Wait List: The Weight of Words - A Two Part Workshop

Community Workshop

Facilitator(s): Monica Maddison

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This is a multi-day workshop. Please ensure you are available for all the dates listed below:

Date: Oct 25, 2023 | Time: 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Date: Nov 1, 2023 | Time: 6:30pm - 8:30pm

An introductory workshop to philosophy and language use in our daily practice. We explore why the language we choose to use, both when speaking to and about children, matters. We review growth vs deficit mindset, positive language use, and focus on specific terminology that is now considered outdated (and even at times outright harmful). Some of these terms are directly related to ASD, such as functioning labels (high/low functioning), and others are general terms used to speak about neurodiverse populations or disability as a whole, such as “special needs” or “special interests” etc. 

Participants are invited to reflect on inclusive practices when considering both the medical and social model of disability, and build their educational philosophy with support and guidance from Monica.

Facilitator(s): Monica Maddison

Monica Maddison is a Director of Specialized Education and Inclusion, former college instructor, and a professional speaker. She brings her thirteen years of experience and extensive education background to "educate the educator" on best practices for supporting and caring for neurodiverse learners. When she isn’t advocating for her students within the classroom, providing one-to-one therapy for home based clients, or public speaking across Canada, USA, and New Zealand, she’s a mother to three children herself. Monica uses real world explanations with actionable strategies within each session to guide educators through self reflection and greater understanding of all children. Her company, Bloom Behaviour, is creating a movement of inclusion driven practices for intentional educators - because as we already know; we’re better when we’re together.

Important Details to Note Prior to Registering:

  • This online free training is offered to childcare staff working in Burnaby and Vancouver. 
  • Only registered individuals will be allowed to join the workshop.
  • Professionals attending will receive a professional development certificate if applicable within one week of the workshop.
  • Participation is required. Your video needs to be on, your camera must be enabled and your microphone working to receive your certificate. Participants must stay for the full workshop/course to receive a certificate.
  • You can join the Zoom link 15 minutes prior to the presentation start time. We will not admit anyone 15 minutes after the start time with respect to the presenters and participants.
  • All participants are expected to complete an online survey after the training.
  • If you cannot attend please do your best to provide 48 hours notice. If you do not cancel and do not show up you will be put on a waitlist and removed from future trainings.