Workshops
Adult Workshop Session One 9:45 AM - 10:30 AM
Workshop A
What are the roles of NH’s Area Agencies in 2026? Explaining System Changes, Designated Area Agency Delivery System Roles, and where we go from here. – Marissa Berg of CSNI
Workshop Description: This session will provide attendees with a high-level, plain-language overview of the new responsibilities of Area Agencies, including their Designated Area Agency Delivery System (DAADS) functions and contract roles. It will also describe the limitations of what Area Agencies can and cannot do, as well as resources for learning more about other roles in the system, including Service Coordination and provider functions, and the role of the Bureau of Developmental Services.
Workshop B
A Seat at the Table: Empowering Parents as Essential Team Members – Julie Lago and Heather Young
Workshop Description: Parents and caregivers play a critical, yet often under-recognized, role as equal members of a child’s care and education team. This session empowers parents to move beyond passive participation and into confident, informed partnership with professionals—while also challenging systems to welcome and respect that role.
Through practical guidance, real-world examples, and a clinician’s perspective, participants will explore how shared responsibility, mutual accountability, and high professional standards lead to better outcomes for their loved ones they are supporting. The session emphasizes collaboration over conflict and positions parents as essential contributors to decision-making, advocacy, and long-term success.
This session reframes parent involvement as partnership—not support, compliance, or oversight alone. Participants will explore how effective teams function when parents are informed, prepared, and empowered to contribute meaningfully to discussions, planning, and decisions.
A featured component of the session incorporates a clinician’s perspective in collaboration with the parent led/focused presentation, highlighting how professionals view parent engagement, why high expectations from family’s matter, and how collaboration often improve overall outcomes.
Workshop C
Creating Spaces Where Neurodiverse Youth Belong: Practical Neuro-Affirming Strategies for Social Success – Kimberley O’Donnell and Stephanie Wetherbee
Workshop Description: What truly makes a social group successful for neurodiverse youth? Through the lens of real program development at ROOTS Therapeutic Services—from preschool to adolescence—this session explores how thoughtful planning, clear intentions, and individualized supports can transform social experiences.
Participants will learn how shifting away from deficit-based models toward
neuro-affirming practices encourages confidence, self-advocacy, and authentic relationships. Emphasis will be placed on practical approaches that professionals and caregivers can implement immediately, as well as considerations for balancing structure with flexibility.
Whether you are a family member, self-advocate, educator, therapist, or community provider, this workshop will provide approachable strategies to help neurodiverse youth feel understood, respected, and connected.
Workshop D
Emergency Disaster Planning for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN); Big Picture to Local and State Resources in New Hampshire – Audrey Gerkin
Workshop Description: This workshop is incorporated with family centered inclusive disaster strategies and lived experience stories. Disasters can make for good stories if everyone ends up okay.
We start off by observing facts that demonstrate how people with disabilities are more susceptible to the impact of emergency disasters. Solutions on how to remain safe and prepared begins with looking at the structure of natural resources and moves to state and local assistance. Families and coordinators will leave with the knowledge of special considerations and planning for emergencies for people with health care needs.
Adult Workshop Session Two 10:45 - 11:30AM
Workshop E
Navigating Barriers and Accessing Supports and Services Across the Lifespan – Alyssa Gagne
Workshop Description: This workshop is designed to provide families with knowledge and tools to navigate times when services may be limited, disrupted, or no longer available. Participants will explore common challenges that may arise during service transitions and further learn about the importance of varying health services during this time.
This workshop session will highlight larger university programs and organizations, and community-based resources that can provide meaningful assistance to individuals and their families. Through discussion and shared information, families will gain a clearer understanding of how to gain support specific to their needs. The workshop will include a background on the “transition cliff”, an engaging activity for participants, and presentation of available resources for varying services.
Workshop F
Stronger Together; Community Networking Workshop – Alex Beauchner, Rita Despres and Karin Mortimer
Workshop Description: This workshop helps families, caregivers, and self-advocates build stronger, more connected lives through simple, everyday networking. The self-advocate and 2 advisors (who have family members who experience disability) will share their lived experiences and explore how support networks, resource networks, and power networks can make daily life easier and more supported
Workshop G
Advocacy Made Simple – Carrie Duran
Workshop Description:
Families are navigating advocacy in more places than ever. They include school IEP meetings, service planning teams, legislative hearings, emails to elected officials, and online platforms. At the same time, the advocacy landscape has changed. Families are expected to communicate clearly, prepare effectively, and engage across systems that often feel complex and intimidating.
Advocacy Made Simple: Modern Tools for Families is a practical, accessible workshop designed to break advocacy down into clear, manageable steps using today’s advocacy tools. This session focuses on real-world strategies families can use when working with legislators, school teams, service providers, and community systems— without requiring legal, policy, or technical expertise.
Participants will learn how to prepare for meetings, organize their message, write effective emails, share testimony and engage in advocacy in ways that feel confident and respectful. Grounded in lived experience and modern leadership practices, this workshop centers families as experts and equips them with tools that they can use immediately.
Families will leave with simple, adaptable tools to advocate effectively across systems in today’s evolving advocacy environment.
