Faculty and staff from the and (DIVE-VRT) presented at the 33rd annual CARD Statewide Autism Conference, held Jan. 16鈥�18 in Orlando.
The three-day conference united professionals, caregivers, educators and individuals on the autism spectrum from across Florida for training, presentations and networking focused on autism spectrum disorder.
The annual event continues to expand, offering professional development opportunities such as Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule training and a free Educators Day that enables teachers to earn in-service credit. The conference also features social events designed to foster connection among attendees, including one specifically for adults on the spectrum.
In addition, the conference offers presentations tailored specifically for adults on the spectrum 鈥� topics aimed at informing and inspiring self-advocates, such transition programs and skills training programs like DIVE-VRT.
Larry Tartaglino, Howard Kaplan, Tammy Jorgensen Smith and Estafania Simon.
The DIVE-VRT team presented their project integrating virtual reality and artificial intelligence into an established . The program trains and certifies youth and adults with lifelong and acquired disabilities in skilled trades.
In response to growing demand, the weekend also includes the one-day HISPA Conference, designed for Spanish-speaking families, caregivers and professionals. This year鈥檚 HISPA event drew professionals from Puerto Rico, reflecting its expanding national reach within the Hispanic community.
HISPA seeks to build a supportive network for Hispanic parents and caregivers of individuals with autism. Yazmin Castellano, MA, a consultant with CARD-USF, said the conference has certainly strengthened connections.
鈥淚 have witnessed the community鈥檚 growth as parents connect, share their stories, and provide hope and support to families on similar paths,鈥� Castellano said. She noted that many presenters and organizers are Hispanic and have loved ones with autism, fostering deeper understanding and connection.
I envision HISPA continuing to grow in ways that center culture, language and lived experience to empower Hispanic families. My hope is to broaden its reach and deepen its impact 鈥� creating lasting opportunities for connection, advocacy and culturally responsive education for families both locally and nationally.
Yazmin Castellano
The is held each January and includes participation from all seven CARD locations across Florida. CARD programs provide resources, training and guidance to individuals with autism spectrum disorder, their families and communities, and are funded by the Florida Department of Education.
Beth Boone, executive director of CARD-USF, Olivia Macdonald and Anna Gregory.
Faculty and staff presenters included:
- Olivia Macdonald, MPH, CPH - The Importance of Hormones in Addressing the Health Disparities of Girls and Women with Autism
- Christina Spencer, MEd, MAJS, and Yazmin Castellano, MA - Understanding 504 plan and IEP
- Anna Gregory, MA, BCBA, and Codye Manning, MA - Understanding the assessment tools used in the diagnostic process of autism spectrum disorder
- Christine Rover - Responding to the Behavior of Children with Autism to Prevent Drowning
- Denise Barnes, MA - What is Employment First
- Tammy Jorgensen Smith, PhD, CRC; Larry Tartaglino; and Howard Kaplan - Delivering Innovative Vocational Education through Virtual Reality Technology