Cooperative Link: Winter 2008

SPECIAL EDUCATION

"Educating Trainman" Presentation

“Educating Trainman” is the story of a young man with autism — in his own words! What had begun as a goal in self-advocacy and disclosure has evolved into a tag-team presentation between mother and son. Stefan and Barb talk about how autism affects their lives; as well as what schools, teachers, and parents can do to help a child with autism navigate the world. Their message is one of hope and that the journey continues.

Stefan is an 18-year-old student that is in his senior year of high school. He arrived at his Minnesota home in 1991 from an orphanage in Romania. The Romanian government thought that Stefan was “severely mentally retarded.” Years later he was diagnosed with high-functioning autism. As an eighth-grader, Stefan told his story to over 150 of his peers in a PowerPoint presentation. He then presented at Hamline University in St. Paul as a part of Kari Baron Dunn’s class for teacher certification in ASD programming.

In January 2006, his mom, Barb, joined in the presentation. They have presented at staff development trainings for the New Prague School District as well as MRVSEC, Children’s Mental Health Conference, Minnesota Autism Conference, and recently at the Minnesota State Special Education Directors Conference. They have also spoken at parent support group meetings in the New Prague area.

Stefan Kavan is a senior at New Prague High School. He loves to draw, travel, ride four-wheelers, bike, and jump on the trampoline. After graduating high school, he hopes to work for the railroad or become an architect.

Barb is a Special Education Coordinator and Adapted Physical Education Teacher for New Prague Area Schools. Barb likes to bike, golf and read in her free time.

Registration is necessary by calling Loree 507-389-1425. There will be a light lunch with refreshments. Child care is available upon request.

EDUCATING TRAINMAN
SCSC Conference Center
2075 Lookout Drive
North Mankato, MN 56003

FOCUS Meeting
March 24, 2008
5–7 p.m.
Register by calling
507-389-1425

> Next Special Education Article: Regional Project for Low Incidence — Blind/Visual Impairments & DeafBlind




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