several courses covering health and wellbeing topics at the Open University. Michelle Blake is a self-employed neurodivergent counsellor/coach with extensive experience working with neurodiversity. Michelle has lived experience of being both Autistic and ADHD as well as having children who are Autistic, ADHD, Dyslexic, and hearing impaired as well as a deep theoretical understanding of both ASD and ADHD. Michelle’s professional background includes working as a counsellor/coach primarily within educational settings specifically working with students who are neurodivergent. In 2013 she co-founded a Social Enterprise Company specialising in delivering Ecotherapy projects outdoors, supporting neurodivergent clients to access green space. The projects developed through Michelle’s love of research when she identified that ‘those who are more active in natural spaces have a greater sense of wellbeing and have lower rates of depression and anxiety (www.mind.org.uk/ecominds). All her work centres around her core passion for supporting and advocating on behalf of neurodivergent individuals and their right to be included. Michelle has an Honours Degree in Person-Centred Counselling as well as being a qualified Clinical Supervisor and is BACP registered. She has recently completed her PG Cert in Autism and Learning at the University of Aberdeen and is currently completing her PG Cert in ADHD and Neurodevelopmental Conditions. Once finished Michelle plans to complete her Master’s degree with a research project on Autism and ADHD