2023 Training Dates:
Multiweek Intensive Online Training:
- Weekly online meetings from 1 to 4 pm EST on the following dates (independent study time is required):
- June 9 | June 16 | June 23 | June 30 | July 5 | July 14 (optional on-site attendance)
Single Week Intensive Training (Online or Onsite)
- Daily training from 8 am to 5 pm EST on July 10-14
As busy professionals, you need flexibility as to when and how you can develop your professional skills. With the new training structure offered by HANDS in Autism®, you can select from meeting online ONCE A WEEK + INDEPENDENT STUDY TIME (6 days total) to scheduling one SINGLE WEEK of intensive training online and/or onsite (5 full days).
Virtual vs Onsite Experiences
| Types of Experience | Virtual | Onsite |
|---|---|---|
| Didactic opportunities (live presentation) | X | X |
| Hands-on experiences with students | X | X |
| Case-based learning in small groups | X | X |
| Access to online downloadable resources for later use | X | X |
| Just-in-time coaching and mentoring | X | X |
| Bringing in your own classroom experience | X | X |
| Access to Professional Learning Community (post-training) | X | X |
| Access to free office hours (post-training) | X | X |
| Certificate of attendance (42 contact hours) | X | X |
| Attendance at the HANDS office (downtown Indianapolis) | – | X |
| Learn from home or your classroom | X | – |
| Didactic opportunities (independent) | X | – |
About Our Intensive Training
Our training focuses on providing hands-on experience and coaching according to the HANDS in Autism® framework, curriculum, and process for a range of education personnel, community service providers, administrators, and other professionals working with individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and related disabilities in school and community settings.
Since 2005, we have been offering this training to education & community service personnel from across the state, nation and globally - amassing to over 500 alumni! Since the onset of COVID-19, we have offered this and other intensive trainings online as well. We hope you will attend the training and join in our alumni group, keeping in touch and abreast of new opportunities with HANDS for years to come.
We are happy to welcome a range of education personnel, community service providers, administrators, and other professionals working with individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or related disabilities in school and/or community settings.
Our virtual (or online) training is similar to our onsite training. The main difference is in the application, or in other words, whether you will work with online students or students present in our own classroom. That is, we are designing interactive activities to allow opportunities for engaging in practice of skills learned both independently and in groups, as well as opportunities for ongoing feedback and mentoring from our HANDS trainers. Though we do have to warn you that just because you can take class while wearing your pajamas, it does not mean that the course is easy! To gain the skills that you can take with you to your school, office, or community setting, you will need to work just as hard in this online format as is required during the traditional onsite training!
Our intensive training is based on the comprehensive HANDS in Autism® Model composed of evidence-based behavioral and educational strategies rooted in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), current literature, and practice. The Model provides the framework, curriculum and process for training participants in the flexibility to effectively set up the physical environment, understand the reasons behind student behaviors, and develop teaching and support strategies that will help students reach their potential in the educational setting and beyond. Topics including proactive supports, classroom and community accommodations, goal setting, skills assessment and teaching. You will engage in:
- Interactive practice, coaching, and feedback within simulated and video-based formats
- Practical discussions regarding problem-solving solutions that work across settings and disabilities
- Experiences perfect for new and experienced teachers, para-professionals, administrators, job coaches, transition specialists, coordinators & other community providers.
- Participate! (in learning & assessments, including pre, post, and follow-up): Regardless whether you are in a virtual or onsite environment, our learning activities are synchronous and team-based with multiple breakouts, design and development, and hands-on experiences with students. To learn, you MUST participate!
- Collaborate! (with your peers and HANDS trainers): Whether it is a small group discussion or teaching activities for students, you are learning as part of a team!
- Engage! (in small and large group discussions, submission of your work, and enjoyment of activities): To better remember new skills and tie them in with what you already know, you need to practice! Engaging across all types of activities will help you with that!
- Canvas, our learning management system, where you will access learning materials, videos, simulations, and individual and group activities, submit your quizzes and assignments, and receive individual feedback as planned
- Zoom, an online conferencing platform, that we will use throughout the week to hold small group activities and large group discussions, provide modeling of techniques, and foster participation in other group assignments.
The registration fee is $1,000 until June 1 and $1,250 thereafter (see scholarship & grant opportunities available in next tab). *The fee includes the following:
- Active learning with our experienced trainers
- Access to learning materials during the training course
- Downloadable resources to use and share within the natural setting after the training
- Unique virtual networking and training experience
- 42 contact hours towards your professional development
- Ongoing boosters after training to support the generalization in your setting
- Connection with HANDS trainers and fellow participants for networking, collaboration and general support ongoing
Yes, partial scholarships through HANDS in Autism are available to qualifying participants: SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION . Additionally, to make learning accessible for families and professionals, we have created a resource list featuring grants for individuals and also have partial scholarships available with approved applications. ACCESS THE LIST
Refunds & Cancellations
The following is our cancellation policy that is applicable across all events:
All registrations are final, and no refunds or transfers will be issued. If you find that you are unable to attend a scheduled session, your registration fee may be applied to your attendance at a future session within the same calendar year if available by emailing hands@iupui.edu or calling 317-274-2675 at least 72 hours prior to the start of the event.