Friday, February 17, 2017 8:00 am to 4:00 pm

EPCC Administrative Services Building ‘A’

9050 Viscount Blvd. El Paso, TX 79925

About Our Keynote Speaker

Linda’s passion is to create as many opportunities as possible for people

with disabilities to participate fully and independently in their communities.

She is a strong advocate for those with significant disabilities in regard to long-term supports and services focusing on

employment issues.

Linda is a speaker locally, statewide and nationally on employment for those with disabilities and is a member of the

Autism Society. She is credited with securing the passage of SB 1226, the

Employment First bill; which makes it possible for Texans with disabilities to

expect to obtain and maintain competitive, integrated employment.

Linda’s eldest son, Nathan, is a 27 year old young man with severe autism and

a seizure disorder. Nathan has maintained competitive integrated employment for over 9 years at the

Hilton Austin with the supports of a job coach. He obtained his job without the help of any school or agency. Nathan is

the driving force behind Linda’s advocacy efforts.

You will be inspired to expect employment for all, even

those with the most significant disabilities! (915) 772-9100

autismsocietyep@gmail.com

18th Annual International Autism Conference

“Employment for Individuals with Severe Disabilities”

Linda Levine, RN

Here I am! A Young Adult with Autism...How Did I Get Here?

10 Things We Want You to Know by

Paul Nathan, Jr., Israel Castillo & Julian Rivera

CONFERENCE DESCRIPTION

You are cordially invited to Attend our 18th Annual International Autism Conference, a daylong event where parents, professionals and individuals on the Autism Spectrum discuss information regarding autism treatment and share their personal experiences. We will begin the morning with our keynote speaker. This year we have the honor of hosting Mrs. Linda Levine, a strong advocate for those with significant disabilities. In the afternoon, you will hear personal accounts from three amazing young adults on the Autism Spectrum. Paul Nathan, Jr., Israel Castillo and Julian Rivera will give the audience a great insight into their personal autism journey!

MAIL REGISTRATION WITH PAYMENT TO:

The Autism Society of El Paso Attention: Lynn Hernandez

400 N. Carolina Dr. El Paso, TX 79915

For more information: (915) 772-9100

Registration: I am a: Parent___ Teacher___

Student ___ Para-professional ____ PT___ OT ___

RN ___ MD___ SW___ LPC___ SLP___

Other (specify)____

NAME__________________________________________

ADDRESS_______________________________________

________________________________________________

PHONE (Hm) ________________(Wk)________________

EMAIL _________________________________________

Traducción a español _____

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

8:00 - 8:30 Registration

8:30 - 9:00 Introductions and Overview

9:00 -10:15 Linda Levine Employment for Individuals with Severe Disabilities

10:15-10:30 Break

10:30-11:45 Linda Levine Employment for Individuals with Severe Disabilities

11:45 - 1:00 Lunch

Here I am! A Young Adult with Autism… How Did I Get Here?

10 Things We Want You to Know

1:00 - 1:45 Paul Nathan, Jr.

1:45 - 2:30 Israel Castillo

2:30 - 2:45 Break

2:45 - 3:30 Julian Rivera

3:30 - 4:00 Evaluations & Closing

Payment Method: Please make checks and purchase orders payable to The Autism Society of El Paso. Total amount enclosed:$______________

Check No. ______________

Circle one: Visa Master Card

Credit Card No. ___________________________________

Expiration date (month/year) ________________________

Print Cardholder’s name as it appears on Card ________________________________________________

Signature ________________________________________

Purchase Order # and Organization’s Name ________________________________________________

Conference Fee: (Lunch included) By 2/15 Late

Professionals and Paraprofessionals $30.00 $35.00 Professional and Paraprofessionals $40.00 $45.00 Parents, family members $25.00 $30.00 Individuals with Autism, Students $10.00 $15.00 Onsite registration will be available. Parents contact your school district to inquire about parent stipends. Payment Terms: All fees listed are per person. Registration will not be accepted without payment by check, purchase order or credit card authorization payable to The Autism Society of El Paso BEFORE Conference date. Cancellations required by 2/16. No refunds will be given after that date.

About Our Guest Speakers

Paul Nathan Jr. is a 25 year old student at UTEP pursuing a degree Special Education and also has an Associate’s Degree in Arts from EPCC. Paul currently holds a position on the Volar Center for Independent Living Board representing youth with disabilities and is the Vice President of Texas Advocates, an organization that advocates for the rights of Texans with disabilities.

Israel Castillo has presented at the Together for Autism Conference and other speaking engagements. Israel was inducted into the National Honor Society as well as the Technical Honor Society. He is currently attending EPCC and a member of the Film Club. He has his bus pass and gets around independently around the city.

Julian Rivera was diagnosed with Autism at age 2 and he wasn’t able to speak until the age of four. As a high school senior, Julian joined a small rock band. He graduated high school in 2011 and he recently graduated from EPCC with an Associate’s Degree in Advertising Graphics and Design. Since then, he has joined another band, where he continues to play gigs around El Paso!