ICE Sharing Day
2012
Insightful, thought-provoking, inspiring - just
a few of the words used by those who were there to describe the ICE
Sharing Day 2012.
With this year's focus on autism and Asperger syndrome, over 130
people joined us to share their experiences and to learn from
others. The day's programme
included a mix of presentations and practical workshops, offering
new perspectives and new skills to our delegates. As usual there
were a multitude of demonstrators on hand throughout the day to
show off products and ideas for making communication more
inclusive.
"I have a greater understanding
of how to support my autistic child."
Specialist teachers from Essex County
Council spoke about Visual Timetables and Social Stories. These
practical sessions guided delegates in making their own versions of
these resources, giving people a chance to tap into their creative
side!
John Mortlock and Ros Blackburn gave
talks which were fascinating, humorous and widely agreed to be the
highlights of the day. John shared knowledge garnered from years of
working in the field of autism, while Ros spoke candidly about her
personal experience of life as an individual with autism. In
offering fresh perspectives, both speakers challenged us to reflect
on our experiences and assumptions about communicating with people
who have autism. A number of delegates told us that they would be
reconsidering their approach to communication in future, as a
result of hearing John and Ros speak.
"John's talk was inspirational;
he portrayed people with autism with such humour and has
helped me think differently about autism."
"The best thing about today was
listening to Ros Blackburn speak, sharing her experiences of living
with autism. Thank you!"
Carolann Jackson from SAFE / ASAP continued her campaign to
raise awareness of Asperger syndrome, sharing her perspective as a
parent on the impact of Asperger's on individuals and families.
Carolann's obvious passion for encouraging positive communication
was both moving and inspiring.
"...heartbreaking at
times...."
To close such an eventful day, we were treated to an overview of
a new communication system, LAMP (Language Acquisition through
Motor Planning). This has been pioneered in the USA and is being
developed here by Liberator and The Centre for AAC and Autism. This
was coupled with an update about the established communication
system PECS by Pyramid Educational Consultants.
"All [of the guest speakers]
were very interesting and informative."
Now tell us what you thought! If you joined us on the day please
use the
evaluation form to let us know how we did, and return it by
e-mail to ice.resource@essex.gov.uk.
We do value the feedback that you give us and use it to
shape our plans for future Sharing Days.
Couldn't make the Sharing Day? Thinking of coming next year? You
were there and just want to relive the day? We will be
adding a short film of the event very soon, so watch this
space!
Comments
I have been around in social care for longer than I care to remember,( a dinosaur some may say), but I always come away from the sharing days having a better insight in the subjects discussed through out the day.
I feel that once a year is not enough and you need a bigger venue because there are so many cares and parents that need this shared knowledge.
nice Job guys.
regards Neil A-R creative Inclusion Chelmsford
(A good Dinosaur).
Comment posted by: Neil.Appleton-Reeve on
14 March 2012 at 19:54
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