Supporting Families Through a New Diagnosis
Information
Recorded
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Educational Goal
Participants will gain competency in helping families deal with a diagnosis of their child.
Description
What does it feel like to receive the news that your child has a disability and that your family life will never be the same? In this presentation, Alma and Iris reveal their personal experience, which years of professional experiences did not fully prepare them for. The goal of the workshop is to assist professionals in being as sensitive and helpful as possible to families in crisis.
Target Audience
- Counselor
- Marriage & Family Therapist
- Psychologist
- Social Worker
- Substance Use Disorder Professionals
Presenters
Alma Schneider
Alma Schneider is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has nearly three decades of practice under her belt. She is a mother of four children, one of whom has Prader Willi Syndrome, Autism, ADHD, and unbeatable charm and good looks. In 2010, Alma created the Montclair Friday Group, free support and social policy group assisting hundreds of NJ parents to navigate schools, family life, and society while raising children with disabilities. In 2021, Alma was asked to be on the People with Disabilities Advisory Committee of the town council of Montclair, NJ to assist in making the town more inclusive and accessible.
Iris Mehler
Iris Mehler has 24 years of professional experience, and 13 years of personal experience as a parent and advocate, smashing barriers and screaming equality. In her previous life, she completed a master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling and a post-graduate certification in Assistive Technologies. Iris also holds bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Developmental Education in which she focused on alternative methods of learning while teaching in child development centers in Tel Aviv, Israel, and San Diego, CA. She is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) and is currently managing a team of 14 (professionals and paraprofessionals) in her daughter’s home-based, interdisciplinary rehab team. Iris has worked extensively with people with disabilities as a career counselor through individual counseling and leading support groups. In addition to supporting families with communication challenges, Iris provides individual support to families in crisis after a new diagnosis and consults businesses and organizations on creating barrier-free and inclusive environments.