Sponsored by Daemen College with generous support by The Peter and Elizabeth C. Tower Foundation, whose mission is focused on improving the lives of young people. Presentations will focus on the topic of autism and the arts in post-secondary education, with Keynote Address by Dani Bowman, a college student with autism who started her own animation company at age 11.
Presentations will address issues surrounding the difficulties of non-structured learning environments for a neurologically diverse student body, strategies for adapting the studio to multiple learning styles, training visual and performing arts faculty in accommodating neurodiversity, and beginning a support program for non-traditional learners in the studio or theater/rehearsal environments.
Who should attend?
- Visual and Performing Arts faculty
- College autism support program providers
- Colleges interested in beginning a support program for students with autism
- College disability services staff who work with students with autism in visual and performing arts majors
Overview of Schedule (subject to change)
Wednesday, March 22, 2017
6:00 – 8:00 PM Welcome Reception and Registration
Welcome reception, including hot and cold hors d’oeuvres and soft beverages, with cash bar
Thursday, March 23, 2017
8:00 AM Registration
Hotel provides breakfast with stay. Light refreshments available at registration table on campus.
8:30 – 9:30 AM Welcome and Keynote
Welcome: Dr. Laura Watts, Associate Professor of Visual and Performing Arts at Daemen College and Co-Director of the Studio Support Program
Presentation: Dani Bowman
9:40-11:00 AM Session #1
Autism and Theater panel presentation
Presenters from Buffalo State College:
- Kathy Doody, Assistant Professor, Department of Exceptional Education
- Ann Emo, Associate Professor, Theater Department
- Maureen Porter, Lecturer, Theater Department
- Sumana Silverheels, Coordinator, Disability Services Office
- Mary Lou Vaughan, Director, College Based Transition Program
11-12:20 PM Session #2
Autism in the Fine Arts Studio: Student Transition to Creative Learning Spaces
Presenters from Daemen College:
- Laura Watts, Associate Professor of Visual and Performing Arts and Co-Director of the Studio Support Program
- Alyssa Crane, Adjunct Art Instructor and Studio Support Program Life Skills Coach
12:30-1:30 PM Buffet lunch
1:40-3:00 PM Session #3
Access for All: Accommodating Neurodiverse Students in an Academic Theatre Environment
Presenters from Bellevue College:
- Tammis Doyle, Program Chair, Theatre Arts Department of Drama and Dance
- Sara Sanders Gardner, Program Director, Faculty, Autism Spectrum Navigators
3:00-5:00 PM Concurrent sessions
- Visual and Performing Arts faculty: A panel of artists will lead a discussion of art programs, specific challenges, best practices. Moderated by Dr. Laura Watts
- Autism Program/Disability Services: discussion of program designs, best practices, sharing of resources, challenges and strategies. Moderated by Dr. Jane Thierfeld Brown Ed.D, Co-Director of College Autism Spectrum and nationally known consultant.
Friday, March 24, 2017
Hotel provides breakfast with stay. Light refreshment available in event room on campus.
8:30 – 10:30 AM Putting it into Practice
Conference participants will come together to incorporate strategies into their programs. Idea sharing, problem solving, “I have a student who” strategy development will be included.
10:45 AM Albright Knox Art Gallery Optional Trip
Albright Knox Art Gallery. The Gallery is one of the country’s oldest art institutions and is known for its world renowned Collection of contemporary and modern art. Additional admission charge. Round trip shuttle transportation provided. Lunch may be purchased at the museum cafe, which opens at noon. Shuttle will leave museum promptly at 2:00 PM.