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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 

Chris Varney, Founder/CEO of I CAN Network, will be delivering a  highly engaging, interactive PD on “Empowering Autistic Learners” that combines Autistic insights with pragmatic frameworks and tips teachers can use to help create an environment in which Autistic students feel safe to engage and become more visible in their school communities.

Chris knows what it’s like to be that Autistic young person trying so hard to navigate classroom and school yard demands. In this session, he will draw upon his own Autistic lived experience as well as insights gleaned from personally mentoring hundreds of Autistic young people in Victoria over the past decade and working closely with their families and schools.

Themes to be explored and related practical tips include:creating a sense of safety for Autistic learners and their families (including working with young people and/or parents who might be in a negative headspace); helping students see their own strengths and leverage their passions; reducing anxiety and overwhelm for Autistic learners; recognising young people who might be masking; fostering self-advocacy; supporting executive functioning challenges; and understanding the different ways in which Autistic people might socialise, communicate and process the world. Participants will have the opportunity to share some of their own experiences and successes, ask questions and will be given an array of neuro-affirming, practical resources to support their work with Autistic and other Neurodivergent students.

SCHOOL INCLUSION WEBINAR

WE ENVISION A WORLD THAT EMBRACES AUTISM

One of the most meaningful ways we are driving positive change is through the sharing of our Autistic lived experience combined with mentoring hundreds of Autistic young people. In addition to our renowned I CAN School® program, we offer a range of speaking services which are particularly relevant for schools, corporates and community groups. For speaker enquiries, please click here.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS

We deliver practical workshops for schools and workplaces based on our knowledge of working with Autistic students and being an Autistic employer ourselves. Our content is focused on effective communication strategies, increasing confidence levels and leveraging the individual strengths of Autistic people. We specialise in strategies which are respectful, quiet and empowering. 

Sessions range from 1-hour (including after school) to half or full day and are offered onsite OR online for the convenience of participants. Travel charges apply for more regional locations.

PRESENTATION THEMES

EMBRACING DIFFERENCE AND NEURODIVERSITY
EMBRACING DIFFERENCE AND NEURODIVERSITY
Leveraging Autistic strengths & passions
Leveraging Autistic strengths & passions
THE JOURNEY TOWARDS SELF ACCEPTANCE
THE JOURNEY TOWARDS SELF ACCEPTANCE
PERSONAL 'I CAN' STORIES OF OVERCOMING OBSTACLES
PERSONAL ‘I CAN’ STORIES OF OVERCOMING OBSTACLES
MANAGING ANXIETY AND BUILDING RESILIENCE
MANAGING ANXIETY AND BUILDING RESILIENCE

STUDENT EDUCATIONAL & PARENT MOTIVATIONAL TALKS

Our staff know what it’s like to be an Autistic person finding their way in life. We deliver personal stories and insights which empower teachers, parents and educators to create environments where Autistic people feel safe, understood and accepted.

Our presenters include our Founder and CEO Chris Varney, our Regional Managers and student Autistic mentors. Speakers are available for classroom talks, assemblies and parent nights, as well as special events such as Neurodiversity Week (16th-20th March), World Autism Day (2nd April) and International Day of People With Disability (3rd December).

Julia Baker – Boston Consulting Group

“I CAN was engaging and thought-provoking, mixing evidence-based Australian context with the real world personal experiences– tailored to our needs, practical and actionable– February 2021

Professional Development

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