Training development and qualifications
The trainings were developed by several members of the Virginia Autism Council through a collaborative effort. Information included in the trainings was obtained from a variety of sources including journal articles, books, conferences, and the experience of those charged with creating this workshop. Every attempt was made to ensure the accuracy and impartiality of the information included. Trainings are reviewed and edited at regular intervals to ensure information is up to date.
Trainer Qualifications
To provide any of the VAC developed workshops, specific criteria must be met. You may present if you meet any of the following:
- Any VAC member may present a VAC training
- Staff members of agencies and organizations represented on VAC may present VAC trainings
- Anyone who has co-presented with a VAC member on a specific training may present that workshop
- Any individual who has presented the training previously may present it again
For other professionals or family members to present, the individual must receive permission from VAC. The presenter can complete the training request form which provides a location to describe credentials and qualifications. The VAC Training Committee will review the inquiry information and make a determination regarding qualifications to present.
Please note that VAC will provide support to organizations, agencies and family members to train individuals who can in turn become trainers. Please indicate this on your form if you are interested in this level of support.
Workshop Training and Responsibilities
Upon request, VAC will mail a workshop training kit which includes items needed to conduct the workshop. Each training kit is comprised of the PowerPoint presentation, scripted notes, supplementary documents, Introductory Guide (explanation and details regarding how to do the training), blank registration forms, evaluation forms, and other required materials needed to provide the workshop. This may include videos, paper, markers among other items. There may be some items you will need to provide. For example, some workshops may require chart paper or other large items.
The workshop training kit is loaned to the presenter and remains the domain of VAC. The Virginia Autism Council will mail the workshop training kit to the presenter free of charge. However, the presenter is to return the kit to VAC upon completion and is responsible for postage.
The dates and times of the workshop will be coordinated by the presenter. The presenter will handle participant registration and all supplementary items needed to provide the workshop which includes but is not limited to procuring a physical space, organizing delivery of lunch or snacks as appropriate and identifying presenters. Training expenses are to be covered by the presenter or host agency and will not be covered by VAC. This includes the cost of copies or other materials.
Trainings are not to be provided for profit; fees charged to provide trainings are to cover expenses only (i.e., presenter fees, travel, lunch, snacks). To keep costs low, presenters are encouraged to present as an in-kind donation from their agency, whenever possible.
Presenters are to gather and compile information on the participants which includes the number of participants, geographical location of participants, as well as the role each participant plays in regard to a person with ASD. In addition, VAC provides an Evaluation Form for each workshop. Presenters are to gather and compile information from the training evaluations. Within one week of the conclusion of the training workshop, presenters are to send the participant information and evaluation data to VAC so we can provide revisions to the training workshops as needed. Additionally, the workshop kit is to be returned.
To request an interactive training workshop to present in your community, simply fill out the training request form. The form will ask for the name of the presenter(s), credentials and experience of presenters, intended audience, as well as specific details of the training activity including times and dates. The request will be promptly reviewed and notification will be sent via email. Please provide the request a minimum of 6 weeks prior to delivery of the training workshop to allow time for VAC members to review the request and send materials as needed.
Presenters are to gain permission to use the training each time it is presented; permission for multiple training events may be made all at one time.
*All trainings and materials are to remain the property of VAC.