Webinar - Aligning IEP Communication Goals for Academic Success

Please note this webinar aired on September 26th, 2024 and is now available On-Demand. See below for additional resources to accompany the content of this presentation.

Do you have questions about setting meaningful goals to increase your non-speaking child’s participation in school?   

If your child is non-speaking, this panel will talk about how to use the IEP (Individual Education Plan) to increase your child's participation. 

This discussion between a Speech and Language Pathologist (SLP), Special Education Resource Teacher (SERT) and parent of an autistic student will provide valuable insights and practical strategies to help parents ensure that every student has the support they need to succeed. 

Learning Goals: 

  1. Understand the importance of your child having communication skills in order to access the curriculum. 
  2. Learn how to align IEP communication goals to achieve desired outcomes across academic and life skills. 
  3. Discover strategies and solutions to overcome common challenges when collaborating and communicating with your child’s school and clinical team. 

Collaboration between parents, the school team, and service providers is crucial for your child's academic success.

Join us for an engaging and informative discussion designed to equip parents with the knowledge and tools to support their child’s educational journey.

To foster a comprehensive conversation, we have invited three panellists representing each of these essential perspectives on ensuring your child’s IEP meets your child’s needs. 

  • Tracie Lindblad: Speech and Language Pathologist, Subject Matter Expert, Autism Ontario 
  • Anne Gringas: Autism and Special Education Resource Teacher (SERT) 
  • Andrea Haefele: Parent of an autistic student 

Register here to watch this discussion On-Demand.

This presentation is tailored for parents and caregivers of autistic children who are non-speaking or have limited speech. Professionals are welcome to attend. 

Meet Our Panelists: 

Speaker Banner

Tracie Lindblad, M.Sc. Reg. SLP, M.Ed., BCBA - Subject Matter Expert: Speech Language Pathologist, Autism Ontario

Since 2022, Tracie L. Lindblad has served as the Subject Matter Expert Speech Language Pathologist at Autism Ontario, a provincial advocacy organization dedicated to supporting individuals with autism and their families. In this role, Tracie leverages her extensive expertise in speech-language pathology, applied behaviour analysis (ABA), and education to develop and disseminate resources, training, and materials focused on speech, language, and communication interventions for a broad range of audiences.  

With a rich academic background including a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology, a Master of Education in Curriculum, and her credentialing as a Behavior Analyst, Tracie brings a holistic perspective to her work at Autism Ontario. Her dedication to evidence-based practices and her commitment to the autism community are evident in her active involvement in professional organizations such as the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI), the Association for Science in Autism Treatment (ASAT), and Speech Pathology and Applied Behavior Analysis (SPABA) non-profit.  

Tracie's role at Autism Ontario allows her to combine her passion for advocacy with her clinical experience, ensuring that individuals with autism have access to high-quality, tailored support services. Through her contributions as an invited speaker, workshop facilitator, and webinar presenter, Tracie continues to be a driving force in advancing understanding and promoting best practices in autism intervention across Ontario and beyond. 

Anne Gingras - Autism and Special Education Resource Teacher (SERT), Self-Advocate 

Anne Gingras was diagnosed with Autism at age 41. She is the mother of a young autistic gentleman. Despite her challenges, Anne progressed as a special education and Autism resource teacher. Her personal experiences have given her a unique perspective, and she has used this to contribute to special education significantly.  

Since her diagnosis, Anne has published two books in a series entitled The Old Man on the Bench (or What I Learned from Our Conversations when I Decided to Listen) and A Beautiful Day. She is currently working on several writing projects. Anne was instrumental in developing and implementing the Snoezelen rooms in her area. Her qualifications include an Honours Bachelor of Arts from the University of Ottawa, a Bachelor of Education from Laurentian University, a specialist qualification in Special Education, and numerous supplemental qualifications in the autism field. Anne is a Holding Space practitioner, facilitator, and an End-of-Life Doula. She also holds a certificate in Mindfulness Informed End of Life Care from the University of Toronto. 

Nipissing University awarded her an Honorary Doctorate of Education (honoris causa) and she has also been a part-time faculty instructor of special education courses at Nipissing University's Schulich School of Education, where she mentors teacher candidates. Anne is a recently retired language and arts high school teacher and a public speaker on various subjects. 

Andrea Haefele - Parent and Curriculum Consultant 

Andrea Haefele (she/her) is a parent of 2 children; Petie is 12 years old and in grade 6, and Bella is 15 years old, living her best autistic self! It is a pleasure to be here today to share my intersectional identities as a visible minority (2nd generation to immigrant parents from China), and parent. I am excited to contribute to this panel and share my journey and lived experience of how I experience disability, supporting my daughter as a parent and advocate at school. 

Andrea is also a teacher in the York Region District School Board and is currently seconded as a Health & Physical Education curriculum consultant at the Ontario Physical & Health Education Association.  

Meet Our Moderator: Matt Ley

Matt Ley is the current President and co-founder of The Streaming Network. Starting his career in virtual events in 2007, Matt is an industry veteran who is passionate about helping customers stand out in their industry with compelling virtual events that people want to attend. The driving ambition for Matt is that virtual events are not a utility for information distribution but an opportunity for firms to create a competitive advantage. Matt is an accomplished moderator, dedicated to creating engaging, accessible virtual experiences that resonate with audiences and provide meaningful value. 

Disclaimer: Opinions reflected in this webinar are those of the speaker(s) and presenter(s), and do not necessarily reflect Autism Ontario’s views. Please note Autism Ontario does not endorse any specific therapy, product, treatment, strategy, opinions, service, or individual. We do, however, endorse your right to information. Autism Ontario strongly believes that it is important to do your own research and make your own informed decisions.