Full Calendar

Events in March 2026

9:00 am: Evidence-based Workshop Series: Introductory Practices

9:00 am: UNDERSTANDING MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES AMONG PEOPLE WITH IDD

11:00 am: UNDERSTANDING AUTISM AND STRATEGIES FOR CHILD CARE PROVIDERS

9:00 am: CRISIS INTERVENTION - SUPPORTING A PERSON WITH IDD IN CRISIS

1:00 pm: SUPPORTING FAMILY-LED DEVELOPMENT MONITORING. LEARN THE SIGNS. ACT EARLY: PROVIDER TRAINING

9:00 am: Evidence-based Workshop Series: Introductory Practices

9:00 am: UNDERSTANDING MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES AMONG PEOPLE WITH IDD

11:00 am: UNDERSTANDING AUTISM AND STRATEGIES FOR CHILD CARE PROVIDERS

9:00 am: CRISIS INTERVENTION - SUPPORTING A PERSON WITH IDD IN CRISIS

1:00 pm: SUPPORTING FAMILY-LED DEVELOPMENT MONITORING. LEARN THE SIGNS. ACT EARLY: PROVIDER TRAINING

9:00 am – 4:00 pm
February 26, 2026

Join the DNEA to learn more about autism and the practices that can be used to support this population. This FREE introductory workshop will feature training and activities open to Delaware professionals and community members.

Thursday, February 26th

Morning Session 9:00 am-12:00 pm Introduction to Autism This training will cover disability-friendly language, the history of autism, core characteristics of autism, and general tips and considerations for supporting people with autism.

Afternoon Session 1:00 pm-4:00 pm Introduction to Evidence-Based Practices This training will provide an overview of evidence-based practices that are most effective when supporting individuals with autism, including prompting, reinforcement, and visual supports.

In person: 461 Wyoming Road in Newark, DE

Virtual: via a Zoom link emailed to all registrants *Please note that virtual attendees will not be able to participate in hands-on activities.

Use the link below to register. Attendees will have the option to register for one or both workshop sessions. Lunch is on your own. For more information, please contact Nicole Ferrara at nferrara@udel.edu. Accommodations can be requested during registration.

https://tinyurl.com/ywc5a6nt

Event Details

9:00 am – 11:00 am
March 3, 2026

The Delaware Network for Excellence in Autism (DNEA), housed at UD’s Center for Disabilities Studies, offers training and technical assistance that benefits individuals with autism, their families, and the professionals who serve them. We are pleased to announce our statewide virtual training schedule designed to introduce participants to the core characteristics of autism and practices that provide support in a variety of professionals.

Understanding Mental Health Challenges Among People with IDD is an introductory training designed for professionals who work with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and seek a deeper understanding of the intersection between IDD and mental health.

This training provides an overview of developmental and intellectual disabilities, exploring key concepts such as models of disability (social vs. medical), language preferences, disability etiquette, ableism, and neurodiversity-affirming practices. It highlights the unique mental health experiences of people with IDD, emphasizing the impact of masking, trauma, and diagnostic overshadowing through a biopsychosocial lens.

Additionally, the training focuses on promoting effective communication by introducing tools such as communication boards to ensure equitable access to language and support.

This training is designed for all community members. For example, this may include, but is not limited to, people with autism, their families, healthcare providers, first responders, direct support professionals, and early childhood professionals.

Participants will be emailed login information and details approximately 48 hours before the training date. Please check the email you used to register and/or your JUNK mail if you do not find the confirmation in your inbox. Participants will be emailed a certificate of attendance approximately 2 weeks after the training.

“This course, Understanding Mental Health Challenges Among People with IDD, Approval # 9052024-2, provided by Delaware Network for Excellence in Autism, is approved for continuing education by the NASW-DE Continuing Education Approval Collaborative. CE Approval Collaborative Approval Period: Thursday, September 5, 2024, through January 31, 2027. Delaware social workers will receive 2 CE credits for participating in this course.”

Seating is reserved for Delaware residents and Delaware professionals. The DNEA reserves the right to cancel training if the minimum attendance threshold is not met.

Please email Alisha Fletcher at fletcha@udel.edu for any accommodation requests. Please submit any accommodation requests at least 72 hours in advance to make sure accommodations can be coordinated and provided.

Event Details

11:00 am – 1:00 pm
March 19, 2026

The Delaware Network for Excellence in Autism (DNEA), housed at UD’s Center for Disabilities Studies, offers training and technical assistance that benefits individuals with autism, their families, and the professionals who serve them. We are pleased to announce our statewide virtual training schedule designed to introduce participants to the core characteristics of autism and practices that provide support in a variety of settings.

