Annual Awareness Expo In Westfield Wednesday

WESTFIELD, NJ - Parents and educators of special needs children can learn new information and garner resources to aid in their ongoing education and growth at the 26th Annual Awareness Expo Wednesday at Edison Intermediate School, 800 Rahway Ave.

The event presented by the Westfield PTC and is scheduled to run from 7:15 p.m. to 9:45 p.m.

Since 1993, the Awareness Expo has showcased distinguished speakers ranging from highly acclaimed psychologists and educators to financial experts and attorneys whose varied insights empower parents and educators to better serve their children and students.

With an estimated 300 attendees anticipated, each session at the Expo will be presented twice, allowing attendees of the event to participate in two presentations.

The Expo will feature the following well-regarded specialists:

F2F in Digital Space: Coping with Your Child’s Use of Social Media, Cell Phones, and Video Games

Social media, video games, and technology are a major part of youth culture and everyday life. This presentation explores youth and digital space and how kids use these assets in productive as well as in negative ways. Parenting strategies to cope with youth and technology will also be presented. Dr. Michael M. Osit, Ed.D., Dr. Matthew Liebman, Psy.D., Nicole Liebman, LPC, Megan Cook, LPC

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: Not Just Hand-Washing

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is somewhat misunderstood. Many people say, “I’m a little OCD,” not really knowing what that means and how much this minimizes this often painful and difficult disorder. In addition, people seem to think OCD is just being overly concerned about germs and order, but there are many more aspects to the disorder. The goal of this presentation is to help parents and educators gain a better understanding of OCD, how to recognize its symptoms, how to (and not to) address it, and what we can do to help. Dr. Robert Zambrano, Psy.D.

Deconstructing Reading Disabilities: The Differences and Similarities and How to Address Them

Join us as we explore the ins and outs of various reading disabilities, including but not limited to dyslexia. From what constitutes a "disability" to how to remediate one, this workshop will provide insight and clarify many myths of reading disorders. Be prepared to join in the discussion and attempt hands-on tasks, as well as ask questions that may be lingering. This is one workshop you won't want to miss! Dr. Megan A. Brown, Ph.D., Jaime Lehrhoff, M.A., LDT-C.

Special Education Advocacy from a Neurodiversity Perspective

This presentation is for parents, teachers, and professionals who are interested in incorporating a neurodiversity approach into their lives and practices. Beginning with a brief history of what neurodiversity is (and isn't), this presentation will teach participants how to advocate for child-centered, respectful, and effective programming for those in their care. Neurodiversity is a framework for thinking about neurological difference and disability outside of a medical or deficit model, and offers a way to help children reach their potential, while respecting their unique strengths and support needs. Participants should expect to learn practical steps they can take to improve their child's IEP and school program, as well as to learn what neurodiversity has to offer the community. Robin Roscigno, M.S.Ed.

The Westfield PTC – Special Education Committee will also award the “Make a Difference Award” to Lisa Wendel, who organizers said truly made a difference to parents, students, and educators alike in her various volunteer roles in the Westfield district for many years. This award is given annually to an individual or group who displays exemplary efforts in support of Special Education.

The Expo is open to the public and is free of charge; those interested can pre-register here.

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