Workshop H
Education In NH – What’s New ??? – Bonnie Dunham (or staff)
You have probably heard about many changes being made in special education laws, policies and structure at both the Federal and State levels. Some of these changes may have already happened, some are evolving, and others are just speculation. In this workshop, you will learn about what is new; we will separate facts from myths and discuss what those changes may mean for you and your child. This knowledge will help you to be a more effective and informed advocate for your child, and if you choose, for all children by making a difference at a systemic level.
Adult Workshop Session Three 2:15 PM - 3:00 PM
Workshop I
Real Life Applications of Music Therapy – Cassidy Kulak and Spencer Cole of Granite State Music Therapy
Workshop Description: Please provide a brief description of your workshop; Music therapy is a clinical and evidence-based practice that has helped individuals work toward meaningful goals for over 80 years. While it is often considered a younger profession, research continues to show that music therapy is highly effective in supporting a wide range of goals across the lifespan. Music therapy can be beneficial regardless of ability, diagnosis, age, or musical background.
In this workshop, participants will learn more about what music therapy is and how it can be used to support both their own lives and the lives of loved ones. Participants will be provided with real life examples and experiences, along with resources for engaging in music within their own communities. Attendees will also have the opportunity to experience music therapy firsthand in an inclusive and supportive environment. No supplies or musical talent are required. Just bring yourself, an open mind, and a sense of curiosity. We look forward to creating music with you!!
Workshop J
Making Life Magical – Cody Clarke
People with disabilities have the same goals as everyone else: to gain employment, make friends, and become successful adults. Too many people believe these aren’t achievable.
Not me! I’ve been in their shoes and I’m here to help!
I’ve created magic shows which:
- Give people with disabilities a story they can relate to
- Are sensory friendly for maximum enjoyment
Workshop K
Developing Healthy Digital Habits – Christine Arsnow, MD
Workshop Description: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recognizes that media is everywhere and managing it can be challenging for families. The AAP, with support from AT&T, aims to empower parents and caregivers by providing tools and resources that make this process easier. This presentation is designed to share information about a Family Media Plan and how it offers a structured, practical approach to help families set media priorities that reflect their values and lifestyle. The AAP understands that media use impacts children’s health, development, and family dynamics. Without clear guidelines, screen time can easily become overwhelming.
Sharing the Family Media Plan helps families take control by creating intentional, balanced media habits. Family Media Plan is a customizable framework for managing media use. It is designed for flexibility and can be revised or revised at any time. It includes priorities, tips, and guidance on health digital habits. This presentation will share step-by-step instructions on how families can develop their own Family Media Plan.
Workshop L
Leading with Clarity: Story, Message, and Self-Awareness for Collaborative Leadership – Julie Lago and Sarah Sadowski
Workshop Description: This interactive workshop equips families with practical communication skills to increase trust, relatability, and buy-in from their teams. Participants will learn how to craft and share concise, authentic narratives that clarify purpose and direction, make effective and actionable tasks, and foster collaboration around shared challenges. The session also emphasizes self-awareness, helping leaders understand how their communication style influences message delivery and how information is perceived by others, ensuring intentions align with impact.
Youth/Teen Workshops
Morning 9:45 AM – 11:30 AM
A parent/guardian must sign their loved one in and out of the kid’s / teen workshops!
Let’s Rock! A Music Therapy Experience – Cassidy Kulak and Spencer Cole of Granite State Music Therapy
Workshop Description: In this engaging and inclusive workshop, participants will come together for a hands-on music experience centered on creativity, connection, and collaboration. Through guided musical play, participants will explore a variety of instruments, experiment with sounds, and discover the many ways they can contribute to a group music experience, whether through playing, singing, movement, or active listening.
As the session unfolds, participants will work together to form a band, making shared decisions about musical roles, rhythms, lyrics, and overall sound. With support and encouragement, the group will engage in collaborative songwriting, creating an original piece of music that reflects their ideas, personalities, and collective creativity. The workshop will conclude with the celebratory debut of the band’s original song, offering participants a meaningful opportunity to share their work, build confidence, and experience the joy of creating music together. No prior musical experience is required, and all ages and abilities are welcome.
ABLE-NH sponsored Quiet Activities Area
Workshop Description: ABLE NH will sponsor the quiet room for the 2nd year in a row! During workshops, this room will be staffed by volunteers who will lead activities and interact with participants while parents and caregivers attend workshops.
The conference can be exciting—and sometimes overwhelming. The Quiet/Sensory Room provides a peaceful, low-sensory environment for attendees who need a moment to decompress, regulate, or take a break from the hustle and bustle. This space is open to all participants, including individuals, families, and support staff.
Afternoon : 1:15 PM – 4:15 PM
Ultimate Music Experience with DJ Mike Phillips!
Join DJ Mike for an afternoon of fun! Dance, sing, or just enjoy the music, this interactive workshop gives everyone a chance to express themselves through music in whatever way feels right for them.
Participants will have the opportunity to use their voice and take turns on the mic in a supportive, welcoming environment. If you prefer to watch and enjoy the vibes, that’s great too! The goal is simple: have fun, feel included, and express yourself through music.