Family Connections Camp

Autistic students who spell and type to communicate and their families are invited to the 2018 ACC Family Connections Camp! The camp is geared toward families with students (6 years and older) who are in the beginning to intermediate stages of communication with their communication partner. In addition to the student and communication partner, a minimum of one and maximum of three people are required to participate in the camp. Each group of three to five individuals can include immediate and/or extended family members. 

During the four-day camp, students, their communication partners, and family members will engage in fun, social, and family-style activities. The goal is to bring families together by creating fun activities for the whole family. The camp will also include two video conference meetings for Communication Partners and Parents to discuss how to navigate naturally through play. This will be an interactive discussion, reflecting on the camp experience. Students must be accompanied by a dedicated communication partner. All sessions will be facilitated by two experienced professionals, Julie Sando, director of Autistically Inclined, and Amanda Johnson, M.A.

Conference schedule:

Friday, Saturday, Sunday, & Monday, 10 a.m.–noon: Families, Students & Communication Partners at CLU
Friday & Monday, 4–5 p.m.: Communication Partners & Parents via Zoom Room Video Conference

Facilitators:

Julie Sando received her BA in communication in 2000 and has 20 years of experience working with children and adults on the autism spectrum. She is the director of Autistically Inclined and a co-creator of Natural Play Therapy. Over the past four years, she has dedicated much of her attention to students who communicate through letter boards and other forms of alternative communication. Her focus is creating natural experiences to bring the whole family together.

Amanda Johnson has a master's degree, 15 years of experience supporting students with autism in community and school settings, and four years of experience supporting students who use letter boards, tablets, and other forms of augmentative and alternative communication. Amanda facilitates monthly ACC Alternative Communication Socials that involve social, educational, and communication skill-building activities. 

Learning outcomes:

1. Walk away with replicable activities to bring your family together

2. Help siblings and family members find common ground through play

3. Have fun!

Registration is $350 per family. A minimum of three people and maximum of five people (including student and Communication Partner) must attend. Ages 6+. All sessions will be held on the California Lutheran University main campus.

Register

Register by May 1