Insight Conference
Save the Date: Insight 2009 Conference |
Insight 2008 Conference: Topics in Autism
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Mr. Kim Peek was born on November 11th, 1951 and currently resides with his father
in Salt Lake City, UT. When Kim was born he was diagnosed with brain damage and
neuro-motor dysfunctions with the recommendation of institutionalization. Kim's
parents rejected this recommendation and continued to care for him within the family
unit. At age 16-20 months, Kim demonstrated the ability to immediately memorize
every book that was read to him as well as verbalize his knowledge. At age three,
Kim was able to utilize the dictionary and from that point on Kim's interest in
reading was monitored closely.
Before his 5th birthday, Kim began to walk, which at birth the doctors indicated would be impossible. When Kim turned 6 he was registered in the first grade, but due to his "disruptive and hyperactive" behaviors it was recommended that he remain at home. It was at this point that Kim's parents requested that Kim be tutored at home. A retired elementary school teacher tutored him two times per week for 45 minutes. At age 14 Kim began to share his knowledge and information with others when he felt safe and included. It wasn't until Kim was 32 years old that he was given his first X-ray/brain scan in which it showed that the lobes in his brain were completely fused together and that the corpus callosum hadn't formed. Both Kim and Fran remarked during the presentation that having the benefits of today's modern brain scan technologies have been critical in helping them determine the ramifications of where his difficulties have occurred.
Throughout their Insight Conference presentations, Kim and Fran engaged the audience with their stories-offering many insights and personal perspectives. As his father Fran narrated the stories, Kim "worked the crowd" to learn more about individual participants. He seemed to delight in learning more about conference participant's names and locations which offered him a quick connection to each and sharing his "encyclopedia" of information on the details of their towns. Often Kim would share his fondness by a warm embrace and confirmation to many by such expressions as "you're a good woman, a great one, a very good person."
In 1984 Kim and Fran met Barry Morrow, a well-known screenwriter, and two years later Kim and Fran flew out to California to meet with Dustin Hoffman in preparation for the movie, "Rain Man." Since the film's release in the late 1980's, Kim emerged from a world of isolation to become a warm, outgoing, humorous and brilliant emissary for those with special needs. He continues to travel the country to share his message to "recognize and respect differences in others."
Video Modeling |
The Theory Behind Video Modeling - Presented by Teresa Lyons, M.Ed.
Video Modeling is an approach that has been utilized and researched for more than 30 years. With this approach individuals are provided with opportunities to view successful performances of a behavior that has been targeted for intervention. One very effective approach in video modeling is using the self as a model. With this approach individuals are presented with their own positive performances of a behavior. Video modeling and self as a model can be utilized to target various skills: play, motor, language, behavior, independence, and others. In this age of digital cameras and video editing on personal computers, this technique is accessible to teachers and parents. Participants will come away from this session with an understanding of the theory behind video modeling.
Make it Take it |
"Make it. Take it. Use it every day" Tools for Positive Behavior Support - Presented by Barbara Bloomfiel, M.A., CCC-SLP
Attend this highly practical session and leave with ready to use tools for helping students meet the behavioral expectations of their classroom and home settings. Both the information shared regarding visual supports for positive behavior support and the featured “Make and Take Project,” will be appropriate for a variety of age and functioning levels. Participants will be provided with all necessary construction materials, including color printed patterns, lamination and Velcro. Come join us for a session of information sharing, discussion and construction of a useful make and take project.
T/TAC AT Resources |
Visit the T/TAC web pages for AT resources.
T/TAC website
Assistive Technology page