This training was developed by the Delaware Network for Excellence in Autism for early childhood care providers. The training is designed to develop an understanding of autism and how it impacts children differently. In addition, the training provides strategies to support young children with autism in a childcare setting.

This training is designed for all community members. For example, this may include, but is not limited to, people with autism, their families, healthcare providers, first responders, direct support professionals, and early childhood professionals.

Please email Nicole Ferrara at ferarra@udel.edu for any accommodation requests. Please submit any accommodation requests at least 72 hours in advance to ensure they can be coordinated and provided.

Event Details

9:00 am – 11:00 am
March 25, 2026

The Delaware Network for Excellence in Autism (DNEA), housed at UD’s Center for Disabilities Studies, offers training and technical assistance that benefits individuals with autism, their families, and the professionals who serve them. We are pleased to announce our statewide virtual training schedule designed to introduce participants to the core characteristics of autism and practices that provide support in a variety of professionals.

Crisis Response and Prevention for People with IDD provides an overview of the crisis cycle and considerations unique to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The training focuses on responding effectively to mental health emergencies and crises, highlighting tools like Smart911 and the My Crisis Care Plan.

Participants will learn about evidence-based practices, including visual supports (e.g., timers and schedules), prompting, and modeling, to support the mental health of people with IDD. The training explains each evidence-based practice, how to implement it, and its role in preventing and managing crises.

This training is designed for all community members. For example this may include, but is not limited to, people with autism, their families, healthcare providers, first responders, direct support professionals, and early childhood professionals.

“This course, Crisis Intervention: Supporting a Person with IDD in Crisis, Approval # 10292024-01, provided by Delaware Network for Excellence in Autism, is approved for continuing education by the NASW-DE Continuing Education Approval Collaborative. CE Approval Collaborative Approval Period: Tuesday, October 29, 2024, through January 31, 2027. Delaware social workers will receive 2 CE credits for participating in this course.”

Seating is reserved for Delaware residents and Delaware professionals. The DNEA reserves the right to cancel training if the minimum threshold for attendance is not reached.

Please email Alisha Fletcher at fletcha@udel.edu for any accommodation requests. Please submit any accommodation requests at least 72 hours in advance to ensure accommodations can be coordinated and provided.

Event Details

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
March 26, 2026

New legislation (HB202) will require that all childcare centers engage in developmental screening using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ). The LTSAE training, Supporting Family-Led Developmental Monitoring, will help prepare you for this important change that is coming to Delaware.

This training will:

introduce participants to the importance of developmental monitoring;
provide an overview of the state’s developmental screener – the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ);
explain the state’s process for referring children to early intervention services; and
describe the types of early intervention services available to different ages of children.

Please email Ashley Steinbrecher at ashstein@udel.edu for any accommodation requests. Please submit any accommodation requests at least 72 hours in advance to ensure they can be coordinated and provided.

Event Details

3 9:00 am: UNDERSTANDING MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES AMONG PEOPLE WITH IDD 9:00 am: UNDERSTANDING MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES AMONG PEOPLE WITH IDD 9:00 am – 11:00 am March 3, 2026 The Delaware Network for Excellence in Autism (DNEA), housed at UD’s Center for Disabilities Studies, offers training and technical assistance that benefits individuals with autism, their families, and the professionals who serve them. We are pleased to announce our statewide virtual training schedule designed to introduce participants to the core characteristics of autism and practices that provide support in a variety of professionals. Understanding Mental Health Challenges Among People with IDD is an introductory training designed for professionals who work with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and seek a deeper understanding of the intersection between IDD and mental health. This training provides an overview of developmental and intellectual disabilities, exploring key concepts such as models of disability (social vs. medical), language preferences, disability etiquette, ableism, and neurodiversity-affirming practices. It highlights the unique mental health experiences of people with IDD, emphasizing the impact of masking, trauma, and diagnostic overshadowing through a biopsychosocial lens. Additionally, the training focuses on promoting effective communication by introducing tools such as communication boards to ensure equitable access to language and support. This training is designed for all community members. For example, this may include, but is not limited to, people with autism, their families, healthcare providers, first responders, direct support professionals, and early childhood professionals. Participants will be emailed login information and details approximately 48 hours before the training date. Please check the email you used to register and/or your JUNK mail if you do not find the confirmation in your inbox. Participants will be emailed a certificate of attendance approximately 2 weeks after the training. “This course, Understanding Mental Health Challenges Among People with IDD, Approval # 9052024-2, provided by Delaware Network for Excellence in Autism, is approved for continuing education by the NASW-DE Continuing Education Approval Collaborative. CE Approval Collaborative Approval Period: Thursday, September 5, 2024, through January 31, 2027. Delaware social workers will receive 2 CE credits for participating in this course.” Seating is reserved for Delaware residents and Delaware professionals. The DNEA reserves the right to cancel training if the minimum attendance threshold is not met. Please email Alisha Fletcher at fletcha@udel.edu for any accommodation requests. Please submit any accommodation requests at least 72 hours in advance to make sure accommodations can be coordinated and provided. Event Details More Information

