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Group Presentations (prepared): NEW 2024! "The Psychology of Interdependence Through an Autistic Lens" (suitable for both keynote and breakout) The absolute foundation of a Culture of Gentleness is establishing safe and loved/valued. McGee’s “Psychology of Interdependence” additionally emphasizes that “equal and mutual relationships” are the outcome of Gentle Teaching. This workshop expands on conventional teachings of what might be considered as “safe”, “equal and mutual” throughout structure and transitions to support positive interactions and demands through an autistic lens. Attendees will have guided opportunity to record their safe and loved/valued. Alex Kimmel provides his lived experience insight into core autistic perspectives regarding executive function and communication as they inform best practice on ensuring the shift from moving beyond “care receiver”. Come ready to reinforce your understanding of the four pillars, expand your definition of equality, bolster your practice of interdependence and share some aha-moments and laughs along the way! Audience: person served and family; suitable for continuing education credit for professionals; DSP "Possibilities!" (frequently requested for keynote) Michigan Developmental Disability Institute (MI-DDI) created the “Possibilities” video project. “The purpose of the Possibilities series is to present a vision of how individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities and their families can lead the lives that they wish to lead, without barriers and in the direction they truly intend to go.”(https://ddi.wayne.edu/possibilities). The most recent addition to Possibilities features Alex. Known as "The Self-Determinator", Alex lives a full, busy life of family, work, and inclusion in many community organizations with a goal to help others realize the positive impact that living a self-determined life can have. He works toward this goal further by conducting trainings on self-determination. Alex will present his video (produced by the “Pure Michigan team”) and lead a discussion about philosophies and strategies showcased in this video. Be ready for laughter and an opportunity to update your thoughts on neurodiversity. Audience: general Alex's "Possibilities!" workshop has been adopted by By, WIth and For Autistic Adults as their foundational entry course, a 6 session/9 hour deeper dive with small group opportunity led by autistic facilitators. Cohorts held multiple times a year. By, With & For Autistic Adults (bywithandforautisticadults.org) NEW 2024! “Not Just Another Meeting: Using the Tools of Self-determination and Culture of Gentleness to Create Your Best Plan of Service Yet” This workshop invites YOU to define YOUR life! Alex Kimmel, aka “The SelfDeterminator” www.alexkimmel.com will guide you through conversations in this highly interactive workshop. You will proclaim your definition of self-determination, list out your Culture of Gentleness preferences and map out how you want these to be present in your individual plan of service. Don’t let this simple description lull you: come prepared for a full 90 minute immersion to take your person-centered planning to the next level. Alex uses humor, video, and opportunity for you to personalize your learning. Audience: Strongly suited for self-advocates, families, support coordinators, direct support professionals and clinical directors. NEW 2024! More than just a meeting: Using the Person-Centered Planning Process and Medicaid Allowable Services to Live Life on Your Terms This workshop asks you re-learn your ABC’s: HCBS, IF, FMS, PM, DSP, ISC PCP and IPOS with a strong presence of SD! Whether you know all those abbreviations or not, these 90 minutes are sure to move you closer to living life on your terms, or helping another to do so. Move beyond checking boxes and hitting deadlines and pump the INDIVIDUAL back into individual plans of service! This highly interactive session guides you through personalizing the home and community based services rule, the principles of self-determination and an array of Medicaid allowed services. Attendees gather practical and meaningful action steps to put into practice day one after the conference. Exit with such pointed insights to write and live your best plan yet! "Moving From Awareness To Acceptance: Celebrate Neurodiversity!" Awareness campaigns are passe. Acceptance is where trust is present and success can thrive! Neurodiversity is the acceptance and celebration of those that operate other than what most of the world considers to be normal and to help society to realize no one really has the right to name what someone else's normal should be. Acceptance celebrates our differences. Moving away from awareness to acceptance moves us from talk to actions. Acceptance comes about when each person’s individual wiring is respected. Workshop is interactive with participant involvement, humor, video clips and take homes. 1 hour. Audience: self-advocates, professionals, families, general. "Using the Tools of Culture of Gentleness and Self-Direction to Build Strong Person Centered Planning 2 Session Workshop" This 2 session workshop starts with a 1.25 hour overview of the culture of gentleness, self-direction and a sample person centered plan. Session 2 provides templates and guides attendees to discover their culture of gentleness priorities. (Agencies or school settings can add a 3rd session that allows attendees time to share their message with the group). "PCP, SD and COG... Oh MY!" Provides attendees with an overview of self-direction and a Culture of Gentleness and how these play into creating a strong person centered plan. 1 hour. Audience: parents, self-advocates, professionals and the general community. "Myths: BUSTED!" Autism myths busted and fresh perspectives of neurodiversity, acceptance and the importance of establishing safety in the quest for establishing a life of being loved and valued. Typically 30 minutes. Audience: parents, self-advocates, professionals and general community.. "Self-direction Overview" Short synopsis of the self-direction model as defined by personal experiences. Audience: parents, self-advocates, professionals and general community. "Faith and Disability" This interactive workshop features applications from the Serenity Prayer and introduction to Culture of Gentleness (COG) and its four supporting pillars: Safe, Loved, Loving and Engaged/Valued. At the core of COG is the philosophy that everything is based off establishing a relationship. Kimmel will lead attendees via small group discussion, video clips to an understanding of individualized supports and the importance of acceptance. 1 hour. Audience: self-advocates, professionals, and general community. NOTE: while Alex speaks from a Christian perspective, take-aways are valid for all attendees. "Serenity Prayer" Sermonette that invites attendees to explore the famous first stanza as well as the poignant additional stanzas as well as ideas of life application. Offers insight into acceptance. 20 minutes Audience: parents, self-advocates, professionals and general community. Well received at women's retreats. |
Group Presentations (customized):
Any of the group presentations (see left) can be: customized with your specific compatible message woven in customized to fit your time frame, from 20 minutes to 1.5 hours Group Presentations (novel to your specs) A personalized presentation specific to your purpose can be crafted. (Allow a minimum of 1 month for this option). Peer Mentoring Peer mentoring is a Medicaid covered benefit for those receiving services from community mental health. These are highly individualized. A popular request is to have a 2 session grouping of visits where self-determination and goals are discussed and homework given each week to aid in the creation of a strong person centered plan. |
