RDI® Program Annual Conferences
Comments from Parents
Comments from Professionals
Comments from Parents:
We traveled through 5 times zones in 6 days to come to the Conference [from India], and it was every bit worth coming for. We were able to meet with our Consultant and we got feedback about where we were going right and not going right, and that was reassuring. We were also able to meet with a lot of other Consultants. Being able to meet parents who are going through what we're going through now in the beginning stages has given us a bigger picture. We're able to make more sense of what we're doing. Also, we didn't come looking for this, but we actually got to see a family here who brought their child on the spectrum who has done phenomenally well. At this point in time, when we were getting a little worried about the stage we're in, it made us understand. When we met this child and saw and understood what they went through, it's given us a lot of confidence about the journey we're in.
Venkat R., India
The parent conference in Denver was an incredibly helpful experience in my journey with the RDI® Program. Dr. Gutstein, along with the guest speakers, further inspired my mission to help my children have the same quality of life as my not-on-the-spectrum children. This inspiration came in many forms, and many different ways which included using logic, research, and humor! Thank You Dr Gutstein for all that you do for our kids!!!
The small group classes were informative as I energetically wrote down so many fresh and practical ideas to put into practice for my family.
Finally, the conference gave me the chance to meet the many dedicated parents that I talk to online with the Yahoo groups. Instead of feeling like I was meeting them for the first time, I felt as though it was a family reunion. The unity and understanding, along with the laughter that we all shared for those 4 days is something that has profoundly shaped my attitude! Being with people who can relate was a complete joy to me, as we sat around the table completely understanding one another!
Counting the months till I see you all again, and even more of you who come next year!
Kathy D., New Jersey, USA
To connect with the parents alone: that would have been enough! But with Dr. G. and Stephen Shore and all the fun stuff, too ...There were so many levels to this week: the hope I have; seeing the development of Stephen Shore; being exposed to the competence and mindfulness of other parents ... it's just been really, really amazing. It's so empowering to be with other parents and hear their joys and struggles. I realize we're all in this together. - Denver, 2006.
Matt L., Canada
I have NEVER been in a more supportive environment! Wow, an entire room FULL of people who not only "get it", but are right there with you. What an amazing bonding experience!!
I was absolutely overwhelmed (emotionally) with the amount of time,
thought, and effort Dr. Gutstein (and his team) have put into the new objectives and operating system. This is going to be SUCH a boon to the RDI program and to our kids and families, and the excruciating detail that he's attended to is completely mind-boggling. When I realized the full scope of exactly what it was that he was presenting to us, I literally burst into tears. - Denver, 2006.
Shelley W., Connecticut, USA
Comments from Professionals:
I thought it was a fabulous conference and I learned so much. The Practice Pragmatics and Ethics small group sessions alone, made the whole trip worthwhile. - Denver, 2006
Sherri Miller, M.S., CCC-SLP, Certified Consultant
Time to share ideas with other professionals is invaluable and reenergizes every aspect of my work with families. - Denver, 2006
Janice Guice, M.A., CCC-SLP, Certified Consultant
I am so pleased that I attended this conference! It is an opportunity to network with like-minded individuals. The excitement of listening to others' ideas, successes and challenges; sharing ideas, and creating collaborative opportunities is indescribable! I so look forward to next year! - Denver, 2006
Nancy S., Consultant in Training
I feel very privileged and proud to be considered a part of this terrific group. - Denver, 2006
Erin R., Consultant in Training
I enjoyed all of it GREATLY. I really enjoyed the small group sessions. - Denver, 2006
Lisa S., Consultant in Training
My favorite part of this year's Annual Conference was the chance to see the new Operating System. The juggling was a good demonstration [of RDI principles] and an excellent and fun way to finish. - Denver, 2006
Jane M., Consultant in Training
As I made a commitment to my families to provide a program that would improve the quality of life for their child, I realized the ongoing dedication it would take to maintain a level of understanding current with Dr. G's thinking.To maintain a quality program, the collaboration with peers became a necessity. Last year's conference gave me that opportunity, to not only hear Dr. G "LIVE," but to meet the many dedicated professionals and learn from so many different perspectives. After spending time with the many consultants and trainees, I realized what an honor it was to be a part of this group. I look forward to the many opportunities this year's conference will offer, to share the knowledge of so many gifted professionals and grow in our level of understanding as we continue this journey together. - Minnesota, 2005
Barbara A. Duckett, M.A., CCC-SLP, Certified Consultant
I've really enjoyed all the conferences so far. Since I have a private practice on my own, one of my favorite parts of the annual conference is having the opportunity to visit and brainstorm with other RDI® Program Consultants. We do have a professionals group and are able to do some of that via e-mails and on-line chats during the year, but of course it’s just not the same as having a real face-to-face conversation. It’s a great way to get to know some of the newer consultants from around the country (and now from around the world!); as well as to reconnect with some of the great consultants I’ve gotten to know over the past few years. This year, I am really looking forward to hearing the information the Connections Center will be sharing regarding the new RDI® Operating System, and being able to pass the developments on to all the families I work with to best meet their needs. - Minnesota, 2005.
Kim Downey, B.S. (Physical Therapy), Certified Consultant
Last year's 2005 annual conference was such a valuable experience. I was able to network with other consultants and get updates on the critical program improvements. The breakout sessions were helpful as we discussed important topics in a small group setting. I am looking forward to the new parent component at this year's 2006 annual conference and getting acquainted with the rapidly growing RDI community.- Minnesota, 2005
Michelle Broeckelmann, B.A. Certified Consultant
At the conference last year (2005), I enjoyed being able to meet other consultants directly (seeing a face to go with the "chat" personality) and to exchange experiences about the ways others are delivering services to families. I'm looking forward to meeting new people in this year's conference and to hear about the latest RDI Program revisions from Dr. Gutstein.-Minnesota, 2005
-Douglas Smith, M.A., Certified School Psychologist, Certified Consultant
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