19 11:00 am: UNDERSTANDING AUTISM AND STRATEGIES FOR CHILD CARE PROVIDERS 11:00 am: UNDERSTANDING AUTISM AND STRATEGIES FOR CHILD CARE PROVIDERS 11:00 am – 1:00 pm March 19, 2026 The Delaware Network for Excellence in Autism (DNEA), housed at UD’s Center for Disabilities Studies, offers training and technical assistance that benefits individuals with autism, their families, and the professionals who serve them. We are pleased to announce our statewide virtual training schedule designed to introduce participants to the core characteristics of autism and practices that provide support in a variety of settings. This training was developed by the Delaware Network for Excellence in Autism for early childhood care providers. The training is designed to develop an understanding of autism and how it impacts children differently. In addition, the training provides strategies to support young children with autism in a childcare setting. This training is designed for all community members. For example, this may include, but is not limited to, people with autism, their families, healthcare providers, first responders, direct support professionals, and early childhood professionals. Please email Nicole Ferrara at ferarra@udel.edu for any accommodation requests. Please submit any accommodation requests at least 72 hours in advance to ensure they can be coordinated and provided. Event Details More Information

25 9:00 am: CRISIS INTERVENTION - SUPPORTING A PERSON WITH IDD IN CRISIS 9:00 am: CRISIS INTERVENTION - SUPPORTING A PERSON WITH IDD IN CRISIS 9:00 am – 11:00 am March 25, 2026 The Delaware Network for Excellence in Autism (DNEA), housed at UD’s Center for Disabilities Studies, offers training and technical assistance that benefits individuals with autism, their families, and the professionals who serve them. We are pleased to announce our statewide virtual training schedule designed to introduce participants to the core characteristics of autism and practices that provide support in a variety of professionals. Crisis Response and Prevention for People with IDD provides an overview of the crisis cycle and considerations unique to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The training focuses on responding effectively to mental health emergencies and crises, highlighting tools like Smart911 and the My Crisis Care Plan. Participants will learn about evidence-based practices, including visual supports (e.g., timers and schedules), prompting, and modeling, to support the mental health of people with IDD. The training explains each evidence-based practice, how to implement it, and its role in preventing and managing crises. This training is designed for all community members. For example this may include, but is not limited to, people with autism, their families, healthcare providers, first responders, direct support professionals, and early childhood professionals. “This course, Crisis Intervention: Supporting a Person with IDD in Crisis, Approval # 10292024-01, provided by Delaware Network for Excellence in Autism, is approved for continuing education by the NASW-DE Continuing Education Approval Collaborative. CE Approval Collaborative Approval Period: Tuesday, October 29, 2024, through January 31, 2027. Delaware social workers will receive 2 CE credits for participating in this course.” Seating is reserved for Delaware residents and Delaware professionals. The DNEA reserves the right to cancel training if the minimum threshold for attendance is not reached. Please email Alisha Fletcher at fletcha@udel.edu for any accommodation requests. Please submit any accommodation requests at least 72 hours in advance to ensure accommodations can be coordinated and provided. Event Details More Information

26 1:00 pm: SUPPORTING FAMILY-LED DEVELOPMENT MONITORING. LEARN THE SIGNS. ACT EARLY: PROVIDER TRAINING 1:00 pm: SUPPORTING FAMILY-LED DEVELOPMENT MONITORING. LEARN THE SIGNS. ACT EARLY: PROVIDER TRAINING 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm March 26, 2026 New legislation (HB202) will require that all childcare centers engage in developmental screening using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ). The LTSAE training, Supporting Family-Led Developmental Monitoring, will help prepare you for this important change that is coming to Delaware. This training will: introduce participants to the importance of developmental monitoring; provide an overview of the state’s developmental screener – the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ); explain the state’s process for referring children to early intervention services; and describe the types of early intervention services available to different ages of children. Please email Ashley Steinbrecher at ashstein@udel.edu for any accommodation requests. Please submit any accommodation requests at least 72 hours in advance to ensure they can be coordinated and provided. Event Details More Information