We are very excited to once again offer this event in collaboration with the Apple Store in SOHO to educate both parents and professionals who work with individuals with special needs about how to maximize learning and communicating using Apple technology. There will be an inspiring panel of professionals and parents to share their knowledge through discussion and demonstration of the use of Apple technology with individuals with special needs. Some particular areas of focus will include video modeling and the use of iBooks.
If you have ever wondered if the iPad or other Apple technology as a speech or learning device was right for your child or a child you work with this will be a very informative event for you.
Alpin Rezvani, M.A., CCC-SLP, graduated from New York University with a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology. She holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech, Language, and Hearing Association (ASHA). She has New York licensure in Speech-Language Pathology and earned her degree as a Teacher of the Speech and Hearing Handicapped. She was an adjunct instructor at New York University and was a speech-language pathologist for the New York City Department of Education. She now practices privately and is co-owner of Gift of Gab Resources. She co-authored three chapters (Community-Based Speech-Language Pathology; Joint Action Routines; Feeding & Language Strategies for Mealtime) in the latest version of “Cutting-Edge Therapies for Autism” and is PROMPT trained. She co-writes monthly blogs for Big City Moms and MommyBites and provides speech and language workshops for families and professionals throughout New York City.
Debbie Shiwbalak, M.A., CCC-SLP, is a graduate of St. John’s University where she received her Baccalaureate of Arts in Speech Pathology in 1999, and is a graduate of Long Island University-CW Post Campus, where she received a Master of Arts in Speech Pathology in 2001. She holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA) and is licensed by the state of New York to practice speech-language pathology. Debbie has had 13 years experience as a speech pathologist in the New York City area and has been in private practice for 7 years. She co-authored a chapter (Feeding & Language Strategies for Mealtime) in the latest version of “Cutting-Edge Therapies for Autism” and is PROMPT trained. She co-writes monthly blogs for Big City Moms and MommyBites and provides speech and language workshops for families and professionals throughout New York City.
Elena Laios has been a practicing Speech Language Pathologist for the past seven years. For the past year, she has been working with SpecialNeedsWare – the proud creators of AutisMate365. She grew up in New Jersey, where her passion for speech therapy was born after volunteering for a non-profit organization called Spectrum for Living, which support adults with varying developmental disabilities. She is an NYU and Columbia University alumna, and has experience working in schools, sensory gyms, and in private practice. Her expertise is in building speech and language skills for children with Autism, articulation disorders, feeding disorders, auditory processing disorders, and early intervention. She has a special interest in augmentative communication.
Ken Siri, author, advocate, and entrepreneur, is the single father of a 16-year-old boy with autism. He has authored several books on autism, is the founder and president of Consilium Global Research, and serves on the boards of the National Autism Association NY Metro Chapter and The Atlas Foundation for Autism. He is also the subject of the documentary film Big Daddy Autism, currently in production.
Kathy Bell is a professional writer and she has worked in Communications for more than 20 years. Part of a Canadian foreign service family, Kathy has lived in Venezuela, Northern Virginia, and New York as well as in Ghana during her teenage years. She has three children, including her middle child, Kevin, who has special needs. Over the course of four cities, eight schools, and 20 years, Kathy has seen how emerging technology has revolutionized people’s approach and understanding of Kevin and other people with special needs.
Kim Mack Rosenberg is the parent of a fifteen year old son on the autism spectrum and is President of the National Autism Association – NY Metro Chapter, Co-President of the Elizabeth Birt Center for Autism Law & Advocacy, and a member of the Executive Leadership Team of Health Choice. As an active advocate, she has published on autism related topics, is a frequent presenter at conferences and special events and has appeared on television, radio, and internet and in print media discussing issues relating to autism. She is the author of the recently released “The Parent’s Autism Sourcebook” from Skyhorse Publishing.
