2023-2024 Community Programs
Community Programs are designed for parents, professionals, and community members interested in improving the lives and services offered to students with learning differences and ADHD. The courses are designed to provide tools for teaching students with learning differences and ADHD, but are beneficial for all students.
The Rankin Institute offers its programs in-person and virtually. These presentations are open to all, but registration is required. The registration will allow you to select your preference for attending on our campus or virtually.
Reading Disorder: A Picture’s Worth a Billion Words
Tuesday, October 10, 2023, at 6:30 pm, Cost $10
This presentation on Reading Disorder will give an overview of the disorder as well as demonstrate proven strategies for helping children with reading disorders. Presenter: Kristin Lane, Orton-Gillingham Fellow of The Fletcher School.
Written Expression Disorder: Watch for Sales on Erasers
Tuesday, October 17, 2023, Cost $10
This presentation on Written Expression Disorder will give an overview of the disorder as well as address technologies for working with children who are struggling with written expression. Presenter: Hannah Harrison, Ph.D.
Math Disorder: Making Math Memorable
Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at 6:30 pm, Cost $10
Some students find learning math concepts and skills difficult. Because math involves using multi-step processes in order to solve problems, it takes more repetition and practice to fully understand the concepts involved in math. A student may be diagnosed with a specific learning disability in math (dyscalculia) or is struggling in math due to other reasons. This workshop will look at the causes of difficulties in math and strategies to develop a relational understanding of math concepts and procedures. Presenter: Joanie Gerken, ATF/OGA.
Screening of Blame It On Gutenberg & Panel Discussion
Saturday, November 4, 2023, from 9-11:30 am
Free admission/Registration required
Independent Picture House, 4237 Raleigh St, Charlotte, NC 28213
Hosted by IDA NC and The Fletcher School
Blame It On Gutenberg is a powerful film about the evolving science of Dyslexia, theories of how to teach reading, and one family’s struggle with their school system. A panel discussion will follow including the Filmmaker and Producer, Rob DelGaudio, Kristin Lane, Fletcher's Orton-Gillingham Fellow, Terri Queen, NC DPI Literacy Consultant, Ann Jolly, UNC Charlotte University Supervisor & Clinical Assistant Professor, and Melissa Mascari, Nationally Certified School Psychologist at Concord Middle School.
ADHD: Follow the Bouncing Ball (Virtual)
Monday, November 6, 2023, at 6:30 pm, Cost $10
This presentation will discuss the effects of attention deficit disorder and provide suggestions for effectively treating ADHD and managing consequent behavior. Presenter: Lisa Pennington, Ph.D., of Carolina Minds, PLLC.
Lunch and Learn: AI in the Classroom (Virtual)
Tuesday, November 28, 2023, from 12-1 pm, Cost $10
AI is transforming education in many ways. A recent survey found that 44 percent of teens say they’re likely to use AI to do their schoolwork. This trending technology is intimidating, but it can help students learn new concepts and provide personalized feedback on their work. Join us virtually on November 28 for a Lunch & Learn focused on AI in the classroom. We'll discuss:
- The different ways that AI is being used in schools
- The benefits and risks of AI for students
- Tips for parents on how to support their children in using AI responsibly
This presentation is open to all, regardless of your technical expertise. We'll explain AI in a way that is easy to understand, and we'll provide practical tips that you can use to help your child get the most out of AI in the classroom. Presenter: Heather Ramsey, Ed.D., Director of Educational Technology.
Teen Mental Health: A Conversation We Need to Have (Virtual)
Tuesday, December 5, 2023, at 6:30 pm, Cost $10
Register here.
Recent studies have shown that teenagers are experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression at an alarming rate. This online presentation will share how parents can recognize if their teen is struggling and provide practical strategies to help. We will review typical social and emotional development in teens and ways to foster emotional well-being and resilience. Lastly, we will discuss what we know about the impact of social media on mental health. Presenter: Heidi Limbrunner, PsyD, ABPP of Ballantyne Psychology, PLLC.
Help Your Child Safely Navigate the Changing Tech World (In Person)
Wednesday, December 6, 2023, at 6 pm, Free to the public
Register here.
Are you interested in knowing what resources are available to help your child make good decisions on social media and online? Join Agent Eric Traceski of the United States Secret Service and learn about child safety, online and in real life, in our fast-paced, ever-changing world.
Auditory Processing Disorder: Gimme Just a Little More Time (Virtual)
Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at 6:30 pm, Cost $10
Register here.
This workshop will review neuroscience related to language and auditory structures, current assessment protocols for auditory processing, and differential diagnosis of attention, behavior, and learning disorders. Intervention strategies from both an educational and speech and language perspective will be provided. Presenters: Mary "Mo" Froneberger, MAT, and Gretchen Hunter, Ph.D., of Child and Family Development, and Michelle L. Podboreski, AuD, F-AAA, of Novant Health.
Social Skills: Tips for Supporting Your Child's Social Development (Virtual)
Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at 6:30 pm, Cost $10
Register here.
This presentation will outline social development in all children, with special attention to those children with neurodevelopmental differences. Evidence-based strategies to support children with social skills needs will also be discussed. Parents and caregivers will leave this presentation with social skills they can share with their child.
ADHD & The Connection to Mental Health and Addiction (Virtual)
Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at 6:30 pm, Cost $10
Register here.
Presented by Chris Love, CADC, of Health Quest Innovative Therapeutics, this workshop will discuss why people with ADHD have a higher risk of substance use disorders and offer strategies to overcome that connection to mental health disorders.
A Mindfulness Approach to Parenting ADHD Children (Virtual)
Monday, February 12, 2024, at 6:30 pm, Cost $10
Register here.
This online presentation will address effective strategies that can be applied to parenting a child with ADHD utilizing a mindfulness approach and specific techniques to address some of those difficult behaviors. Presented by Alyse Bone, LCMHC, RPT of Dandelion Family Counseling, PLLC
Math Disorder: Making Math Memorable (In Person)
Tuesday, February 20, 2023, at 6:30 pm, Cost $10
Register here.
Some students find learning math concepts and skills difficult. Because math involves using multi-step processes in order to solve problems, it takes more repetition and practice to fully understand the concepts involved in math. A student may be diagnosed with a specific learning disability in math (dyscalculia) or is struggling in math due to other reasons. This workshop will look at the causes of difficulties in math and strategies to develop a relational understanding of math concepts and procedures. Presenter: Joanie Gerken, ATF/OGA.
The Forgotten Ones: How to Support Siblings (In Person)
March 5, 2024, at 6:30 pm, Cost $10
Register here.
This presentation aims to provide insight into the unique challenges and opportunities of siblings of children/adolescents with developmental and/or health needs. Following the presentation, attendees will have a better understanding of the sibling experience with ideas on how to provide support for the whole family. Presented by Kate Montgomery, M.S.Ed., M.Phil.Ed., LCMHCA of Southeast Psychological Services.
Childhood Anxiety & Depression: Practical Strategies for Caregivers and Teachers (In Person)
Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at 6:30 pm, Cost $10
This presentation will address the ramifications of anxiety and depression in children and adolescents and will provide easy to use suggestions and treatment options. Presenter: Heather Dyer, Ph.D.